Colossian: Preeminence | A study of the supremacy of Christ

Setting

The Book of Colossians is one of Paul’s thirteen letters of Scripture, co-written by the Holy Spirit (1 Tim 3:16–17). Paul wrote the letter to a church likely founded by his associate Epaphras (Col 1:7–8). Though he spent nearly three years in nearby Ephesus (Acts 20:31), his direct involvement in Colossae is uncertain. Although overshadowed by Ephesus, the city of Colossae was important in its own right. And Colossae faced many of the same problems found in larger cities such as Ephesus, Tarsus, Corinth, and Rome. 

Colossians is one of four “prison letters” (also Ephesians, Philippians, and Philemon), written by Paul while imprisoned in Rome at the end of the book of Acts (see Acts 28:11–31). These are not the final letters of Paul. Those come later after Paul is released from prison, namely 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus. But Paul does describe himself as an “old man” at this time (see Phm 9). And his exhortations to the Colossians have all the marks of an old, authoritative Apostle challenging the young church to stay faithful to their Savior.

Structure and Purpose

Colossians is one of the shorter books of the Pauline corpus, but it covers much ground concerning the life of the church. If Ephesians may be said to emphasize the church, the body, of which Christ is the head, then Colossians, on the other hand, emphasizes Christ as the head of the church, which is his body. Paul was attempting to combat error in the church with this book, but his tone is less aggressive than in Galatians or 1 Corinthians. Colossians is a combination of both doctrine and practice. A simple outline of the book conveys this:

Christ, the Preeminent Head of the Church (Col 1–2)

The Life of the New Self in Christ (Col 3–4)

The Preeminence of Christ

This epistle contains superb theological statements on Christology. This is seen in the remarkable description of the glories of the Lord Jesus Christ in the first chapter. His person is described (Col 1:15–19). His absolute deity is insisted upon. And his marvelous work on the cross for believers is described with detail (Col 1:20–2:3). Christ is indeed the “Preeminent One.” “[Christ] is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent” (Col 1:18). 

As part of his polemic for Christ, Paul attacks those who would sully his sufficiency by supplementing him with works. The Colossians had to be warned against false teachers (Col 2:4–23). And they had to be reminded that Christ alone is completely sufficient for them (Col 2:10). As part of that, they were warned of the dangers of legalism and asceticism.

Transformation in Christ.

Similar to other writings of Paul, Colossians is frontloaded with warnings and theological teaching. But the latter portion of the book deals more with practical matters. This is Paul’s pattern—Christian practice derives from good theology. The practical portion of the epistle seems in some respects like a condensed form of Ephesians. The believer is to seek the things above. This involves a putting to death of sin (Col 3:5), which is described as putting off the old self (Col 3:9), and putting on the new self (Col 3:10). All things are to be done “in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Col 3:17). Instructions are given to specific groups of Christians, namely husbands, wives, children, servants, masters.

Themes and Legacy

The main themes of the book are three: (1) The preeminence of Christ, (2) The dangers of false teaching and asceticism, and (3) The believer’s transformation in union with Christ. These themes are not unique to the book of Colossians, but they are given beautiful and memorable treatment in this letter. Because of this, the book of Colossians remains a favorite of Christians who treasure its truths concerning Christ in the book and the memorable language of Paul’s description of the Christian life. 

Christ is indeed the one “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Col 2:3). In light of this, Christians are told in Paul’s words, to “seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory” (3:1–4).