Colossians

BY She Reads Truth

This Is the New Testament is part of a twelve-week thematic overview of the entire Bible. Each day we’ll read a thematic selection from a different book of the Bible, along with supplemental passages that show how the theme of that day’s main reading is found throughout Scripture. We’ll also read a brief summary of each book and a reflection on how the book fits into the larger story of Scripture. This week, we’ll continue reading the Pauline Epistles.

What Is Colossians? Colossians is a letter written by Paul to counter false teaching in the city of Colossae. In it, Paul encourages Jewish and Gentile believers alike toward a proper understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He also discusses the practical implications of salvation: because they have been made new in Jesus, their lives as believers should look different from their old lives. 

How Colossians Fits Into the Story: Colossians provides one of the Bible’s fullest expressions of Jesus’s divine identity. This is most evident in the hymn of praise in Colossians 1:15–23, which presents Jesus as the image of the invisible God, the Creator and sustainer of the universe. He is the head of His body, the Church, and the One through whom forgiveness is possible.

Reflection Questions: 
1. Jesus is both fully God and fully man. How does the hymn of praise in Colossians 1:15–23 encourage you to celebrate this truth? 
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?

Take time to reflect on your responses and share what you are learning with others in the community in the comments.