King James Version
Colossians
Colossians in the King James Version (1769), public domain in the United States.
Background and History
The chapters above are the King James text. This essay is the setting of Colossians: who is said to have written it, when and where, what happens in it, and how the text has been copied.
At a Glance
| Author | Paul, with Timothy in the greeting, and a closing in Paul’s own hand. Many critical scholars regard it as by a follower of Paul. Others accept it. |
|---|---|
| Date | AD 57–62 in one survey, depending on whether Paul wrote from Caesarea or Rome. |
| Place written | A prison, not named. Rome, Italy, is traditional, and Caesarea is an alternative. |
| Genre | A letter correcting false teaching about Christ. |
| Chapters | 4 |
| Verses | 95 in the King James Version |
| Key verse | Colossians 1:15–16Colossians 1:15 · King James VersionWho is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:Colossians 1:15 · King James VersionOpen the Source |
Who Wrote It
Colossians 1:1Colossians 1:1 · King James VersionPaul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother,
Colossians 1:1 · King James VersionOpen the Source (1) names Paul and Timothy. Colossians 4:18Colossians 4:18 · King James VersionThe salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.
Colossians 4:18 · King James VersionOpen the Source says the salutation is by Paul’s hand and asks the readers to remember his bonds. The names in Colossians 4:7–17Colossians 4:7–17 · King James Version4:7 All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:
4:8 Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts;
4:9 With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.
4:10 Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister’s son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)
4:11 And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.
4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
4:13 For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.
4:14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.
4:15 Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.
4:16 And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.
4:17 And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.
Colossians 4:7–17 · King James VersionOpen the Source overlap closely with Philemon. Eusebius counts the letter undisputed. (2) The Muratorian fragment and Athanasius list it. (3) (4) Some critical scholars doubt Paul’s authorship on grounds of style and theology. Others, including some critical scholars, accept it, often noting that the shared names with Philemon are hard to explain as invention.
Who It Is Not
Epaphras founded the church, according to Colossians 1:7Colossians 1:7 · King James VersionAs ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ;
Colossians 1:7 · King James VersionOpen the Source, but did not write the letter. The Letter to the Laodiceans mentioned in Colossians 4:16Colossians 4:16 · King James VersionAnd when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.
Colossians 4:16 · King James VersionOpen the Source is lost. A later Latin Laodiceans is not that letter, and the Muratorian fragment rejects a forged letter by that name. (3)
When and Where
Bible Gateway gives AD 57–62. (5) The letter travels with Tychicus and Onesimus in Colossians 4:7–9Colossians 4:7–9 · King James Version4:7 All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:
4:8 Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts;
4:9 With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.
Colossians 4:7–9 · King James VersionOpen the Source, linking it to Philemon.
Audience and Setting
The saints at Colosse, a church Paul had not visited according to Colossians 2:1Colossians 2:1 · King James VersionFor I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;
Colossians 2:1 · King James VersionOpen the Source. The purpose is to counter teaching that added philosophy, ritual, and angel worship to Christ, described in Colossians 2:8–23Colossians 2:8–23 · King James Version2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
2:9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
2:10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
2:11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
2:12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
2:13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
2:15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
2:16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
2:17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
2:18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
2:19 And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.
2:20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,
2:21 (Touch not; taste not; handle not;
2:22 Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?
2:23 Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.
Colossians 2:8–23 · King James VersionOpen the Source.
Rulers at the Time
The letter names no ruler. This page adds none.
| When | What |
|---|---|
| Founding by Epaphras | Colossians 1:7Colossians 1:7 · King James VersionAs ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ;Colossians 1:7 · King James VersionOpen the Source |
| False teaching | Philosophy, festivals, and worship of angels. Colossians 2:8–18Colossians 2:8–18 · King James Version2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.2:9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.2:10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:2:11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:2:12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.2:13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;2:15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.2:16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:2:17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.2:18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,Colossians 2:8–18 · King James VersionOpen the Source |
| The letter | AD 57–62 in one survey, sent with Tychicus and Onesimus. (5) |
Places in This Book
| Ancient name | Modern-day location | References |
|---|---|---|
| Colosse | An unexcavated mound near Honaz, Denizli Province, Turkey. | Colossians 1:2Colossians 1:2 · King James VersionTo the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.Colossians 1:2 · King James VersionOpen the Source |
| Laodicea | Ruins near Denizli, Turkey. | Colossians 4:16Colossians 4:16 · King James VersionAnd when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.Colossians 4:16 · King James VersionOpen the Source |
| Hierapolis | Ruins at Pamukkale, Denizli Province, Turkey. | Colossians 4:13Colossians 4:13 · King James VersionFor I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.Colossians 4:13 · King James VersionOpen the Source |
What Is Happening
Colossians 1 gives thanks and sets out the supremacy of Christ in creation and redemption. Colossians 2 warns against empty philosophy and human rules. Colossians 3 calls readers to set their minds on things above and gives the household code. Colossians 4 urges prayer and closes with greetings.
Key Themes
The supremacy of Christ in Colossians 1:15–20Colossians 1:15–20 · King James Version1:15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
1:17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
1:19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;
1:20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
Colossians 1:15–20 · King James VersionOpen the Source. Fullness in Christ in Colossians 2:9–10Colossians 2:9–10 · King James Version2:9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
2:10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
Colossians 2:9–10 · King James VersionOpen the Source. New life in Colossians 3:1–4Colossians 3:1–4 · King James Version3:1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
3:3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
3:4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
Colossians 3:1–4 · King James VersionOpen the Source.
Apologetics Questions
Colossians 1:15Colossians 1:15 · King James VersionWho is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
Colossians 1:15 · King James VersionOpen the Source calls Christ the firstborn of every creature. Jehovah’s Witnesses read that as created first. Their New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible) adds the word other in Colossians 1:16Colossians 1:16 · King James VersionFor by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
Colossians 1:16 · King James VersionOpen the Source, so that Christ creates all other things. The Greek has no word for other, and the King James reads all things. Trinitarian readers take firstborn as preeminence, as in Psalm 89:27Psalms 89:27 · King James VersionAlso I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth.
Psalms 89:27 · King James VersionOpen the Source, and note that the next verse says all things were created by him.
How the Book Points to Christ
Colossians 2:9Colossians 2:9 · King James VersionFor in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
Colossians 2:9 · King James VersionOpen the Source says in him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. Colossians 1:16–17Colossians 1:16–17 · King James Version1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
1:17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
Colossians 1:16–17 · King James VersionOpen the Source says all things were created by him and for him, and he is before all things. Jesus is God.
Text and Manuscripts
Codex Sinaiticus contains Colossians. (6) No major variant changes the argument.
Canon Reception
Colossians was received without dispute. (2) (3) (4)
Further Reading
References
- Letter to the Colossians, 1:1; 4:7–18Colossians 1:1 · King James Version
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother,
Colossians 1:1 · King James VersionOpen the Source. King James Version - Church History, Book 3, 3.3.5; 3.25Papias, in Eusebius, Church History 3.39.15 · Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, New Advent
Mark, having become the interpreter of Peter, wrote down accurately, though not in order, whatsoever he remembered of the things said or done by Christ. For he neither heard the Lord nor followed him, but afterward, as I said, he followed Peter, who adapted his teaching to the needs of his hearers, but with no intention of giving a connected account of the Lord's discourses, so that Mark committed no error while he thus wrote some things as he remembered them. For he was careful of one thing, not to omit any of the things which he had heard, and not to state any of them falsely.
Papias, in Eusebius, Church History 3.39.15 · Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, New AdventOpen the Source (Eusebius, Church History 3.3, 3.24–25, and 3.39, Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, second series, vol. 1, on New Advent. Chapter 25 sorts books into acknowledged, disputed, and rejected. Chapter 39 reports Papias on Mark and Matthew.) - Muratorian fragment, ColossiansMuratorian fragment, on Acts · Roberts-Donaldson, Ante-Nicene Fathers 5
Moreover, the Acts of all the Apostles are comprised by Luke in one book, and addressed to the most excellent Theophilus, because these different events took place when he was present himself; and he shows this clearly-i.e., that the principle on which he wrote was, to give only what fell under his own notice-by the omission of the passion of Peter, and also of the journey of Paul, when he went from the city-Rome-to Spain.
Muratorian fragment, on Acts · Roberts-Donaldson, Ante-Nicene Fathers 5Open the Source (Roberts-Donaldson translation, Ante-Nicene Fathers, vol. 5. The Latin is damaged and the English follows restorations. The fragment lists the books read in the church and those rejected.) - Festal Letter 39, 39.4–5 (Athanasius of Alexandria, AD 367, Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, second series, vol. 4, on New Advent. The letter lists twenty-two Old Testament books and the twenty-seven books of the New Testament, and places Esther among books to be read rather than in the canon.)
- When Was Each Book of the Bible Written?, Colossians (Jacob Edson, Bible Gateway, 16 September 2024. The survey gives Colossians as AD 57–62. It is one editor’s approximation, not a manuscript date.)
- Codex Sinaiticus, About the manuscriptCodex Sinaiticus: content · Codex Sinaiticus Project
Codex Sinaiticus, a manuscript of the Christian Bible written in the middle of the fourth century, contains the earliest complete copy of the Christian New Testament.
Codex Sinaiticus: content · Codex Sinaiticus ProjectOpen the Source (The Codex Sinaiticus project’s description of the manuscript, a fourth-century Greek Bible with the earliest complete copy of the New Testament.)
The King James Version (1769) is in the public domain in the United States.