Colossians

Paul gives thanks for the Colossians' faith and prays that they be filled with spiritual wisdom. He presents the cosmic Christ hymn: Christ is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation, in whom all things hold together. He is the head of the church, and through Him God reconciled all things.

Paul warns against deceptive philosophy and human tradition. In Christ, the fullness of deity dwells bodily. Believers are complete in Him, circumcised spiritually, raised with Him through faith. Christ has canceled the record of debt against us, nailing it to the cross, disarming spiritual powers.

Since believers have been raised with Christ, Paul urges them to set their minds on things above. He instructs them to put to death earthly sins and put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Whatever you do, work heartily as for the Lord—for it is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Paul urges persistent prayer and wise conduct toward outsiders. He sends greetings from his companions including Luke and Mark, and gives instructions to share the letter with the Laodicean church. He closes with a personal note written in his own hand.