The Letter to Colossians
Inductive Bible Studies
Leader’s Guide
Greg Chao
Nov. 14, 2014
Version 1.0
Inductive Bible Studies on the Letter to the Colossians
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Table of Contents
Purpose ......................................................................... 4
Guidelines and Tips ........................................................ 4
Background to the Letter to Colossians ........................... 7
Colossians 1:1-14 – Growth in Christ ............................... 8
Colossians 1:15-18 – The Supremacy of Christ ................. 9
Colossians 1:19-23 – The Work of Christ........................ 10
Colossians 1:24-2:7 – Mystery of God ........................... 11
Colossians 2:8-23 – Christ is Enough ............................. 12
Colossians 3:1-11 – New Identity in Christ ..................... 13
Colossians 3:12-17 – Clothing Ourselves with Christ ...... 14
Colossians 3:18-4:1 – Mutual Submission ...................... 15
Colossians 4:2-18 – Community of God ......................... 16
Appendix – Insights & Comments for Leaders ............... 17
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Purpose: Who is Christ and how does believing in Him change
us? These studies were created to help the seeker and the
believer alike answer that question.
The recommended format provides in a low commitment, low
pressure environment where questions can be freely explored.
This guide provides material and tips to help you assist others to
go directly to the source, the Bible, and draw their own
conclusions. The studies use the method of “inductive”
questioning utilizing questions to bring out observations,
meaning, and applications from the text itself.
In any growing church, the Bible should be read and studied and
held in the highest esteem. Those who have been touched by
God will be excited to share their faith with others characterized
by being:
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“Organic or spontaneous, outside of church’s organized
programs
Relational, in the context of informal personal relationships
Word deployed, bringing the Bible and gospel into
connection with people’s lives
Active, not passive where each person assumes personal
responsibility for being a producer rather than being a
consumer of ministry”1
Guidelines and Tips: Here are some tips as you prepare and
conduct the Bible study. The inductive questions for each
passage in Colossians are versatile enough to work with in a
one-on-one or group format. They can be used for Bible studies
for Christians, seekers, or a mixture of the two.
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1
Place – Find a quiet place where you can talk without being
interrupted or distracted.
Bible/Material – Make sure there is a Bible for each of you.
Try to get the same version if possible. Print out the
questions for each of you beforehand. (Do not print out the
Keller, Timothy, Center Church, p. 280
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answers in the Appendix since you are trying to encourage
discussion.)
Number of meetings – There are 9 studies provided
intended for 9 weeks. Agree on the amount of time
together (1-1 ½ hours should be sufficient).
Set Expectations – The time you spend together will be
informal where all questions are welcome. You may not
have the answers to them on the spot but you can research
and try to provide answers during the next meeting. No
homework should be required.
Read the Passage First – Make sure and read the passage
entirely. For flow and clarity, it is better for one person to
read the entire passage.
Sharing Question (for small groups only) - A sharing
question is provided for each study that is related to the
passage. Go around in a circle and share (make sure you
give the option of “passing” if someone does not want to
share).
Work through the Study Questions –The study questions
are meant to bring out the meaning of the passage through
discussion. Although you will find some answers/insights to
the questions in the appendix, don’t just blurt out the
answers. Allow the group/individual to get at the answers
through observing the passage. There is usually an
application question at the end.
Conversation – Don’t do all the talking. Listen a lot. Be
interested in what the other person has to say. Allowing
the conversation to drift for a time can be beneficial. Bring
it back by using the questions. Don’t feel obligated to
correct, each individual in the group can decide for
themselves whether they agree. You can bring in other
opinions by saying, “what do the rest of you think?” or
“here is another way to look at it.” Always be gracious.
Becoming a Christian – After each study, determine if you
would like to invite the seeker to become a Christian. If so,
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here are two examples of a simple prayer of invitation.
Either could be used.
“Father, I’ve always believed in you and Jesus Christ, but my
heart’s most fundamental trust was elsewhere---in my own
competency and decency. This has only gotten me into
trouble. As far as I know my own heart, today I give it to
you, I transfer my trust to you, and ask that you would
receive and accept me not for anything I have done but
because of everything Christ has done for me.”2
“Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, and I ask for
Your forgiveness. I believe You died for my sins and rose
from the dead. I turn from my sins and invite You to come
into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as my
Lord and Savior. In Your Name. Amen.”3
Note that each prayer had an element of 1)
acknowledgement of one’s personal sins and a desire to
change, 2) asking for forgiveness from God, 3)
acknowledging the work of Christ as Savior and 4)
transferring trust in God (giving over control of one's life).
2
3
The Reason for God, Timothy Keller, p. 245
http://www.billygrahamlibrary.org/PGView.aspx?pid=13
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Background to the Letter to Colossians
Epaphras had brought to Paul a report of the church in
Colossae4 which included many encouraging things (1:4-8), but
also disquieting news of the people trying to lead its members
away from the truth of Christ.
In the letter is one of the most soaring descriptions of Christ
(1:15-20) to refute deceptive philosophies. Christ is the Creator
and Lord of all things in heaven and on earth, and the
Vanquisher of all evil powers. All the fullness of the Godhead is
in Christ. With this in mind, the reality that “God was pleased to
have his fullness dwell in him (Christ)” (1:19) has deep meaning.
The supremacy of Christ also brings meaning to the work of
Christ on the cross that brings “peace” between God and us.
Paul asserts that the way of holiness is not by an advanced
knowledge/learning or spiritual practices that promotes only
spiritual pride, nor by self-centered efforts to control the
passions, but by putting on Christ, setting one's affections on
Him, and so stripping off all that is contrary to His will.
The true wisdom is not a man-made philosophy (2:8), but the
'mystery' (revealed secret) of God in Christ, who indwells all
who receive Him (1:27), without distinction of persons.
4
Colossae was a city of Phrygia in the Roman province of Asia, situated, like Hierapolis
and Laodicea, in the valley of the river Lycus. Its former importance was diminished by
New Testament times. Paul did not found the church there, nor had he visited it when
he wrote this letter. Most of the Christians there were Gentiles (1: 27, 2:13), but from
the time of Antiochus the Great there had been considerable and influential settlements
of Jews in the neighborhood. There is little doubt that this letter was written by Paul
from Rome at the time of the imprisonment referred to in Acts 28:30. A date of AD 61
therefore seems likely.
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Colossians 1:1-14 – Growth in Christ
Study 1
Sharing Question: When did Christ first become real to you and
how did you feel at the time?
1. What is Paul’s tone in these opening remarks? How did the
Colossians come to know Christ? How did that faith express
itself?
2. Why does Paul say, “all over the world this gospel is bearing
fruit?” Why does Paul frame their experience in the bigger
movement of God? What is Paul’s role? What is Epaphras’
role?
3. What is the role of knowledge according to verse 9? In
verse 10, how is the knowledge related to living a life
“worthy of the Lord?”
4. What does it mean to “bear good fruit?” How does this
lead to “growing in the knowledge of God?”
5. How does this growth lead to power according to verse 11?
What does this power enable?
6. Why does this lead to giving thanks? What is the
inheritance of the saints?
7. How has the Father rescued us from the dominion of
darkness? What is the kingdom of the Son? How has he
redeemed the saints through the forgiveness of sins?
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Colossians 1:15-18 – The Supremacy of Christ
Study 2
Sharing Question: How does knowing that Christ is the Creator
(powerful) help your perspective in life?
1. What does it mean that Christ is the “image” of the invisible
God? Why does Paul describe God as “invisible?”
2. What does “firstborn” of all creation mean? Is it first in
succession or first in rank? Explain.
3. How could it be that “in him all things were created?” What
does it mean that “all things were created through him and
for him?”
4. What does it mean that “He is before all things?” What
does it mean that “in him all things hold together?”
5. How is Christ the head of the church? By being the “head”
as in a body, what does this imply?
6. How is Christ the “firstborn from the dead?” How does this
give him pre-eminence/supremacy?
7. Why is it important that Christ be supreme?
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Colossians 1:19-23 – The Work of Christ
Study 3
Sharing Question: When did you first understand that being a
Christian is all about establishing a close relationship with God?
1. What does it mean that “God was pleased to have all his
fullness dwell in him and through him?” How does this lead
to having “all things reconciled to himself?”
2. How does Christ make peace through his blood on the
cross? How were we once “aliens” or “enemies” of God?
Why would evil behavior make us enemies? What is the
meaning of “reconciled” and how does it apply to our new
relationship with Christ?
3. Why does Paul emphasize Christ’s “physical body through
death?” Why would being presented before God “holy,
without blemish and free from accusation” be significant?
Where does this image come from?
4. How are they to continue in their faith? How does one
become established and firm in the hope? How is the
gospel proclaimed to every creature?
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Colossians 1:24-2:7 – Mystery of God
Study 4
Sharing Question: Share about a time where a person selflessly
helped you in some way.
1. How is the gospel a “mystery” that has been kept hidden for
ages and generations? How is this mystery now disclosed to
the saints?
2. Why does Paul point out that God has chosen to make this
mystery known to the Gentiles? Why is “Christ in you” a
mystery?
3. How has Paul struggled and suffered for them? What is
Paul’s motivation? How does Paul show his pure motives by
both his words and his deeds?
4. How is it that Christ is associated with all the treasures of
wisdom and knowledge? How does this defeat Paul’s
opponents that use “fine sounding arguments?”
5. What does it mean to be “rooted” in Christ and let your
lives be built on Him? How will this result in strength? How
will this result in thankfulness?
6. How do you react to the fact that God takes special care to
reveal himself to you?
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Colossians 2:8-23 – Christ is Enough
Study 5
Sharing Question: Share a time where you were comforted by
God.
1. Paul’s opponents were apparently teaching the
requirement of advanced learning (“hollow and deceptive
philosophy”) to supplement their belief in Christ. What is
the root of this thinking according to Paul in verse 8?
2. What does it mean that “you have been given fullness in
Christ, who is the head over every power and authority?”
How does this argument refute the need for advanced
learning?
3. Paul’s opponents were apparently teaching the
requirement of additional practices and rules such as
circumcision (v. 9-12), restricted diets (v. 16), self-denial
disciplines (v. 23), and ceremonies (v. 16). How does Paul
refute that argument?
4. How does Paul’s opponent’s system create a “false
humility” in verse 18? How does the system lead to being
“puffed up?”
5. Paul summarized their system as a set of rules: “do not
handle, do not touch, or do not taste.” Why would this
teaching have an “appearance of wisdom?” Why is this
system ultimately a dead end according to Paul?
6. What might be modern day examples of relying on
advanced learning as the way to achieve happiness? What
might be modern day examples of practices and rules as a
way to achieve happiness?
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Colossians 3:1-11 – New Identity in Christ
Study 6
Sharing Question: Share a time where you experienced
gratefulness to God.
1. What is the motive for changing our behavior according to
verses 1-4 and verse 10? What does it mean to set your
“heart on the things above?”
2. What does it mean to put to death earthly desires? What is
sexual immorality? What is lust? What is greed? Why is
greed a form of idolatry?
3. How is it that God is angry (wrathful) at evil? Why is it
important that God is just?
4. When Paul says that “you used to walk in these ways,” how
does he characterize their life before accepting Christ? In
Paul’s second list (anger, rage, malice, slander, filthy
language), how are these related or different than the
previous list? What does it mean, “do not lie to each
other?”
5. By saying that we have a new “self,” Paul is indicating that
we have a new identity. How is this related to “being
renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator?” How is
this new identity related to “there no Greek or Jew,
circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or
free?”
6. How does our new identity in Christ change the way we see
ourselves? How does it change our personal behavior?
How does our new identity in Christ change the way we
treat others?
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Colossians 3:12-17 – Clothing Ourselves with Christ
Study 7
Sharing Question: Looking back, what is one area of your life
that Christ has improved.
1. Why is Paul using the image of clothes? What does it mean
that we are chosen to be holy? What is compassion? What
is kindness? What is humility? What is gentleness? What is
patience?
2. What does “bear with each other” mean? Why must we
“forgive whatever grievances we have against each other?”
What does it mean that we must “forgive as the Lord
forgave you?”
3. How is love the binding force between all these virtues?
4. What is the peace of Christ? How do we let it “rule our
hearts?”
5. What are the benefits of being thankful? What happens
when we are not thankful?
6. How do we let the word of Christ dwell in us? What does
admonish mean? What is the purpose of singing psalms,
hymns and spiritual songs? What does it mean to “do and
speak in the name of the Lord?”
7. How does Christian behavior flow from inner life in Christ?
How does a Christian nurture this process?
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Colossians 3:18-4:1 – Mutual Submission
Study 8
Sharing Question: Share a time where you were a part of a
successful team. How did the teammates behave that made it
successful?
1. Due to the similarity between this passage and Ephesians
5:21-6:9, read both passages for this study. We will focus
on the Ephesians passage since it is more detailed.
2. In Ephesians 5:21, the general principle of this section is
“submit to one another.” How is the concept of
“submitting” a better principle that fighting for one’s rights
in terms of relationships? Why is it difficult to accept?
3. Wives and Husbands – How is the wife to submit to her
husband? How is the husband to submit to his wife? What
is to be their underlining motivation?
4. Children and Parents – What does it mean for children to
“obey their parents?” What does it mean not “to embitter
children?”
5. Slaves and Masters – What is the command to slaves? Why
must they work as if working for the Lord? Why does Paul
talk about rewards and justice for those who do right?
What is the command to masters? Why does he warn them
against favoritism? Why does he remind the master that
they have a “master in heaven?” (Col 4:1)
6. From these commands, what can we conclude about Paul’s
view of the roles in society? What is his view on equality
among believers?
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Colossians 4:2-18 – Community of God
Study 9
Sharing Question: Who is someone that you trust and what
qualities does this person have?
1. How does Paul encourage the Colossians to act and speak
toward outsiders?
2. From the story of Philemon and Onesimus,5 what can we
learn about our new identity in Christ compared with
societal roles and hierarchies? What can we learn about
forgiveness and reconciliation?
3. In the story of Mark6, what can we learn about overcoming
failure, forgiveness, and redemption?
4. From the variety of people (e.g. Aristarchus7, Mark, Justin8,
Epaphras9, Luke10, and Demas) working with Paul, some of
them in prison, what impression do you get about their
dedication? How can we follow their example?
5
Onesimus is probably the same person referenced in the Letter to Philemon, the wealthy Christian
at Colossae. Onesimus was a runaway slave that converted to Christ and Paul sends him back to his
former master, Philemon, pleading with him to view Onesimus as a brother rather than a slave.
6 Mark is John Mark, who was from Jerusalem (Acts 12:12, 25) and who traveled with Paul and
Barnabas to Cyprus on the first missionary journey. When they arrived in Perga on the mainland of
Asia, Mark defected and returned to Jerusalem (Acts 13:13). Paul, judging this to be a weakness in
Mark, refused to take him along with them again on the next journey. Barnabas and Paul were in
sharp disagreement over this issue which resulted in the former taking his younger cousin back to
Cyprus while Paul set off with Silas (Acts 15:36-41). Under the careful guidance of Barnabas, Mark
redeemed his reputation so that here he and the Apostle to the Gentiles are again on friendly terms,
for Mark is with Paul in the imprisonment. He is mentioned again in Philemon 24 as Paul’s fellow
worker while at 2 Timothy 4:11, in a clear display of reconciliation, he is unhesitatingly commended
as a faithful Christian worker. Elsewhere Mark appears as Peter’s companion (I Peter 5:13). It is
traditionally thought that Mark is the author of the Gospel of Mark. (Eusebius H.E. 3. 39).
7 Aristarchus appears in the narrative of Acts as a native of Thessalonica and traveling companion of
Paul (Acts 19:29, 20:40). He is with Paul at Ephesus and exposed to danger in the riot in the theater
(19:29). He later went to Jerusalem with Paul as one of the two delegates from the church of
Thessalonica (20:4) and accompanied Paul and Luke when they sailed to Rome (27:2). In this letter,
he is described as a fellow prisoner.
8 We know little about Jesus, who is called Justin.
9 Epaphras was mentioned in 1:7 as the founder of the church. He was the evangelist of his home
town as well as Laodicea and Hierapolis, apparently having been sent there by Paul. He is referred to
as a “slave of Christ Jesus,” a term reserved for himself (Romans 1:1) and Timothy (Phil 1:1).
10 Both names recur in Philemon. Only here is Luke referred to as the beloved physician. It is here
that people believe that Luke is a Gentile.
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Appendix – Insights & Comments for Leaders
Colossians 1:1-14 – Growth in Christ
Paul is very excited about the new found faith of the Colossians
expressing itself in love for Christ and love for others. He
reminds them that this movement is growing “all over the
world.”
Epaphras is the one who told them first of the Gospel. Paul is in
charge of the ministry to the Gentiles, commissioned by Christ
and confirmed by the other Apostles.
The Gospel is gained through knowledge. It then become
personal and as God works with individuals through the Holy
Spirit, good behavior (“fruit”) results. We have the power to do
what is right. We experience a life of gratitude for what Christ
has done for us.
Not only do we have power to do what is right, but we become
citizens of the Son’s kingdom which guarantees eternal life as
God’s children. We are in right standing with God because of
Jesus Christ’s work of forgiveness of sins.
Colossians 1:15-18 – The Supremacy of Christ
Paul begins by saying that Christ is the “image” of God and the
“firstborn” of all creation. These two words are much debated.
We must interpret these words in light of their context.
Using context to interpret the word “image,” it needs to relate
to verse 19, “for God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell
in him.” The word image, then, speaks to the incarnation of
Christ, that is, that God shows himself, who is “invisible,” to us
physically through the life, death, and resurrection of Christ.
“Image” may also relate to the Genesis passage where Adam
and Eve were created in God’s image and that Christ is the
perfect Adam or perfect image of God.
“Firstborn” should not be interpreted as meaning that Christ is a
created being since the next verses state that “by him all things
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were created” and “he is before all things.” Rather, it is to be
interpreted as Christ is first in rank.
Don’t let the intellectual debate over wording distract you from
seeing that this is a wonderful passage about the supremacy of
Christ. First, he existed before anything was created (preexistent) making him supreme over all creation. Second,
through him all things were created (Source). Third, all things
hold together through him (Sustainer).
Christ is also the “head of the church;” that is, the source or
origin of the church. His resurrection initiated the church
paving the way for us. Paul will make the argument that
because of Christ’s supremacy, nothing else is needed to
complete your right relationship with God. His work is
complete.
Colossians 1:19-23 – The Work of Christ
The significance of the incarnation can only be appreciated in
light of the supremacy of Christ. Why would Christ, with so
much power, even want to lower himself to our level! Verse 19
says, that “God in all his fullness (splendor, majesty) was
pleased to live in Christ.” Wow. Christ’s work was to reconcile
us to him. And even more, this work of reconciliation is cosmic
in scope since it includes “everything.” It includes not only
humanity but creation itself.
Before we become Christians, we are selfish and self-centered.
We don’t want God’s help. Paul describes this state as “far
away” or “enemies” of God. God is just and good. Our “evil
thoughts and actions” can be defined as “active wrongdoing”
but also “passive indifference;” that is, choosing not take action
when we ought (James 4:17). Under this definition, we are all
sinful and separated from God in need of help (Rom. 3:23).
Christ’s work of reconciliation is grounded on his physical
sacrificial death on the cross. God’s justice is satisfied because
Christ took the penalty of our sins in our place. Because of
Christ’s sacrifice, those who embrace him are now right before
God, not because of their own actions, but because of Christ’s
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sacrificial act on the cross. By Christ’s actions, we are holy and
blameless and therefore in right standing before God. The
image of “without blemish” refers to the Old Testament
practice of sacrificing a lamb “without blemish” as an
atonement for sin. In this way, Christ is the “Lamb of God,” the
“once and for all” atonement for our sins.
Paul is exhorting them to stay on track and grow in their
knowledge of this truth. He is worried that they will abandon
the good news of Christ for teaching that try to supplement or
replace it. The Gospel is meant for all peoples of the world.
Colossians 1:24-2:7 – Mystery of God
God had a plan from the very beginning. It was revealed to
Abraham that he would eventually be a blessing to the world
but it took a long time. First, the Jewish nation was created and
God revealed himself to them by giving them leaders and laws
and showing His power and mercy to them. Through Christ, the
pinnacle of biblical history, salvation is now available to all
peoples, Jews and Gentiles alike.
Paul’s opponents seem to be teaching that one must gain some
sort of “secret” teaching or “mystery.” Paul is using their
terminology and telling them that the true mystery is what they
already know --- that God is now personally accessible to every
believer because of Christ. No additional “mystery” teaching is
needed.
It would be good to pause here and dwell on the wonder of this
mystery. We have direct access to God because of Christ!
Paul, indeed, has sacrificed much for the gospel (II Cor. 6). He
has endured much physical hardship in his service to God. He
reminds the Colossians of this in order to convince them of his
pure motives. He is also trying to convince them that
“packaging” does not matter. Even though they use wellcrafted arguments, their teaching is still false.
Paul is speaking of a process in which the truth of the gospel
sinks into every aspect of our lives. When we realize that God is
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now near to us, it will transform us. We will have the power to
live through difficulties and we will be forever grateful.
Colossians 2:8-23 – Christ is Enough
Paul is asserting that the root of his opposition is grounded in
human thought and/or spiritual powers of the world. He later
comments that these systems puff up human pride by making
their righteousness before God dependent on themselves (verse
18).
Paul again asserts that Christ is enough and they do not need
anything else to supplement it including advanced learning,
special practices, pious self-denial, circumcision, etc. It has the
appearance of wisdom because it is very showy and simplistic.
It is ultimately a dead end because it does not address the real
problem of our sinful human heart.
Spend some time talking about modern day renditions of this
erroneous way of thinking. You will be able to identify many
since our human nature will always try to return to self-reign
and self-control.
Colossians 3:1-11 – New Identity in Christ
The gospel changes us. We are no longer aligned with the
values of this world; rather, we are now aligned with Christ and
heaven. We should live out that reality more and more. In
verse 10, our change will also come because we learn more
about our Creator and we will want to be more like Him.
This shifting of values and thinking will play out in our actions.
It will be like “putting to death” the old ways. We will no longer
do the things we did before…sexual immorality, impurity, lust,
evil desires, and greed. Greed is idolatry because one worships
money over God. This is especially relevant to our western
culture.
God hates and is angry at evil. It is important to know that God
takes the side of the oppressed over the unjust. We strive to be
good because God is good.
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Paul says that before we embrace Christ we could not help but
participate in sinful actions. The second list of sins is deeper in
that they focus on motives that are the source of the actions of
the previous list. God’s work in us will strengthen us more and
more to not participate in sin.
Sins have consequences outside of ourselves. We invariably
hurt others. Paul is encouraging us to change by no longer
“lying to one another.”
Our “new self” changes the way we think of ourselves. We are
no longer to align ourselves with race, practices, nationality, or
social position. Christ is all that matters.
Colossians 3:12-17 – Clothing Ourselves with Christ
Clothing is something that is constantly with us and defines us
when others look at us. In the same way, we are to “wear” the
qualities of compassion, kindness, etc. Holiness has the idea of
being set apart. We are to be different in that our good
behavior will be evident.
Because we still have a sinful heart as long as we live, we will
need to “bear with each other.” There will be many times
where we need to forgive each other. Our motivation is to
forgive as the Lord forgave us.
Love is the motivator for all good virtues. With it, we have a
chance to live in peace. We are to be people who seek peace.
Being thankful is a wonderful key to living. When we are not
thankful, we start to focus on the negative and become bitter
and jealous.
The word of God, the Bible, should instruct us. It is to be our
guide in thinking and practice. Christians, therefore, will always
value learning and growing.
Colossians 3:18-4:1 – Mutual Submission
Read both passages. Normally, we stick to one passage but the
similarities of the two passages are great and Ephesians is
greatly expanded.
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Inductive Bible Studies on the Letter to the Colossians
The thrust is that relationships should be based on mutual
submission in contrast to authoritarianism. Submission has the
meaning of sacrificing your own desires for the sake of the
other. One cannot think of himself/herself better than the
other with this principle in place (highlighted in Colossians
3:11). Rather, there are differences in roles and these roles may
be temporary and dynamic. The roles do not set one’s identity
and should not be a source of pride.
Wives and Husbands – Wives are to submit to their husbands
and their husbands are to submit to their wives. Each is given
different specifics according to their roles. The commands to
the husbands in the Ephesians passage are quite demanding to
restrain them from abusing their role.
Children and Parents – Children are to submit to their parents
and parents are to submit to their children. Appropriately,
children need to obey their parents since they begin life totally
needing guidance and support. The restraining command to
parents is that they must instruct well using balance and
wisdom.
Slaves and Masters – Slave are to submit to their masters and
masters are to submit to their slaves. Slaves are to see their
service as serving the Lord. Masters are to remember that the
Lord is watching them and want them to treat slaves well.
Colossians 4:2-18 – Community of God
Paul encourages the Colossians to live wisely to serve as an
example to non-Christians. In addition, their speech should be
gracious and attractive.
The story of Philemon and Onesimus is a wonderful story of
how Christ transforms societal norms. The master, Philemon, is
urged to forgo his rights and treat his slave as a brother.
The story of Mark is a wonderful story of forgiveness and
redemption.
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Inductive Bible Studies on the Letter to the Colossians
Paul’s various companions show a group of people who are
committed to Christ and are willing to sacrifice all to spread the
good news. Both Mark and Luke are authors of gospels.
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Inductive Bible Studies on the Letter to the Colossians
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