Rooted in Christ, Renewed in Purpose: A Journey Through Paul’s Letter of Supremacy and Transformation
- Be God's Glory
- 7 days ago
- 11 min read
Welcome to Day 339 of The Glory Team Bible Reading Plan.
Paul’s letter presents a powerful portrait of Christ’s supremacy and the believer’s new identity found in Him, confronting false teachings and calling the church to live out a faith rooted in truth. Across the four chapters, Paul exalts Jesus as the image of the invisible God, the Creator and Sustainer of all things, and the One who reconciles sinners through His blood. He exposes deceptive philosophies that threatened the church, reminding believers that spiritual fullness is found in Christ alone. Paul then shifts to practical transformation—putting off the old self, putting on the new, and living out Christlike character in every relationship. The letter concludes with instructions for prayer, evangelism, community, and encouragement, forming a complete picture of what it looks like to live a life centered on Christ.
Colossians 1
Paul opens with deep thanksgiving for the believers’ faith, love, and hope, rooted in the gospel that has been bearing fruit around the world. He prays that they would be filled with the knowledge of God’s will, strengthened to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord. Paul then presents one of the most powerful Christological passages in Scripture—declaring Christ as the image of the invisible God, the Creator of all things, supreme over every power, and the One who holds the universe together. Through His death, Jesus reconciled humanity to God, making peace by His blood on the cross. Paul explains his ministry of suffering for the sake of the church, revealing the “mystery” now made known: Christ in you, the hope of glory. He emphasizes that his labor is fueled by Christ’s power working within him.
Colossians 2
Paul expresses his pastoral concern that believers stand firm in Christ, rooted and built up in Him, so they are not captured by deceptive philosophies or empty traditions. He emphasizes that in Christ dwells the fullness of deity bodily, and believers share in that fullness because they are united with Him. Paul explains that through Christ’s death and resurrection, the old sinful nature has been cut away, and believers are made alive with Him, forgiven of all transgressions. He triumphs over spiritual rulers and authorities, disarming them publicly through the cross. Because of this victory, Paul warns the church not to submit to legalistic rules or mystical experiences that claim to offer a “higher spirituality.” Instead, the source of spiritual growth is holding fast to Christ, the true Head of the church.
Colossians 3
Paul calls believers to set their minds on things above, grounding their transformation in their union with the risen Christ. Because their old self has died and their new life is hidden with Christ in God, they must put to death sinful behaviors such as impurity, anger, and deceit. He then instructs them to “put on” the new self, marked by compassion, humility, patience, and the unifying bond of love. Paul emphasizes that Christ’s peace should rule in their hearts and His word dwell richly among them, shaping their worship and their relationships. He applies this new life to practical areas—wives and husbands, children and parents, servants and masters—showing how Christ transforms the household. All actions must be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, reflecting His character.
Colossians 4
Paul concludes by urging believers to be steadfast in prayer, watchful, and thankful, recognizing prayer as the engine of spiritual discernment and mission. He asks them to pray for open doors to proclaim Christ clearly, even while he is imprisoned. Believers are told to walk wisely toward outsiders, seasoning their conversations with grace so their witness honors Christ. Paul then lists faithful co-laborers—Tychicus, Onesimus, Aristarchus, Mark, Epaphras, Luke, and others—showing the relational richness of gospel ministry. Through these greetings, Paul highlights unity, reconciliation, and shared mission within the body of Christ. He ends with a personal encouragement to remember his chains and hold firm to the grace that sustains them.
Origin & Meaning of the Name:
The name Colossians comes from the ancient city of Colossae, located in the region of Phrygia in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). The name “Colossians” simply means “the people of Colossae.” Colossae was once a thriving commercial city but declined by the first century, yet it housed a growing Christian community that became the focus of Paul’s letter.
Purpose of the Book:
The purpose of Colossians is to exalt the supremacy of Christ and to confront false teachings that threatened to weaken the faith of the believers. These false teachings included elements of legalism, mysticism, asceticism, and early forms of Gnosticism. Paul writes to affirm that Christ is fully God, that believers are complete in Him, and that spiritual maturity comes from remaining rooted in Christ rather than external rituals or human philosophies. The letter also aims to guide Christians in living out their new identity through transformed character, relationships, and conduct.
Authorship & Sources Supporting the Author:
The Book of Philippians explicitly identifies Paul as its author:
“Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 1:1)
Biblical Support for Pauline Authorship
Self-Identification: Paul clearly states he is the author (Col. 1:1, 1:23, 4:18).
Personal Details: He mentions his imprisonment (Col. 4:3, 4:10, 4:18), consistent with his known Roman imprisonment described in Acts 28:16–31.
Connections to Philemon: Multiple names appear in both Colossians and Philemon—Onesimus, Aristarchus, Mark, Epaphras, Luke, Demas—which strongly indicates they were written during the same period by the same author.
(Compare Colossians 4:7–14 with Philemon 10–24.)
Historical & External Sources Supporting Paul’s Authorship:Ancient church fathers unanimously accepted Paul as the author:
Irenaeus (Against Heresies 3.14.1)
Tertullian (Against Marcion 5.17)
Clement of Alexandria (Stromata 1.5)
Origen (Commentary on John 1.6)
Eusebius (Ecclesiastical History 3.4.8)
All these writers directly attribute the letter to Paul, and no alternative author was suggested in early church history.
Key People:
Paul — the apostle and primary author.
Timothy — co-sender and ministry partner.
Epaphras — founder or key leader of the Colossian church (Col. 1:7; 4:12).
Tychicus — letter carrier and encourager (Col. 4:7).
Onesimus — a former servant, now a beloved brother (Col. 4:9).
Aristarchus — fellow prisoner and companion.
Mark — cousin of Barnabas, later a gospel writer.
Luke — “the beloved physician” and author of Luke–Acts.
Demas — a coworker who later deserted Paul (2 Tim. 4:10).
Archippus — a church leader exhorted to complete his ministry (Col. 4:17).
Laodicean believers — a neighboring church closely tied to Colossae.
Conclusion
The book of Colossians stands as a powerful declaration that Jesus Christ is supreme above all creation, fully God, and the complete source of spiritual life. Paul teaches that believers who are rooted in Christ lack nothing—they are forgiven, reconciled, renewed, and empowered to live holy lives. He dismantles false teaching by elevating the truth of Christ’s identity and sufficiency. The letter concludes with personal greetings that reveal a vibrant, relational, Christ-centered community laboring together for the gospel. Colossians ultimately calls every believer to anchor their life in Christ, allowing His lordship to shape their character, relationships, worship, and mission.
What is God's Name in these Chapters?
In this portion of our journey we want to dive deep into the character of God described in His name. By identifying who God is, we can further relate to Him personally and build a stronger relationship and connection with Our Father.
Names are important. They give significance to places, people, and things. We identify with so much based off what it's name is. This is considerably notable when it comes to the names of God.
"Jehovah" is considered a Latinized version of the Hebrew name "Yahweh" (represented by the consonants YHWH) where the vowels of the Hebrew word "Adonai" (meaning "my Lord") were added to the Tetragrammaton (YHWH) when pronounced by Jewish readers who avoided saying the sacred name directly; essentially, Christian scholars combined the consonants of YHWH with the vowels of Adonai to create the pronunciation "Jehovah" in the Latin alphabet.
Colossians 1
Colossians 1 reveals God as the Supreme Creator, the One who holds all things together through Christ, displaying His power, sovereignty, and divine authority. While no Hebrew names are mentioned, the chapter reflects the essence of Elohim (God the Creator) and El Elyon (God Most High) in how Christ is presented as preeminent over all creation. God is also shown as the Reconciler, making peace through the blood of Jesus and drawing people back to Himself. This chapter teaches that God is both infinitely powerful and personally involved in restoring our relationship with Him.
In Colossians 1, God teaches believers to anchor their faith in the supremacy of Christ rather than human ideas or spiritual substitutes. He reveals that spiritual maturity comes from knowing His will and walking in His strength, not our own. God also teaches that reconciliation with Him is a gift through Christ, shaping how we live with gratitude and purpose. The chapter calls us to recognize Christ as the center of everything.
Colossians 2
In Colossians 2, God is revealed as All-Sufficient, the One in whom the fullness of deity dwells bodily through Christ. Although no Hebrew names appear, the chapter reflects the meaning of Jehovah Shalom (The Lord Our Peace) because God establishes peace and completeness through Christ’s finished work. God is also shown as Protector, shielding believers from deception by rooting them firmly in Christ. His character is one of completeness, authority, and care for His people’s spiritual stability.
God teaches that believers are spiritually complete in Christ and do not need legalism, rituals, or mystical experiences to grow. He reveals that through Christ’s death and resurrection, our old sinful nature is removed and we now walk in new life. God also teaches us to avoid being taken captive by philosophies that seem spiritual but deny Christ’s supremacy. The lesson is to hold fast to Jesus as the true source of growth.
Colossians 3
Colossians 3 reveals God as Sanctifier, the One who transforms believers by calling them to put off the old self and put on the new. Though no Hebrew names are listed, the chapter reflects the heart of Jehovah M’Kaddesh (The Lord Who Sanctifies) because God shapes His people into Christ’s image. He is compassionate, patient, and full of love, calling His children to reflect His character in their relationships. God is also shown as the One who gives peace and unity to His people.
God teaches believers to set their minds on things above, grounding their identity in Christ rather than earthly desires. He calls us to intentionally remove sinful patterns and replace them with virtues like humility, kindness, and forgiveness. God teaches that love binds everything together, producing harmony in our homes and communities. The chapter shows that spiritual transformation is practical, visible, and relational.
Colossians 4
Colossians 4 displays God as Faithful and Missional, guiding His people to pray, act wisely, and speak with grace. The chapter does not mention Hebrew names, but it reflects the heart of El Roi (the God who sees) and Jehovah Rohi (the Lord our Shepherd) as God watches over His people and directs their steps. God is relational, working through community, partnership, and encouragement in ministry. He shows His care by strengthening and guiding believers through prayer and fellowship.
God teaches believers to be steadfast in prayer, alert, and thankful as they seek His direction. He calls His people to walk wisely among outsiders, using gracious speech that points others to Christ. God also shows the importance of ministry partnerships and supporting one another in the work of the gospel. The lesson is that spiritual maturity is lived out through prayer, witness, and community.
Christ in Every Book of the Bible
Christ is the theme throughout the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals His Son, Jesus Christ.
Christ is the Seed of the woman Genesis 3:14 , He is the Passover Lamb Exodus 12:3, The Atoning Sacrifice Leviticus 17:11, The Smitten Rock Numbers 20:8, 11, The Faithful Prophet Deuteronomy 18:18, Christ is the Captain of the Lord's Host Joshua 5:15, The Divine Deliverer Judges 2:18, The Kinsman Redeemer Ruth 3:12, Christ is the anticipated as the Anointed One,1 Samuel 2:10, The Son of David 2 Samuel 7:14, The Coming King 1 & 2 Kings, Builder of the Temple 1 & 2 Chronicles (1 Chronicles 28:20), Ezra represents Christ as the Restorer of the Nation Ezra 6:14, 15, Nehemiah shows Him as the Restorer of the Temple Nehemiah 6:15, and Esther portrays Him as the Preserver of the Nation Ester 4:14, Christ is seen as the Living Redeemer Job 19:25, The Praise of Israel Psalm 150:6, The Wisdom of God Proverbs 8:22, 23, The Great Teacher Ecclesiastics 12:11, The Fairest of Ten Thousand Song of Solomon 5:10. Christ is the Suffering Servant Isaiah 53:11, The Maker of the New Covenant Jeremiah 31:31, The Man of Sorrows Lamentations 3:28-30, The Glory of God Ezekiel 43:2, The coming Messiah Daniel 9:25, The Lover of the Unfaithful Hosea 3:1, The Hope of Israel Joel 3:16, The Husbandman Amos 9:13, the Savior Obadiah 21, the Resurrected One Jonah 2:10, the Ruler in Israel Micah 5:2, the Avenger Nahum 2:1, the Holy God Habakkuk 1:13, the King of Israel Zephaniah 3:15, the Desire of Nations Haggai 2:7, the Righteous Branch Zechariah 3:8, and the Sun of Righteousness Malachi 4:2.
The King of the Jews Matthew 2:2, the Servant of the Lord Mark 10:45, the Son of Man Luke 19:10, and the Son of God John 1:1. Christ is the Ascended Lord Acts 1:10, the believer's Righteousness Romans 1:17, Sanctification 1 Corinthians 1:30, Sufficiency 2 Corinthians 12:9, and Liberty Galatians 2:4. He is the Exalted Head of the church Ephesians 1:22, the Christian's Joy Philippians 1:26, and the Fullness of Deity Colossians 2:9. In the Thessalonian epistles Christ is the believer's Comfort 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17 and Glory 2 Thessalonians 1:12. The Christian's Preserver 1 Timothy 4:10, Rewarder 2 Timothy 4:8, Blessed Hope Titus 2:13, and Substitute Philemon 17. He is the High Priest Hebrews 4:15, the Giver of Wisdom James 1:5, the Rock 1 Peter 2:6, and Precious Promise 2 Peter 1:4. John represents Christ as the Life 1 John, the Truth 2 John, and the Way 3 John, Jude portrays Christ as the Advocate and Revelation shows Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords Revelation 19:16. The whole Bible is literally all about Christ!
Questions:
Let's expand how these chapters expanded your faith and your relationship with God.
Questions About God's Character: What do these chapters reveal about God’s faithfulness to His word and promises?
How does Colossians portray the supremacy of Christ, and what does this reveal about God’s authority over all creation?
In what ways does Paul describe God as a reconciler, and how does this deepen your understanding of His love and mercy?
How does God’s fullness dwelling in Christ help you understand His nature and His desire to make Himself known to His people?
What does God’s role as the sustainer of all things teach you about His reliability and faithfulness in your daily life?
How do the characteristics of God seen in Colossians—such as His holiness, compassion, and sovereignty—shape how you relate to Him?
What does God’s active involvement in transforming believers tell you about His patience and commitment to spiritual growth?
How do God’s instructions for prayer, wisdom, and gracious speech reflect His desire for relationship with His people?
Questions About Themes:
Why is the supremacy and centrality of Christ the foundation of Paul’s message, and how does it combat false teaching?
How does Colossians address spiritual maturity, and what practices does Paul highlight as essential for growth?
What role does putting off the old self and putting on the new self play in understanding the theme of transformation?
How does Paul use the metaphor of being “rooted and built up in Christ” to describe stability in the Christian life?
What does Paul teach about legalism, human traditions, and deceptive philosophies, and why were these threats to the church?
How do household relationships—wives, husbands, children, parents, servants, and masters—illustrate the theme of living under Christ’s lordship?
How does the theme of community and partnership in ministry emerge through Paul’s personal greetings and closing instructions?
Reflective Application Questions:
In what areas of your life do you need to acknowledge Christ’s supremacy more fully and surrender control to Him?
What patterns of your “old self” do you sense God calling you to put to death, and what Christlike virtues do you need to put on?
How can you deepen your spiritual roots so that you are less vulnerable to confusion, deception, or distraction?
What practical steps can you take to let the peace of Christ rule your heart and guide your relationships this week?
How does your daily speech reflect the grace of Christ, and what adjustments might God be prompting you to make?
In your household or close relationships, how can you better reflect Christ’s character and honor Him in the way you love and serve others?
What specific ways is God calling you to grow in prayer, thanksgiving, and wise living toward those who do not yet know Christ?
These questions can help deepen understanding of the themes of these chapters, while encouraging trust in God's sovereignty, justice, faithfulness, and timing. We hope thoughts to these questions invite you to reflect on your own journeys, grow in faith, and understand more about God's nature.
Reference Guides:
Life Application Study Guide
A Popular Survey of the Old Testament by Norman L. Geisler
The Power of God's Names by Tony Evans
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