It is directed to philemon, which means kisses or one that is affectionate, in behalf of onesimus, which means profitable or usefulness. Philemon was the master of onesimus, a runaway slave. The primary difference between the ephesians and colossians is that the colossians had a problem, and it is on this problem that the apostle is primarily focusing. Paraphrase of colossians and commentary of colossians. Watch our overview video on the book of colossians, which breaks down the literary design of the book and its flow of thought. And philemon highlights forgiveness, illustrating the power and freedom of forgiving others. Read colossians commentary using matthew henry commentary on the whole bible complete. This is an unusual book, and i was initially hesitant to include it in a list of commentaries. You will also find options for commentaries on colossians that help pastors, teachers, and readers with application of the bible, commentaries that approach the scripture versebyverse, classic christian commentaries, and much more.
It is an important book to me since this book was the first evangelical postmodern commentary i encountered. Study colossians using matthew henry bible commentary complete to better understand scripture with full outline and verse meaning. That colossians is a genuine letter of paul is usually not disputed. With bible gateway plus, you gain instant access to a digital bible study library, including complete notes from the niv cultural backgrounds study bible and the new bible commentary. Study the bible online using commentary on colossians and more. Colossians and philemon zondervan exegetical commentary on the new testament book 12 kindle edition by pao, david w.
The primary difference between the ephesians and colossians is that the colossians had a problem, and it is on this problem that the apostle is. His introductory material, which covers approximately 28 pages, is thorough yet concise. This was my second foray into the geneva series of commentaries put out by banner of truth, and unlike the ezekiel commentary, i actually read all of this one. Study colossians using matthew henrys bible commentary concise to better understand scripture with full outline and verse meaning. Colossians 1 commentary, one of over 110 bible commentaries freely available, this commentary is one of the most respected interdenominational commentaries ever written. Best colossians commentaries updated for 2020 best. Constables notes on colossians 5 paul probably wrote this epistle from rome, toward the middle or end of his first house arrest there, between a. It is concise and yet covers the necessary material. Nov 01, 2016 watch our overview video on the book of colossians, which breaks down the literary design of the book and its flow of thought. An easyenglish commentary 2800 word vocabulary on pauls letter to the colossians. Introductory remarks because of the rising tide of human philosophies confronting us today, no new testament book speaks with more relevancy than does the epistle to the colossians.
Study the bible online using commentary on colossians and. Colossians niv paul, an apostle of christ jesus by the. The book of colossians is a prison epistle letter written while in prison. The book of colossians goes on to quickly note that paul heard that believers in colossae were faithful to jesus. The book was written around 62 ad during paul first imprisonment in rome. Ephesians, colossians and philemon written at the same time. Introduction to colossians bible exposition commentary. Thompsons book was the inaugural volume of the thnt series, which attempts to bridge biblical studies and theology. Subverting the empire downers grove, ill intervarsity, 2004. Among these are the incomprehensibility of god and the origin of sin and evil. Jan 02, 2020 timothy is also given some credit colossians 1. Background information on the date and circumstance surrounding the writing of this epistle by paul, the apostle.
Best colossians commentaries updated for 2020 best bible. Their timeless truth speaks to the dilemmas facing the world today. This commentary has been through advanced theological checking. The gospel is the good news about jesus christ, which is for everyone. This summary of the book of colossians provides information about the title, authors, date of writing, chronology, theme, theology, outline, a brief overview, and the chapters of the book of colossians. Grace to you and peace from god our father and the lord jesus christ. The commentary on colossians and philemon by peter obrien number 44 in the word biblical commentary series is a worthy endeavor, suitable for the biblical scholar and the layperson alike.
Verse 5 epaphras had taught the colossians the true message of the gospel verse 7. Wrights commentary on colossians is exactly what a commentary in the tyndale series should be. Also, there are many personal references common to philemon and colossians. Colossians commentary matthew henry commentary on the whole. Colossians bible study for beginners mike mazzalongo. It was written to counter and respond to heretical teachings and encourage believers to serve with fervor and passion.
James rosscup writes that lightfoot is excellent in this 1865 work revised in 1879. You can find the best commentary on colossians for. The introduction of the commentary was very, very good, perhaps even the strength of the commentary. Colossians and philemon zondervan exegetical commentary on. It was written to counter and respond to heretical teachings and encourage believers to. The key personalities include paul, timothy, tychicus, onesimus, aristarchus, mark, and epaphras.
For example, the description of the church in colossians 2. In august of 2001 he was diagnosed with lung cancer and on august 29th, 2002 he went home to be with the lord. There are a number of other notable commentaries on the books of colossians and philemon. Commentary on the book of colossians by matthew henry new. The book of colossians gives the clearest, most comprehensive teaching on christology of all pauls epistles. Apr 04, 2016 background information on the date and circumstance surrounding the writing of this epistle by paul, the apostle. David guzik commentary on colossians 1, which emphasizes the greatness of. Lucass commentary on colossians and philemon is probably the best introductory level commentary on these two books.
Sep, 2019 thompsons book was the inaugural volume of the thnt series, which attempts to bridge biblical studies and theology. This gives further testimony to the fact that pauls epistles letters were meant to. Colossians was likely penned, as were ephesians, philippians, and philemon, during pauls first imprisonment at rome 1. Book of colossians overview insight for living ministries.
A selection of the best commentaries and bible study resources on the book of colossians. Many regard the commentary as the best older work on the greek text. Evidence in favor of pauline authorship is the many notable similarities to his other writings. Not only do we live in an atomic and space age, but in the most technologically advanced age of all time. He argues that there is no good reason to reject pauline authorship. Colossians 1 commentary james burton coffman commentaries. In colossians, paul encourages the colossian christians to see jesus. The questions contain minimal human commentary, but instead. Colossians 1 opens with paul writing to christians in colossae about thankfulness and prayer. Colossians 1 commentary, one of over 110 bible commentaries freely available, this commentary, by the leading authority in the church of christ, presents a verse level look at the bible. This gives further testimony to the fact that pauls epistles letters were meant to be circulated and read to all churches 4.
Colossians focuses on jesus christ, presenting him as the ultimate answer to any problem. The book of colossians was written to christians, not to the unsaved. The epistles to the colossians and to philemon were written by paul during the early part of his roman imprisonment. Book of colossians matthew henry bible commentary complete. Enduring word bible commentary colossians chapter 1. The first half of the book of colossians is a theological treatise that includes one of the most profound presentations of christology anywhere in the new testament. Colossians commentary matthew henry commentary on the. The city of colosse is not even mentioned in the book of acts. Before paul wrote this letter to the christians in colossae, he had never been to their city colossians 2. The book of colossians was likely written between a. Enduring word bible commentary colossians chapter 2.
Best commentaries and books on colossians logos bible software. In the process the reader will encounter our discussions on several major, and at times controversial, doctrines and issues. See all of our coronavirus resources here toggle navigation. Its teaching that if a christian at some point says forget it jesus, i dont want you in my life, and im not going to trust you as my lord and savior anymore than they can do that. Book of colossians matthew henrys bible commentary concise. The numerous parallels of vocabulary and matters discussed in ephesians and colossians link these epistles together. You can find the best commentary on colossians for you using the tools on the right side. In it, paul stresses the supremacy of the person of christ and. In the theological horizons section of the commentary, thompson relates colossians to pauls theology more generally, especially his christology and eschatology.
Matthew henry 18 october 1662 22 june 1714 was an english commentator on the bible, who published his works in 1706, sixvolume exposition of the old and new testaments 17081710 or complete commentary, provides an exhaustive verse by verse study of the bible, covering the whole of the old testament, and the gospels and acts in the new testament. They were probably written at about the same time, during pauls first imprisonment, and are therefore called the prison epistles of the apostle paul. Like all of the commentaries in this series, it emphasizes the big picture and the overall flow of the text. Colossians commentary by john davenant i finally finished this behemoth of a commentary. Paul, an apostle of jesus christ by the will of god, and timothy our brother, to the saints and faithful brethren in christ who are in colosse. This basic commentary provides some basic helps for understanding and appreciating pauls written address to the colossians. This helps explain the personal greetings he included at the end of the letter, a practice he usually reserved for letters to churches he had not visited for example, romans. From whatever angle one might view the modern age, colossians and philemon are up to date. Bruce wilkinson colossians is one of the most christcentered books of the bible. Top 5 commentaries on the books of colossians and philemon. I have to say that i was very pleased on the whole.