Colossians is widely believed to have been written by the Apostle Paul around AD 60–62 while he was under house arrest in Rome. The letter addresses the church in the city of Colossae, located in the southwestern region of what is now Turkey. In New Testament times, Colossae was under Roman governance and lay on an important trade route through the Lycus River Valley, close to the cities of Laodicea and Hierapolis. Although Colossae had once been a thriving city, its prestige had waned by the time Paul wrote this epistle.

The central theme of Colossians is the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ in all things. To counter false teachings that threatened to diminish the believer’s understanding of Jesus, Paul emphasizes Christ’s exalted status over creation and the church. He encourages the Colossians to remain steadfast in their faith, highlighting that only through Jesus can believers experience true salvation and freedom. Paul declares, “He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead” (Colossians 1:18), underscoring that everything hinges upon who Christ is and what He has accomplished.

Throughout the letter, Paul urges Christians to center their lives on Christ’s transforming power rather than on human traditions or philosophies. He presents the joy of putting off old sinful habits and embracing a lifestyle marked by compassion, humility, and love. In closing, he acknowledges those who labor for the faith, including Epaphras, who played a pivotal role in bringing the gospel message to Colossae. Paul’s encouragement remains relevant today, inspiring believers to recognize Jesus as Lord over every aspect of their lives while living in gratitude and devotion to Him.