Introduction to Colossians

History of the city:

ko-los'-e (Kolossai, "punishment"; the King James Version Colosse): A city of Phrygia on the Lycus River, one of the branches of the Meander, and 3 miles from Mt. Cadmus, 8,013 ft. high. It stood at the head of a gorge where the two streams unite, and on the great highway traversing the country from Ephesus to the Euphrates valley, 13 miles from Hierapolis and 10 from Laodicea. Its history is chiefly associated with that of these two cities. Early, according to both Herodotus and Xenophon, it was a place of great importance. There Xerxes stopped 481 B.C. (Herodotus vii.30) and Cyrus the Younger marched 401 B.C. (Xen. Anab. i.2, 6). From Colossians 2:1 it is not likely that Paul visited the place in person; but its Christianization was due to the efforts of Epaphras and Timothy (Colossians 1:1, 7), and it was the home of Philemon and Epaphras. That a church was established there early is evident from Colossians 4:12, 13 Revelation 1:11; Revelation 3:14. As the neighboring cities, Hierapolis and Laodicea, increased in importance, Colosse declined. There were many Jews living there, and a chief article of commerce, for which the place was renowned, was the collossinus, a peculiar wool, probably of a purple color. In religion the people were specially lax, worshipping angels. Of them, Michael was the chief, and the protecting saint of the city. It is said that once he appeared to the people, saving the city in time of a flood. It was (partially - jp) this belief in angels which called forth Paul's epistle (Colossians 2:18). During the 7th and 8th centuries the place was overrun by the Saracens; in the 12th century the church was destroyed by the Turks and the city disappeared. Its site was explored by Mr. Hamilton. The ruins of the church, the stone foundation of a large theater, and a necropolis with stones of a peculiar shape are still to be seen. During the Middle Ages the place bore the name of Chonae; it is now called Chonas. By: E. J. Banks

Paul's introduction

1:1-2 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother,

Where does Paul get the authority to write to a church and tell them what to do?

How did Paul become an apostle?

Who is with Paul as he writes this letter?

How many times is Jesus, Christ, Jesus Christ, Christ Jesus, Lord Jesus Christ, or Lord used in Colossians?

How many times is God or God the Father mentioned in Colossians?

What else can you learn, know, understand, and apply to your own life from this verse?

(2) To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Who does Paul write to in Colosse?

Are "saints and faithful brethren" two different groups?

What two blessings does Paul call for them to receive?

What is the source of those blessings?

God is whose Father here?

What else can you learn, know, understand, and apply to your own life from this verse?

(3) We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,

Who is the we in this verse?

Of whom is God the Father here?

How often did Paul pray for the Colossian Christians?

What else can you learn, know, understand, and apply to your own life from this verse?

(4) Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints,

Was Paul involved in starting the church in Colosse?

What makes you think that?

1

For what two things is Paul thanking God?

How long has Paul been praying for them?

What else can you learn, know, understand, and apply to your own life from this verse?

(5) For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;

What third thing is mentioned here that Paul is thankful to God for?

Where is the hope?

How do the Colossians have that hope?

Is this information new to them?

What else can you learn, know, understand, and apply to your own life from this verse?

(6) Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:

What has come to them?

Where else has it gone?

What brings forth fruit?

Where does it bring forth fruit?

When did it begin producing fruit?

What did they know?

What else can you learn, know, understand, and apply to your own life from this verse?

(7) As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ;

Who is Epaphras?

Is he mentioned elsewhere in the Bible and if so where?

What did they learn from Epaphras?

Was Paul acquainted with Epaphras?

What else can you learn, know, understand, and apply to your own life from this verse?

(8) Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.

Who is the who in this verse?

Did Paul have first hand experience and knowledge of their love?

What did the Colossians have that we should also have?

How often is the Spirit mentioned in Colossians?

What else can you learn, know, understand, and apply to your own life from this verse?

What are some key words from this section?

Is there anything the Colossians had in these verses that we can't have today?

If the gospel was spread around the world then, why can't we do it today?

2

(9) For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

What caused Paul and Timothy to pray for the Colossians?(Look back to verse 8)

What did Paul and Timothy want for the Colossians?

What knowledge did Paul want them to have?

How much knowledge did Paul want the Colossians to have?

What kind of understanding did he want for them?

Would Paul desire the same for us?

Do you have the same desire for yourself and your fellow saints here and elsewhere?

What is standing in the way of fulfilling the desire mentioned in this verse?

How is what Paul prayed for different from the kinds of things we often pray for?

What else can you learn, know, understand, and apply to your own life from this verse?

(10) That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

Is it possible for us to walk worthy of the Lord?

How pleasing should we be?

How many good works should be fruitful in our lives?

If they were filled with the knowledge mentioned in verse 9 how could they increase in knowledge?

Did these things just automatically occur because the apostle Paul prayed for them?

What else can you learn, know, understand, and apply to your own life from this verse?

(11) Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

How many times in verses 9-11 does Paul mention 'all' or a synonym of 'all'?

Why do so many try to just have 'some' instead of 'all'?

Where would the strength and might come from?

How can longsuffering and joyfulness go together?

What else can you learn, know, understand, and apply to your own life from this verse?

(12) Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:

Who does Paul thank?

Who is the 'us' in this verse?

What can 'us'/'we' partake of?

How can there be an inheritance without death?

What else can you learn, know, understand, and apply to your own life from this verse?

(13) Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

Who has delivered us?

Which is greater, 'the power of darkness' or 'his glorious power'? How do you know that from this verse?

What other word might we use instead of 'translated'?

Whose kingdom are we in? Who is the king?

What else can you learn, know, understand, and apply to your own life from this verse?

(14) In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

Whose blood redeems us?

3

What does it mean to have redemption?

Where do we receive the forgiveness of sins?

Why do we need forgiveness, why can't our good just outweigh our bad?

What else can you learn, know, understand, and apply to your own life from this verse?

(15) Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:

Who is the 'Who' in this verse?

Why might this verse cause some to think the Son is a created being?

How can there be an image of something invisible?

What else can you learn, know, understand, and apply to your own life from this verse?

(16) For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

How does this verse answer the confusion that the Son was created?

Why was everything created?

How was everything created?

How can we reconcile this verse with the existence of evil?

What else can you learn, know, understand, and apply to your own life from this verse?

(17) And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

What holds everything in its place?

How does 2 Peter 3:5-7 fit with this idea?

Who is 'he'?

Did anything exist before the Son?

What else can you learn, know, understand, and apply to your own life from this verse?

(18) And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

Why does Christ have first place (preeminence)?

How many heads does the church have?

How many bodies does Christ have?

Who is the head of the church, the Father, the Son, or the Holy Spirit?

What does Matthew 28:18 say about this?

If Jesus was not the first person to rise from the dead, how is he the firstborn from the dead?

What else can you learn, know, understand, and apply to your own life from this verse?

(19) For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;

How does this verse show that the Father is not selfish?

How does 2:9 help us understand this verse better?

What else can you learn, know, understand, and apply to your own life from this verse?

(20) And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

How is peace between man and God possible?

How did Christ reconcile all things to God?

What else can you learn, know, understand, and apply to your own life from this verse?

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(21) And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled

Who is the you?

'You' were alienated from whom?

'You' were enemies of whom?

How or why were they alienated and enemies?

Who reconciled whom to whom?

What else can you learn, know, understand, and apply to your own life from this verse?

(22) In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:

How did he reconcile the enemies from verse 21?

Why did he reconcile the enemies from verse 21?

What does holy mean?

What does unblameable mean?

What does unreproveable mean?

Who is doing all the work in this verse?

What else can you learn, know, understand, and apply to your own life from this verse?

(23) If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;

Why is 'If' such an important word?

Who is doing the work in this verse?

What were they to continue in?

How could someone be moved away from their hope?

How had they received the gospel?

Do you think the phrase about the gospel being "preached to every creature which is under heaven" is literal or figurative (a figure of speech like hyperbole)?

What did Paul claim to be in this verse?

What else can you learn, know, understand, and apply to your own life from this verse?

(24) Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:

Who is rejoicing in Paul's suffering?

What is Paul filling up?

Are the sufferings and afflictions spiritual, emotional, mental, or physical?

Why is Paul suffering?

What other term is used for Christ's body?

What else can you learn, know, understand, and apply to your own life from this verse?

(25) Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;

What is a minister?

How did Paul become a minister?

What was Paul's goal as a minister?

What is a dispensation?

What else can you learn, know, understand, and apply to your own life from this verse?

5

(26) Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:

How long had this mystery been hidden?

Is there still a mystery today that God is hiding?

When does Paul say the mystery was to be revealed?

Does the revealing of this mystery mean everything about God is knowable?

Who are his saints?

What else can you learn, know, understand, and apply to your own life from this verse?

(27) To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

What did God want made known to his saints?

Among what group of people did God show the glory of the mystery?

What is the mystery?

What is the hope of glory?

What else can you learn, know, understand, and apply to your own life from this verse?

(28) Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

Who is the 'Whom'?

Is preaching always positive, feel-good messages? What in this verse leads you to think that?

How is teaching done?

Why is this preaching and teaching done?

What does the term 'perfect' mean and how does it apply to verse 22?

What else can you learn, know, understand, and apply to your own life from this verse?

(29) Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

Does Paul believe in Christians working their way to heaven?

Does Paul believe Christians don't need to be working?

What phrase speaks of both God and the Christian working?

How did God work in Paul?

Can God work in us?

What else can you learn, know, understand, and apply to your own life from this verse?

What changes could you make in your life to allow God to work in you more effectively?

How do you feel when you think about being alienated from and enemies with God?

How do you feel when you consider being reconciled to Him?

How well do you think you understand the mystery that has been revealed?

What are your thoughts about suffering for the church?

What are your thoughts about suffering for Christ?

What about rejoicing in suffering?

6

(2:1-23) For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;

Why do you think Paul had a great conflict for the Colossians?

Why do you think he wished they could know about the conflict?

Why couldn't they?

What else do we know about the church at Laodicea?

Does this verse indicate that Paul had or had not been to the church in Colosse?

(2) That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;

What in this verse might indicate that the Colossians are not included in the group who had not seen Paul's face?

What did he want for their hearts?

How were they to be knit together?

Why do some not have a full assurance?

What is God's mystery that Paul wants us to know(notice 1:27)?

How would acknowledging the mystery comfort our hearts?

(3) In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Where are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge hidden?

Does this mean that someone who is not a Christian can't have any knowledge or wisdom? Why or Why not?

(4) And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.

Why is Paul saying these things?

What does it mean to 'beguile' someone?

Why do people use enticing words?

Give an example of some enticing words used to beguile someone.

(5) For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.

What does it mean to be with someone in spirit?

Is Paul pleased or disappointed with the way things are going with the Colossians?

What 2 things does Paul compliment specifically?

How could Paul behold these things if he was not there?

(6) As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:

Why might Paul put Christ Jesus the Lord rather than Jesus Christ the Lord, or does the order not matter?

Does Paul deal with how they received the Lord?

What do you think it means that they "received Christ Jesus the Lord"?

How does receiving the Lord affect your walk? How has your life changed because you are a Christian?

What is the difference in walking and standing?

(7) Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

What are we to abound in?

Can a Christian remain the same for a long period of time and be doing as this verse teaches?

How can we be rooted and walking at the same time?

What attitude should we have as we are being rooted, built and stablished?

7

(8) Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

What does it mean for someone to spoil you in this verse?

What 4 things are mentioned as ways we could be spoiled?

Name one example of each of the four categories mentioned.

What is the alternative to being spoiled?

(9) For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.

What was special about Christ according to this verse?

Look for other passages that use the word 'Godhead'. What is 'Godhead'? (Look at other translations.)

Can you explain how the "fulness of the Godhead" could live in a human body?

(10) And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

If we are complete in Christ, what are those outside Christ?

What is Christ the head of? (Consider Matthew 28:18 in connection with this verse. The word translated 'power' here and 'authority' there are the same Greek word)

(11) In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:

What was the significance of physical circumcision?

What was it? How did the practice start? Who was circumcised?

Circumcision involved cutting of a portion of the body, How can there be a circumcision done without hands?

What is cut off in this spiritual circumcision?

(12) Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

When does this circumcision of Christ from the last verse take place?

What indicates that baptism is a total submerging in this verse?

What is necessary on our part in order to be risen with him?

Who performs the operation?

Who raised Christ from the dead? How does this fit with John 10:17-18?

(13) And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

What was our condition before baptism?

What does "quickened" mean?

Did our flesh change?

What was forgiven? How much?

(14) Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

What is the "handwriting of ordinances"?

What 3 things were done to it?

How was it against us and contrary to us?

(15) And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

How does this relate back to verses 8 and 10?

How did Jesus triumph over these things?

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(16) Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:

What 5 things does Paul tell us not to let others judge us about?

Since he mentions drink, does that mean we can be drunk and it is ok?

Who will judge us on these things as well as all of our lives?

How does this apply to celebrating holidays?

Who might judge in the area of meat?

Why do you think he mentions the new moon?

Why would he mention Sabbath days?

What religious group would have been judging the Colossian Christians on these things?

(17) Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

Which religion had things that were a shadow of things to come?

What is the difference between a shadow and a body?

Which is better the shadow or the body?

Whose body is he talking about?

(18) Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,

What reward is in danger of being lost?

How can someone who is showing humility be puffed up?

Who were they worshipping that they shouldn't?

Aren't we supposed to set our eyes on the unseen things?

(19) And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.

What were they not holding?

What holds the body to gather?

How does the body increase?

What is the body to increase with?

(20) Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,

Do we live in the world(planet)?

Do we live in the world(the ungodly group of people)?

Are we supposed to be living according to the spiritual rules of the worldly people?

Can you think of ways in your life that you have given in to the rules of the world?

Can a dead person feel peer pressure?

Can a dead person feel fear of rejection?

Can a dead person be hurt by mean words?

Does a dead person care about wealth?

Will a truly dead person come back to live in this world?

Will a dead person worry about what is politically correct?

Does a dead person care about status symbols?

Does a dead person care about fashion trends?

(21) (Touch not; taste not; handle not;

What three examples of these worldly rules does Paul mention?

9

If we are not to be subject to these ordinances does that mean we should always do the opposite?

Is Paul saying that there are no ordinances or rules for the Christian?

What is the problem with the rules he is talking about?

Is Paul saying we should not obey the laws of man or the government?

Does Paul mean that we can and should touch, taste, and handle any and every thing?

(22) Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?

What will happen to all the things that can be touched and tasted?

How do we know from this verse that Paul is not talking about God's commandments?

(23) Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.

What does the following of these man made rules appear to be?

As Christians are we supposed to neglect our physical bodies?

Are all fleshly desires evil?

Who created our bodies and gave us natural desires?

Should we indulge our physical bodies?

What did Paul say about it in 1 Corinthians 9:25-27?

What is the difference in what Paul encouraged in Corinthians and what he condemns in Colossians?

Was this humility real humility?

Why do you think someone would worship angels?

Why do you think people make more and more rules that go beyond what God commands?

How could either indulgence or neglect be abuse to your body and go against God's will for you?

10

Col 3:1-25 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

Are we raised with Christ?

What should we seek?

Where is Christ?

What is Christ doing?

(2) Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

What should we love?

What should we not love?

How can we know what our affection is set on?

(3) For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

What are some different kinds of deaths mentioned in the Bible?

What does it mean that we are dead?

How does this refer back to 2:20?

Where are our lives supposed to be?

(4) When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

What is the source of our life?

When will Christ appear?

What will happen when He appears?

Will those who are not dead and risen with Christ now get to be with Him?

(5) Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

What does 'mortify' mean?

What things are we supposed to mortify?

What is inordinate affection?

What is evil concupiscence?

How is covetousness a form of idolatry?

Which of these things is most difficult for you to get out of your life?

Which of these is the biggest problem in the church?

Which of these is the biggest problem in our society?

(6) For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:

How does God feel about these things?

What is happening to those who live these ways?

(7) In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.

Why does Paul use the past tense?

What two things did the Colossians used to do in regard to these sinful things?

Why are many who claim to be Christians still involved in these things?

(8) But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. (9) Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

What other sinful things should we get rid of?

Which of these things do you struggle with most?

Which of these is the biggest problem in the church?

11

Which of these is the biggest problem in our society?

Why should these things be out of your life?

Have you put off the old man?

(10) And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

Have you put on the new man?

Are you renewed in knowledge?

Who created the new man?

Are you imitating the image of Christ in your new life?

(11) Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.

Where is this place with none of these distinctions?

What eliminates all of these things?

What is a Scythian?

Is Christ your 'all'?

Is Christ in you?

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(12) Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

Is putting off sinful things enough?

Are we sometimes guilty of living a negative Christianity based only on the things we DON'T do instead of having the positive of what we DO as Christians?

What 5 things are listed in this verse that we should put into our lives as Christians?

What phrases and words are used to describe Christians in this verse?

Which of these is hardest for you to put into practice?

(13) Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

What should we add to our lives in this verse?

Who should we be like in our forgiving?

What is the difference between forbearing and forgiving?

(14) And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

What will complete the process?

What is the umbrella that is to be over all of the other attitudes and actions of the Christian?

Why is charity, agape in the Greek, so important?

(15) And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

Can we have peace with others if we do not have peace in our hearts?

What are we called to have in the body of Christ?

In addition to having peace in our hearts what other attitude should we have?

(16) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

In addition to the attitudes we should have what else should be in us?

How do we teach and admonish according to this verse?

What 3 kinds of songs are mentioned here?

What should be in our hearts as we sing?

Can an instrument teach?

Can an instrument admonish?

Can an instrument sing?

Who is involved in singing?

To whom do we sing?

Does this verse describe a solo, choir, or congregational singing? Why?

Who benefits from singing?

(17) And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Is Paul only talking about doing things in the name of the Lord during the worship on Sunday?

By whom do we give thanks to God?

Can we say we are Christians and then live any way we want?

How does letting the word of Christ dwell in us affect our ability to do all in the name of the Lord?

Does saying you are doing something in the name of the Lord mean that you are?

How can you know if you are really doing something in the name of the Lord?

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(18) Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.

Why do you think this is an unpopular verse in our society?

Does the society that we live in change what God's Word says?

Does this verse tell husbands to beat their wives into submission?

Does this verse tell husbands to make their wives do what they say?

Does this verse tell husbands to make their wives feel guilty and to beat them over the head with this verse if

they don't think their wives are doing what they should?

Does this verse say that wives should always do whatever their husbands say?

What are the limits to a wife's submission to her husband?

(19) Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.

Is this a popular verse in our society?

How many husbands are bitter against their wives?

What does it mean to love?

If a husband loves his wife will she be more willing to submit to him?

If a wife submits to her husband does it make it easier for him to love her and not be bitter?

Is it a requirement in this verse that the wife submit before the husband loves her?

Does this verse teach a wife to nag her husband until he treats her right?

Does this verse indicate that love is a feeling that comes and goes?

Is a husband who rules his wife with an iron fist showing love?

(20) Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.

Why do many in our society live by the reverse of this and have parents who obey the children?

Does this verse teach children that if their parents tell them to lie, steal, etc. they should do it?

Should adult children still obey their parents?

At what point are children no longer under their parents' authority?

(21) Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.

Who is accountable to God for the way children are raised and disciplined?

What might happen if children are provoked?

Is this teaching only for fathers and not mothers?

What negative consequences can occur when someone is discouraged?

(22) Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:

How does this apply to a society that does not have slavery?

Should we obey our boss even if we are told to do something illegal?

Should we obey our boss even if we are told to do something immoral?

Should we obey our boss even if we are told to do something unethical?

What is eyeservice?

Why should we not be menpleasers?

How should we serve our employer?

What should our attitude toward God be?

What did Jesus say about trying to serve two masters?

Is having a job and being a Christian the same as trying to serve two masters?

What are some ways that it could be a problem to have two jobs?

In the times of slavery like they had in New Testament times, could a slave do well with two different masters?

What would happen to a slave that was trying to serve two masters?

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(23) And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

Is it ok to half-heartedly do things?

How would you do things differently if the Lord was your boss, manager, or supervisor?

How would you talk about your boss, manager or supervisor if it was the Lord?

How would your feelings be different if Jesus owned the company you worked for?

How do you talk, feel, and act in regard to the church where Jesus is the boss?

(24) Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

Do slaves usually receive an inheritance?

How is being a slave to the Lord different from being a slave to men or Satan?

Will the Lord give this reward to those who don't serve Him? I so, what reward?

Will the Lord give this reward to those who serve half-heartedly?

(25) But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

What will God give those who do wrong?

Does this apply only to servants?

What does it mean that "there is no respect of persons"?

(4:1) Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.

Are masters supposed to do whatever they want?

Does 'just and equal' mean that every employee should make the same amount? Why or Why not?

Is the idea of equal pay for equal work always just?

Why are masters to treat servants right?

How would this apply to hiring someone to do work for you personally?

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(4:2) Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

Does this verse tell us how often to pray?

Does this verse tell us how long our prayers should be?

Does this verse tell us what kind of grammar we have to use when we pray?

What is important about prayer according to this verse?

What should we be watching for in prayer?

What attitude should we have as we pray?

(3) Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:

Who does Paul say they should pray for in this verse?

What is Paul's circumstance at this time?

What does Paul want them to pray for?

What does Paul not ask them to pray for?

What is the mystery of Christ (1:27)?

(4) That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

What is the "it" that Paul is to make manifest?

Should we beat around the bush when talking about Christ?

Should we be shy about telling others God's truth?

(5) Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

How should we walk?

What does walking this way accomplish?

Should we only walk this way toward people who are not Christians?

(6) Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

Why should our speech be 'with grace' (gracious)?

What does it mean to season our speech with salt?

Should we answer every man the same way?

What circumstances in a person's life might change the way we would answer them?

What about a person's character and personality might change the way we would answer them?

(7) All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:

Read the following passages that mention Tychicus and the verses around them: Acts 20:4; Eph. 6:21; 2 Tim. 4:12; Tit. 3:12. What are some things we can learn about him from these 4 verses?

What 3 compliments does Paul use to describe Tychicus?

Was Tychicus going to go to Colosse?	How do we know?

What was Tychicus going to declare to the Colossians?

Why do you think Paul couldn't just put everything in the letter?

(8) Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts;

What was the first reason Paul is sending Tychicus to them?

What is the second reason Paul is sending him?

What does it mean to 'know your estate'?

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(9) With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.

What other book of the Bible mentions Onesimus?

What are some things that book tells us about Onesimus?

How does Paul describe Onesimus?

What was Onesimus' hometown?

What were Onesimus and Tychicus going to do?

Where is "here"?

(10) Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)

What other books mention Aristarchus?

What are some things we can know about him?

What does Paul say about him here?

Who is Marcus?

What other name is he known by?

What are some things we know about him?

What should they do if he comes?

How do you think they might have received commandments?

(11) And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.

Where else do we read of Jesus called Justus?

What does it mean that these 3 "are of the circumcision"?

What is the significance of only these 3 being fellow workers?

What had these workers been to Paul?

(12) Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

Where else can we read of Epaphras?

Where was Epaphras from?

What compliment does Paul give Epaphras?

How did he labor for the Colossians(3 things)?

What did Epaphras want for the Colossians?

How can we follow his example?

(13) For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.

How did Epaphras feel about the Christians in Colosse?

How did he feel about others in the area?

What kind of relationship do you have with other Christians here?

What kind of relationship do you have with Christians in the area?

(14) Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.

Where can we read about Luke?

What do we know about Luke?

Where else can we read about Demas?

What do we know about Demas?

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(15) Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.

What else do we know about the church in Laodicea?

Where did many of the churches, including one mentioned here, meet in the first century?

Why might they have been meeting that way?

What could cause that to be commonplace again?

Who was Nymphas?

(16) And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.

What were they to do with the letter when they had read it?

Why would Paul want them to do this?

Can you find the letter to Laodicea in your Bible?

What can we learn about the Bible, God's providence, and Paul's writings from this verse?

(17) And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.

Where else do we read of Archippus?

What do we know about him?

What message did Paul have for him?

Who was going to give Archippus the message?

(18) The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.

Why might Paul have only written this last verse personally?

What does he want them to remember?

What is implied in their remembering that?

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