Questions tagged [colossians]

Questions about Paul's letter to the church in Colossae.

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Was "Τετέλεσται" actually stamped on paid bills and debt certificates in the first century?

I've often heard some really cool explanations around the meaning for the greek word Τετέλεσται in the New Testament where Jesus said, "It is Finished". I love what I've heard, and have even preached ...
Joel Glovier's user avatar
22 votes
4 answers
45k views

What does the term "principalities and powers" mean?

In some translations, I see the term "principalities and powers." To what does this refer? This will not be exhaustive, but for example, consider the KJV's translation of Romans 8:38-39: For I am ...
Andrew's user avatar
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21 votes
16 answers
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In Colossians 1:24 what "is lacking in Christ's afflictions" according to Paul?

In Colossians 1:24, I read: Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church (ESV) ...
Soldarnal's user avatar
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What does John 1:3 mean by "through" logos everything is made?

Do any parts of the Bible definitively claim that everything is made by Jesus? I have read already that some people say that Colossians 1:16 does not mean Jesus was the agent of creation, but of his ...
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15 votes
4 answers
6k views

What does the Greek word θεότητος in Colossians 2:9 mean?

The Greek word θεότητος is translated differently in English Bibles: Colossians 2:9 New Living Translation For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. New American ...
R. Brown's user avatar
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11 votes
7 answers
9k views

What does "reconciling all things" mean in Colossians 1:20?

In Colossians 1:19-20 (NIV) we read: For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by ...
Soldarnal's user avatar
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Does Luke's supposed profession matter when interpreting his work as an author?

Paul makes reference to a physician named Luke: Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas.—Colossians 4:14 (ESV) Tradition also assigns Luke as author of the gospel that bears its ...
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9 votes
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In Colossians 1:15, what does “firstborn of every creature” mean?

I was studying passages on the Bible about Jesus and its origin. One verse is, to me, somewhat hard to understand (Colossians 1:15, in King James version): Who is the image of the invisible God, ...
Leonardo Alves Machado's user avatar
9 votes
7 answers
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In Colossians 1:27, what is the meaning of “this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory”?

In Col. 1:24-29, it is written, 24 Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is ...
Hello's user avatar
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Shouldn't Christ be the subject of Colossians 1:19?

ὅτι ἐν αὐτῷ εὐδόκησεν πᾶν τὸ πλήρωμα κατοικῆσαι In Colossians 1:19 there is no noun or pronoun in the nominative to specify the subject of the aorist active indicative "εὐδόκησεν." Since &...
Austin's user avatar
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8 votes
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What does "image" mean in "He is the image of the invisible God", Colossians 1:15?

Colossians 1:15 "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation". ESV 1 Peter 2:24 "He himself bore our sins in his body". If a coin has someone's head on ...
C. Stroud's user avatar
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Psalms, Hymns, Songs: What are the meanings of these words Biblically?

Verses in Question Let the word of Christ 18 dwell in you richly, teaching and exhorting one another with all wisdom, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, all with grace 19 in your hearts to ...
Kazark's user avatar
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8 votes
2 answers
2k views

Defining Idolatry according to Col 3:5

Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. (Col 3:5 ESV) According to this verse in the Greek is ...
Anthony's user avatar
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4 answers
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What does it mean that "it pleased the Father" for "all the fullness" to dwell in Jesus (Colossians 1:19, NKJV)?

Colossians 1:19 states (NKJV): For it pleased [the Father that] in Him all the fullness should dwell. Now, the New King James Version supplies "the Father," but to my knowledge, most ...
The Editor's user avatar
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8 votes
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What restrictions would Paul have been preaching against in Colossians 2?

Colossians 2:20-23 (ESV) 20 If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— 21 "Do not handle, Do not ...
user avatar
8 votes
7 answers
3k views

What does it mean for Christ to be 'firstborn from the dead'?

Col 1:18 He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. We need to establish 2 things. ...
Steve's user avatar
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7 votes
3 answers
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Col 2:15 - Was the triumph over them "in him" or "in it"

Within what/who were the rulers and authorities triumphed over? Here is an example of the two version showing different options: English Standard Version He disarmed the rulers and authorities and ...
Austin's user avatar
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2 answers
431 views

What is the basis for translating Colossians 1:27-28 to “in union with Christ” and what are the theological implications?

Colossians 1:27-28 NWT: “But now it has been made manifest to his holy ones, to whom God has been pleased to make known what are the glorious riches of this sacred secret in union with you, the hope ...
Lesley's user avatar
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In Colossians 1:16, what is the meaning of the phrase “in him” (ἐν αὐτῷ)?

Sorry if this seems like a really simple question but this always confuses me. For example Colossians 1:16: For it was in Him that all things were created. Would it mean the same thing if the word ...
Arucarn's user avatar
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7 votes
3 answers
225 views

Does Colossians 1:16 represent the creation of a sub-set of things within the universe?

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 ...
Mike Borden's user avatar
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7 votes
2 answers
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What is known about the letter to the Laodiceans mentioned in Colossians 4:16?

Paul references a letter to the Laodiceans in his epistle to the Colossians: And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also ...
Onorio Catenacci's user avatar
7 votes
1 answer
2k views

How sure can we be that Archippus was a church leader?

Paul twice mentions Archippus. In Philemon he is a fellow soldier, and, in Colossians, he has some sort of ministry to fulfill. Colossians 4:17 "Say to Archippus, "Take heed to the ...
cdjc's user avatar
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6 votes
10 answers
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What does it mean that Jesus is before all things (Colossians 1:17)?

Colossians 1:17: 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. [ESV] 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. [KJV] 17 He is before all things, and in Him ...
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6 votes
5 answers
599 views

What is the meaning of "received" in Colossians 2:6?

Colossians 2:6 AMPC As you have therefore received Christ, [even] Jesus the Lord, [so] walk (regulate your lives and conduct yourselves) in union with and conformity to Him.
Moises mercado mangilit's user avatar
6 votes
4 answers
7k views

Meaning of στοιχεῖον (stoicheion)

What does Paul mean by the word στοιχεῖον, and in particular the phrase τὰ στοιχεῖα τοῦ κόσμου? Here is a list of occurrences of the word in the New Testament. Feel free to respond concerning the ...
Kazark's user avatar
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6 votes
1 answer
340 views

In Colossians 1:25 how best might "οἰκονομίαν" be translated?

Οἰκονομία is often glossed stewardship; the UBS 4th edition Greek New Testament renders it management of a household in the glossary. However, I find it is often difficult to translate in a sentence. ...
Kazark's user avatar
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6 votes
2 answers
2k views

Meaning of "Body of Flesh" in Colossians 2:11

In Colossians 2:11, what does Paul mean by τοῦ σώματος τῆς σαρκός? Paul uses σάρξ to refer to the body or the physical far less than John, and it is clear that isn't what he's referring to here: the ...
Kazark's user avatar
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6 votes
2 answers
2k views

Is it necessary to assert that Paul has never been to Colossae when this letter is written?

Commentaries and NT introductions all like to state that Paul has never been to Colossae. It is generally founded in this passage: Colossians 2:1   For I want you to know how great a struggle I ...
Jay's user avatar
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6 votes
5 answers
293 views

When did Jesus disarm rulers and authorities?

“When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him.” ‭‭Colossians‬ ‭2‬:‭15‬ ‭ What instance is Paul referring to here?
Lilias Carmichael's user avatar
6 votes
3 answers
12k views

What does it mean when it says that Christ is "the head of the body"?

In Gen. 2:23, we see that Chavva (Eve) was taken out of Adam, built from his rib, and concerning her, Adam said, "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called "Woman" (Ishah)...
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6 votes
5 answers
493 views

Is the fullness in Colossians 1:19 necessarily the same as the fullness in Colossians 2:9?

19 Because in Him, it was well-pleased for all the fullness to dwell, 20 And through Him to reconcile completely all unto Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross- through Him- ...
Austin's user avatar
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6 votes
6 answers
12k views

In Colossians 2:18 what is the "worship of angels"?

In Colossians 2:18, Paul warns his readers, "Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you for the prize" (NIV emphasis mine). Of course, that it is in the ...
Soldarnal's user avatar
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5 votes
10 answers
4k views

What was nailed to the cross in Colossians 2:14?

Colossians 2:14 New American Standard Bible (NASB) 14 having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, ...
collen ndhlovu's user avatar
5 votes
7 answers
6k views

What does "hidden" mean in Colossians 3:3?

Colossians 3:3 "For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God". ESV. The truth that the Christian's life is hidden with Christ appears matched with the other side of the coin, ...
C. Stroud's user avatar
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5 votes
3 answers
283 views

Why doesn't St. Paul use LOVE for each of the members, when he lays out the Rules for a Christian Households [Col 3:18-20]?

In laying out Rules for a Christian Households, St. Paul says in: Colossians 3:18-20 (RSVCE) Rules for Christian Households 18 Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 ...
FMS's user avatar
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5 votes
3 answers
322 views

Greek question Colossians 1:23

Looking at Colossians 1:23, specifically: which was preached to every creature under heaven (KJV & NKJV) has been proclaimed (ESV) It looks like most translations translate "κηρύσσω - ...
Todd's user avatar
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5 votes
4 answers
1k views

Colossians 1:20 reconciling "things in heaven"

I am aware of the other question on this site regarding this verse, but this one is slightly different, see: What does "reconciling all things" mean in Colossians 1:20? Yet, I want to ...
Cork88's user avatar
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5 votes
5 answers
332 views

What is Jesus being credited with here? Col 1:16

Considering the significance of the phrases, "on the earth", and "in heaven", and the words, "through him and for him", what is Jesus being credited with here - if ...
Steve's user avatar
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5 votes
8 answers
1k views

Are Christians being licensed not to keep the Sabbath according to Colossians 2:16-17, Romans 14:5-8 and Acts 15?

Is Paul giving Christians license to omit Sabbath observance in Colossians 2:16-17 and Romans 14:5-8? Is this corroborated by Acts 15? Below the passages: Colossians 2:16-17 16 Therefore let no one ...
user avatar
5 votes
2 answers
266 views

Who Demands a Ransom?

Col 1:14 - In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Redemption , from the Greek ‘apolytrōsis, (‘Strongs Lexicon: G729- Liberation procured by the payment of a ransom’...
Dave's user avatar
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5 votes
3 answers
165 views

Were the commands, concerning clean/unclean meats, from God or man?

Leviticus 11:1 – Starts with… "1 The Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron: 2 “Tell the Israelites: You may eat all these kinds of land animals" then goes on to give a detailed list of which animals ...
matt's user avatar
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5 votes
2 answers
100 views

All Creation under Heaven?

Col 1:23(ISV) However, you must remain firmly established and steadfast in the faith, without being moved from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed to every creature ...
Faith Mendel's user avatar
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5 votes
7 answers
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'In all the world' - are Matthew 24:14 & Colossians 1:6 talking about the same scope?

"This good news of the kingdom will be proclaimed in all the world as a testimony to all nations. And then the end will come." - Matthew 24:14 (HCSB) καὶ κηρυχθήσεται τοῦτο τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τῆς ...
Steve can help's user avatar
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5 votes
4 answers
3k views

What is meant by "these are a shadow of the things to come" in Colossians 2:16-17?

Colossians 2:16-17 (ESV): 16 Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. 17 These are a shadow of the things to ...
user avatar
5 votes
2 answers
190 views

Does 1 Corinthians 15:49 show we are not currently in God’s image?

We know from Genesis that we are created in God's image. Genesis 1:26: Then God said, “Let Us make mankind in Our image, according to Our likeness" Genesis 1:27: So God created mankind in his ...
Steve's user avatar
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5 votes
3 answers
489 views

Colossians 1:17 Perfect Tense - What did the "all things" do and when?

In Col 1:17, συνέστηκεν is in the perfect tense. However, it seems very common for translations like NIV to treat συνέστηκεν as if it were present in tense: "He is before all things, and in him ...
Austin's user avatar
  • 3,866
5 votes
0 answers
1k views

What does "baptism now saves you" mean in 1 Peter 3:21 [duplicate]

What does baptism now saves you mean in 1 Peter 3:21 Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you—not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience—through the ...
Siju George's user avatar
5 votes
3 answers
5k views

"Slave" vs. "servant" in Colossians [duplicate]

The translators of the NET note for Colossians 1:7 and 4:12, The Greek word translated “fellow slave” is σύνδουλος (sundoulo"); the σύν- prefix here denotes association. Though δοῦλος is normally ...
Mr. Bultitude's user avatar
4 votes
7 answers
2k views

Colossians 2:5 I am present with you in spirit. Is this literal or metaphor?

Romans 8:9 You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. Romans 8:9 is true ...
user avatar
4 votes
4 answers
767 views

Buried with Him by/in baptism - Romans 6:4 and Colossians 2:12

Romans 6:4 (ESV), 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. ...
The Votive Soul's user avatar