To the immature, rule-keeping can feel more "religious" than a spiritual devotion to Christ himself. That's the temptation the Colossian church was facing from false teachers. No, says Paul in his Letter to Colossians. Christ is both supreme and sufficient - we need nothing beyond him to complete our faith.

The letter provides us with one of the most compelling visions in all the New Testament of who Jesus Christ actually is, in all his majesty and glory - the image of the invisible God, existing before all things, Creator of everything, Sustainer, Head, Beginning, First-to-Be-Resurrected - the fullness of God in bodily form. Christ is preeminent!

This nine-week Bible study of Colossians and Philemon both awes us in its revelation of Christ and anchors us in practical guidelines for Christian living. This Bible study commentary can be used for personal enrichment, by small groups and classes, and by teachers and preachers for sermon preparation.