Epistle to the Colossians facts for kids

Colossians is a book in the Christian Bible. It is the twelfth book found in the New Testament.

Who Wrote Colossians?

Many people have believed for a long time that the Apostle Paul wrote this book. He is thought to have written it to Christians living in a small city called Colossae. This city was in a place called Phrygia, which is now part of Turkey.

Some experts today think that a follower of Paul might have written it instead. They believe this because of how the book describes Jesus. These ideas about Jesus might have taken some time to develop. So, it is not as certain that Paul wrote this letter compared to his other letters.

When Was Colossians Written?

Paul might have written this letter when he was in jail for the first time in Rome. Other experts suggest he could have written it from Caesarea or Ephesus. This could have been around the year 62 A.D., but it might have been a bit later.

What is Colossians About?

The letter to the Colossians teaches that Jesus Christ is in charge of the whole universe. It also tells Christians how to live good lives. The letter has two main parts. The first part teaches important ideas. The second part talks about how to live based on those ideas.

Some people think the letter was written to warn about wrong teachings that were starting in the church. Both parts of the letter warn against false teachers. These teachers were sharing ideas that were not true. Others believe the letter was mainly written to encourage and teach a church that was growing.

Jesus is Lord of Everything

The first two chapters of the letter strongly say that Christ is above everything that has been made. All things were created through him and for him. He also keeps the universe working. God chose to live fully in Christ.

The "cosmic powers" that some false teachers respected were defeated when Christ died. Christ is the master of all angels. He is also the head of the church. Christ is the only one who can connect God and humans. The letter says that God the Father saved us from darkness. He brought us into the kingdom of His Son, Jesus. Jesus also helps to make the whole created world new again. This includes "all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven."

How to Live a Christian Life

The second part of the letter, chapters 3 and 4, tells Christians how to live. This is based on what they know about Jesus. They are told to think about things in heaven. They should get rid of bad desires from their old way of life. Instead, they should become a new (Christian) person.

The letter also teaches many special duties for Christians. These duties show that we are true followers of Christ. The letter ends with words about prayer, advice, and greetings to others.

Images for kids

• 

  The first page of Colossians in Minuscule 321 gives its title as προς κολασσαεις, "to the Colossians". British Library, London.

• 

  The last page of Colossians in the Codex Claromontanus in the Bibliothèque nationale de France

See also

In Spanish: Epístola a los colosenses para niños