FocusAssurance and continued walking
Connection to the wholePaul's concern is that the readers be united and rooted in Christ rather than persuaded by plausible but displacing teaching.
interpretation Colossians 2:3
KJVIn whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Read it in context
Paul's Warning Against False Philosophy and the Sufficiency of Christ
Start reading at Colossians 2:1 (Colossians 2:1 to Colossians 2:23).
The passage begins with Paul expressing his concern for the Colossians and those at Laodicea, leading into his exhortation regarding the sufficiency of Christ against deceptive teachings, which continues through the end of the chapter.
- 2:1 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;
- 2:2 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;
- 2:3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
- 2:4 And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.
- 2:5 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.
- 2:6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:
- 2:7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
- 2:8 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.
- 2:9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
- 2:10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
- 2:11 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:
- 2:12 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.
- 2:13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
- 2:14 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;
- 2:15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
- 2:16 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:
- 2:17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
- 2:18 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,
- 2:19 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.
- 2:20 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,
- 2:21 (Touch not; taste not; handle not;
- 2:22 Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?
- 2:23 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.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul is the named author, with Timothy included in the greeting and Paul's own greeting at the close. Biblical references: Colossians 1:1; Colossians 4:18. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Colossians 1:1–2:23): Paul addresses the believers at Colossae, whom Epaphras has taught, concerning Christ and teaching that could draw them away from Him. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The saints and faithful brethren in Christ at Colossae. The letter was also to be read in the church of the Laodiceans. Biblical references: Colossians 1:2; Colossians 4:16. stated in the text
What
- What is the main event or theme? The main theme is the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ, in whom all treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden, as a safeguard against being beguiled by philosophy and vain deceit.
- What is God revealing? God is revealing that all true wisdom and knowledge are found in Christ, and that in Him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
- What is the literary style? The literary style is an epistle, or letter.
When
- When was it written? The letter was written approximately A.D. 60 to 62.
- When does the event take place? The events described, such as Paul's conflict for the Colossians and the presence of enticing words and philosophy, occur during the time of Paul's imprisonment when he wrote the letter.
Where
- Where did it happen? The letter addresses the church at Colosse, and Paul also mentions those at Laodicea, indicating these are the locations relevant to the audience and the issues discussed.
- Where was the author located? The author, Paul, was located in Rome, where he was imprisoned, when he wrote this letter.
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Paul's Warning Against False Philosophy and the Sufficiency of Christ (Colossians 2:1 to Colossians 2:23). Start reading at Colossians 2:1. The passage begins with Paul expressing his concern for the Colossians and those at Laodicea, leading into his exhortation regarding the sufficiency of Christ against deceptive teachings, which continues through the end of the chapter.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? Colossians 2:3 establishes the foundation for Paul's subsequent warnings against false teachings and worldly philosophies. It explains that because all wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Christ, believers should not be led astray by anything that is not 'after Christ' (Colossians 2:8). interpretation
- How does it point to Christ? This verse directly points to Christ by stating that 'In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.' It identifies Christ as the ultimate source and repository of all true understanding, emphasizing His preeminence and sufficiency. stated in the text
- How do I apply it today? Today, believers can apply this by seeking wisdom and knowledge primarily in Christ and His word, rather than being swayed by human philosophies, traditions, or enticing words that are not rooted in Him. It encourages a focus on Christ as the complete source of truth. interpretation
Cited: Colossians 2:1, Colossians 2:2, Colossians 2:3, Colossians 2:4, Colossians 2:8, Colossians 2:9
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself and signs the letter.
Colossians 1:1Colossians 4:18
Early traditionUniform early tradition names Paul.
What is debatedSome critical scholars question Pauline authorship on stylistic grounds.
Related passages
- In whom Col 1:9,19 Col 3:16 Rom 11:33 1 Cor 1:24,30 1 Cor 2:6-8 Eph 1:8 Eph 3:10 2 Tim 3:15-17
- hid Col 3:3 Job 28:21 Prov 2:4 Matt 10:26 Eph 3:9 Rev 2:17
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Colossians 2
Paul and Timothy address the saints and faithful brethren in Christ at Colosse. The letter presents Christ's sufficiency and supremacy, warns against teaching that displaces Him, and describes the conduct of those who have put on the new man.
Colossians 1:1 Colossians 1:2 Colossians 2:8
Complete in Him
Colossians 2:8–15FocusFulness, baptism, and triumph
Connection to the wholePaul grounds the warning in Christ's fulness and describes the readers' baptismal burial and raising with Him and His triumph over opposing powers.
interpretation Rejecting imposed substitutes
Colossians 2:16–23FocusShadows and self-made religion
Connection to the wholeThe practical warning concerns judgments and regulations that appear spiritual but fail to hold fast to Christ the head.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Colossians
Paul and Timothy address the saints and faithful brethren in Christ at Colosse. The letter presents Christ's sufficiency and supremacy, warns against teaching that displaces Him, and describes the conduct of those who have put on the new man.
Colossians 1:1 Colossians 1:2 Colossians 2:8
Thanksgiving and prayer
Colossians 1:1–14FocusGrowth in the knowledge of God
Connection to the wholePaul responds to the church's faith and love with prayer for a worthy walk, fruitfulness, and endurance.
interpretation Christ and Paul's ministry
Colossians 1:15–29FocusReconciliation and mature believers
Connection to the wholeChrist's preeminence and reconciling work explain the message and purpose of Paul's labour among the Gentiles.
interpretation FocusFulness, baptism, and freedom from false demands
Connection to the wholePaul warns against rival teaching by grounding the readers in Christ, His fulness, and their relationship to His death and resurrection.
interpretation The new life practiced
Colossians 3:1–4:6FocusConduct, relationships, and witness
Connection to the wholeThe readers are called to seek things above and put away the old conduct, applying the new life to households, work, prayer, and speech.
interpretation Messengers and greetings
Colossians 4:7–18FocusFellow workers and perseverance
Connection to the wholeThe closing names and instructions reveal the wider fellowship supporting the church and its continued obedience.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.