Colossians

Colossians answers a subtle danger: a 'philosophy' that added Jewish rules, asceticism, angel-worship, and secret knowledge to Christ. Paul's reply is to lift Christ higher than every rival. In the towering hymn of 1:15-20, Christ is the image of the invisible God, the agent of creation, and the head of the church, in whom all fullness dwells. Because believers are complete in Him, no regulation or experience can add anything. Union with the risen Christ then reshapes daily life: set your mind above, put off the old self and put on the new, and let Christ rule your speech, work, and home.