Precept Austin

Colossians 2 Resources

Updated: Tue, 01/17/2023 - 05:00 By admin
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CHRIST IS ALL IN ALL
Click chart to enlarge
Charts from Jensen's Survey of the NT - used by permission
Colossians Overview - Click Chart on right side
Christ
Preeminent in All Things
Supreme Lord - Sufficient Savior
Colossians 1 Colossians 2 Colossians 3 Colossians 4
Supremacy of
Christ		 Submission to
Christ
Doctrinal
and Corrective		 Practical
and Reassuring
What Christ
Did For Us		 What Christ
Does Through Us
Christ
Our Lord		 Christ
Our Life		 Christ
our Love
Christ the
Head of the Body		 Christ the Lord
of the Universe		 Christ the
Head of the Home
Instruction Warnings Exhortations Reminders
Reconciliation Creation Submission Conversation
His Person
and Word		 His Peace
and Presence

COMMENTARIES
AND OTHER RESOURCES
ARCHIVE.ORG

Explanation - The following list includes not only commentaries but other Christian works by well known evangelical writers. Most of the resources below are newer works (written after 1970) which previously were available only for purchase in book form or in a Bible computer program. The resources are made freely available by archive.org but have several caveats - (1) they do not allow copy and paste, (2) they can only be checked out for one hour (but can be checked out immediately when your hour expires giving you time to read or take notes on a lengthy section) and (3) they require creating an account which allows you to check out the books free of charge. To set up an account click archive.org and then click the picture of the person in right upper corner and enter email and a password. That's all you have to do. Then you can read these more modern resources free of charge! I have read or used many of these resources but not all of them so ultimately you will need to be a Berean (Acts 17:11+) as you use them. I have also selected works that are conservative and Biblically sound. If you find one that you think does not meet those criteria please send an email at https://www.preceptaustin.org/contact. The resources are listed in alphabetical order by the author's last name and some include reviews of the particular resource. 

COMMENTARIES ON COLOSSIANS

The Bible Exposition Commentary - Ephesians through Revelation  -  Warren Wiersbe

Rosscup - One of America’s most appreciated staunchly evangelical Bible conference teachers gives diligent, refreshing expositions. These are all of his 23 separate, earlier books in the “Be” series on the New Testament. He strikes a particular appeal with lay people as he crystallizes sections, deals with some of the verses, handles certain problems and backgrounds and applies principles. He is premillennial.

The Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible : New Testament, King James Version - Acts, Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians - This is a very useful resource which always includes numerous related cross-references. It will be of aid to you preaching and teaching. 

Exposition of Colossians and Philemon by Hendriksen, William, 1900-1982, author

Colossians, Philemon by Martin, Ernest D. (Believer's Church Bible Commentary)

The interpretation of st. paul's epistles to the colossians, to the thessalonians, to timothy, to titus and to philemon by R.C.H. Lenski - Lutheran commentator who writes excellent notes. 

Epistles to the philippians and colossians by W.E Vine (Author of Vine's Expository Dictionary NT/OT) Succinct but good notes. 

Ephesians and Colossians in the Greek New Testament for the English reader by Wuest, Kenneth Samuel, - good word studies

Philippians / Colossians by McGee, J. Vernon

Love so amazing by Lloyd-Jones, David Martyn - Messages on Colossians from this outstanding British preacher. 

The message of Colossians and Philemon : fullness and freedom by Lucas, R. C (Bible Speaks Today Series)

Cyril Barber - Omits introductory matters and launches straight into an exposition of the text. Designed for expository preachers, but has value for personal lay study as well.

James Rosscup - The rector of St. Helen’s Church, Bishopsgate in London, wrote this work which is not a “commentary” but an accurate, readable exposition keyed to practical life. His fresh style is akin to John R. W. Stott’s in the same series (Only One Way on Galatians; God’s New Society on Ephesians, etc.). Lucas is aware of some problems and draws from Lightfoot, E. Lohse and others. While comments on many areas are good, brevity that the series necessitates makes some discussions disappointing, as on 1:15. The introduction to Philemon is good on slavery, yet one is astonished to find less that a page verse by verse. The main message of fullness and freedom beams brightly.

A handbook on Paul's letters to the Colossians and to Philemon by Bratcher, Robert G

Philippians, Colossians, Philemon - Life Application Commentary

Paul and the intellectuals : the Epistle to the Colossians ... by Robertson, A. T.,

Colossians: Christ All-Sufficient by Everett F. Harrison

Cyril Barber - Good things frequently come in small packages. This is one of them.

Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians by Lane, William L - Only 98 pages.

Colossians & Philemon by Wall, Robert W (Same material available below)

Philippians, Colossians and Philemon by MacDonald, William (1972) 160 pages (see also Believer's Bible Commentary)

Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon by Patzia, Arthur G (New International Biblical Commentary)

Colossians, a portrait of Christ by Draper, James 

Colossians speaks to the sickness of our times by Hubbard, David Allan

Commentary on the Epistles to the Ephesians and the Colossians : the English text with introduction, exposition and notes - F F Bruce, E K Simpson

Cyril Barber - Colossians was the first Pauline epistle on which Bruce wrote a commentary. Now, thirty years later, he has rewritten this work and added to it entirely new studies on Philemon and Ephesians. He believes that Ephesians follows Colossians in thought and that Philemon, with its close association to Colossians, is appropriately included in this group of Paul's writings. Provocative

Studies in the epistle to the colossians by Schuyler English

Colossians & Philemon by Harris, Murray 

James Rosscup - This is the first of twenty commentaries predicted in this series. Harris, who has the fine commentary on the second letter to the Corinthians and has taught New Testament at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, helps a person who is beginning to review his Greek to see, paragraph by paragraph, a structural analysis of every phrase and every word and virtually every feature of the message the Greek text conveys. One learns much in the Greek about the two epistles and also gets some homiletical suggestions from a meticulous scholar.

Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon by Martin, Ralph P (Interpretation A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching - not my favorite series of commentaries)

Practical illustrations : Galatians-Colossians

Colossians and Philemon by Martin, Ralph P

Cyril Barber New Century Bible Commentary. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1981. First published in 1973. This work, based on the RSV, contains scholarly comments on key words or phrases in most of the verses of these epistles. 

James Rosscup - A work of good competence by a recognized New Testament scholar, one of whose concentrations has been Colossians. He shows awareness of scholarly knowledge about backgrounds, views on problems and defense of his exegesis verse by verse.

The all-sufficient Christ : studies in Paul's letter to the Colossians by Barclay, William

The letters to the Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians by Barclay, William,

The Epistles of St. Paul to the Colossians and Philemon by Maclaren, Alexander, 

The Epistles to the Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon by Rees, Paul S

James Rosscup - A good attempt at bringing out homiletic points sometimes richly suggestive for preaching.

Philippians, Colossians, Philemon by Gould, Dana, - Shepherd's Notes

A study guide Colossians by Curtis Vaughan

The letters to the Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians by Barclay, William,

Colossians and Philemon : a runaway church and a runaway slave by Townsend, Jim,

Colossians and Philemon : bible study commentary by Vaughan, Curtis

You are loved & forgiven : Paul's letter of hope to the Colossians by Ogilvie, Lloyd John

Exploring God's word : Bible guide to Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians by Guthrie, Donald

Colossians Philemon : Completion and Reconciliation in Christ - John MacArthur

Complete in Christ : study notes, Colossians 1:24-2:23 by MacArthur, John,

Christ pre-eminent; studies in the Epistle to the Colossians by Thomas, W. H. Griffith 

Cyril Barber - Outlined in the best homiletic tradition, this is one of the finest of works for the pastor and lay Bible student. "I have long considered [this commentary] to be one of the best expositions available. . . . I commend it to you."--Warren W. Wiersbe.

Cyril Barber - Based on the notes of this renowned expositor and theologian, these studies serve to stimulate and encourage Bible teachers and pastors, helping them enjoy the blessings made available to them through their union with Christ. 2

Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the New Testament by Wiersbe, Warren W

Cyril Barber - This is a book of exceptional merit. Pastors, missionaries, and Christian workers will profit from its use. Wiersbe introduces each book of the NT, provides an outline, and then furnishes his readers with a chapter-by-chapter discussion of the contents. The homiletic style is a “plus.” Recommended.

Colossians : the mystery of Christ in us by Demarest, Gary 

Cyril Barber - Designed for discussion groups. This study is partly expository and partly sermonic. Does stress the centrality of Christ in Christian experience

A NavPress Bible study on the books of Colossians & Philemon

Colossians, Philippians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon by Tolbert, Malcolm (Layman's Bible Book Commentary)

The Epistles of Paul the apostle to the Colossians and to Philemon by Moule, C. F. D.

The Epistles to the Colossians and to Philemon by Handley Carr Glyn Moule

Cyril Barber - Appearing initially in the Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges series, these commentaries on two of Paul's epistles have endeared themselves to evangelical students of the NT since their first appearance in 1893. They should not be confused with the same author's Colossians and Philemon Studies: Lessons in Faith and Holiness (See below) 

Colossian studies : lessons in faith and holiness from St. Paul's Epistles to the Colossians and Philemon by Moule, H. C. G. 

Cyril Barber - One of the most reverent and delightful of expositions extant. By all means, buy it. First published in 1877. 2

The Epistles of Paul to the Colossians and to Philemon : an exposition by Erdman, Charles R

Homilies on Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Thessalonians, Timothy, Titus, and Philemon by John Chrysostom, 

Colossians : the teacher's outline & study Bible

Commentaries on the Epistles of Paul the Apostle to the Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians; by Calvin, Jean,

Philippians & Colossians : a life application Bible study by O'Donnell, Peter

STUDY BIBLES:

Note: The first 4 resources have no time restriction and allow copy and paste function: 

(1) KJV Bible Commentary - Hindson, Edward E; Kroll, Woodrow Michael. Over 3000 pages of the entire OT/NT. Well done conservative commentary that interprets Scripture from a literal perspective. Pre-millennial.  User reviews - it generally gets 4/5 stars from users. - 372 ratings

Very well done conservative commentary that interprets Scripture from a literal perspective   user reviews 

The King James Version Bible Commentary is a complete verse-by-verse commentary. It is comprehensive in scope, reliable in scholarship, and easy to use. Its authors are leading evangelical theologians who provide practical truths and biblical principles. Any Bible student will gain new insights through this one-volume commentary based on the timeless King James Version of the Bible.

(2) The King James Study Bible Second Edition 2240 pages (2013) (Thomas Nelson) General Editor - Edward Hindson with multiple contributing editors. . 3,194 ratings. Pre-millennial. See introduction on How to Use this Study Bible.

(3) NKJV Study Bible: New King James Version Study Bible (formerly "The Nelson Study Bible - NKJV") by Earl D Radmacher; Ronald Barclay Allen; Wayne H House. 2345 pages. (1997, 2007). Very helpful notes. Conservative. Pre-millennial.  917 ratings

(4) The Wycliffe Bible Commentary - only the New Testament (for OT see below to borrow) - 1126 pages. (1971) Everett F Harrison - Editor of New Testament. Uses the KJV.  Strictly speaking not a study Bible, but short notes are similar. KJV text in left column, commentary notes in right column. The comments are generally verse by verse, short, conservative and to the point. Pre-millennial.

Quote from Henry Alford (1810-1871 - not a dispensationalist!) on Revelation 20 - "It will have been long ago anticipated by the readers of this Commentary, that I cannot consent to distort words from their plain sense and chronological place in the prophecy, on account of any considerations of difficulty, or any risk of abuses which the doctrine of the millennium may bring with it. Those who lived next to the Apostles, and the whole Church for 300 years, understood them in the plain literal sense: and it is a strange sight in these days to see expositors who are among the first in reverence of antiquity, complacently casting aside the most cogent instance of consensus which primitive antiquity presents. As regards the text itself, no legitimate treatment of it will extort what is known as the spiritual interpretation now in fashion.”

Dictionary of Biblical Imagery - free for use online with no restrictions (i.e., you do not need to borrow this book). Editors Leland Ryken, J C Wilhoit, Tremper Longman III - This is a potential treasure chest to aid your preaching and teaching as it analyzes the meaning of a host of Biblical figures of speech. Clue - use the "One-page view" which then allows you to copy and paste text. One downside is there is no index, so you need to search 3291 pages for entries which are alphabetical. 

Zondervan NIV Study Bible - (2011) 2570 pages  - Use this one if available as it has more notes than edition below. One hour limit

NIV Study Bible by Barker, Kenneth L; Burdick, Donald W (1995) 2250 pages. This is the first edition. This resource has been fully revised in 2020. One hour limit 

Believer's Bible Commentary - OT and NT - MacDonald, William (1995) 2480 pages. Conservative. Literal. Often has very insightful comments. John MacArthur, says "Concise yet comprehensive - the most complete single-volume commentary I have seen." Warren Wiersbe adds "For the student who is serious about seeing Christ in the Word." One hour limit.

Rosscup - This work, originally issued in 1983, is conservative and premillennial, written to help teachers, preachers and people in every walk of life with different views, explanation and application. The 2-column format runs verse by verse for the most part, usually in a helpfully knowledgeable manner, and there are several special sections such as “Prayer” in Acts and “Legalism” in Galatians. The premillennial view is evident on Acts 1:6, 3:20, Romans 11:26, Galatians 6:16, Revelation 20, etc.

HCSB Study Bible : Holman Christian Standard Bible - General Editor Jeremy Royal Howard (2010) 2360 pages. Conservative. Good notes. Include Holmans excellent maps. One hour limit

Life Application Study Bible: Old Testament and New Testament: New Living Translation. Has some very helpful notes especially with application of texts. 4,445 ratings One hour limit

The MacArthur Study Bible - John MacArthur. Brief but well done notes for conservative, literal perspective. 1,275 ratings

ESV Study Bible - Excellent resource but not always literal in eschatology and the nation of Israel 6,004 ratings

The David Jeremiah Study Bible - (2013) 2208 pages. 2,272 ratings Logos.com - "Drawing on more than 40 years of study, Dr. David Jeremiah has compiled a legacy resource that will make an eternal impact on generations to come. 8,000 study notes. Hundreds of enriching word studies"50+ Essentials of the Christian Faith" articles."

Wycliffe Bible Commentary - Charles Pfeiffer - 1560 pages (1962). 214 ratings Less detailed than the KJV Bible Commentary. Conservative. Notes are generally verse by verse but brief. 

Rosscup - Conservative and premillennial scholars here have been experts in their fields. The work contains brief introductions and attempts to give a verse-by-verse exposition, though it does skip over some verses. The treatments vary with the authors, but as a whole it is a fine one-volume commentary for pastors and students to use or give to a layman. Outstanding sections include, for example: Whitcomb on Ezra-Nehemiah-Esther; Culver on Daniel; Ladd on Acts; Harrison on Galatians; Johnson on I Corinthians; and Ryrie on the Johannine Epistles.

The Defender's Study Bible : King James Version by Morris, Henry M. Excellent notes by well known creationist. 45 ratings 

New Bible Commentary - (1994) See user reviews

Compact Bible commentary by Radmacher, Earl D; Allen, Ronald Barclay; House, H Wayne, et al - 954 pages.  424 ratings Multiple contributors to the comments which are often verse by verse. The comments are brief but meaty and can really help your study through a given book. A sleeper in my opinion. 

The Experiencing God Study Bible: the Bible for knowing and doing the will of God - Blackaby, Henry (1996) 1968 pages - CHECK THIS ONE! Each chapter begins with several questions under the title "PREPARE TO MEET GOD." Then you will interesting symbols before many of the passages. The chapter ends with a "DID YOU NOTICE?" question. This might make a "dry chapter" jump off the page! Read some of the 48 ratings

NLT Study Bible (Illustration Version) 

Disciple's Study Bible: New international version 54 ratings Not that helpful for verse by verse study. Focuses on application of Christian doctrines. 10,000 annotations; doctrinal summaries, "Life Helps" section relate doctrine to everyday discipleship. 

The Living Insights Study Bible : New International Version - Charles Swindoll. Notes are good but somewhat sparse and not verse by verse.

The Apologetics Study Bible Understand Why You Believe by Norman Geisler

NIV Archaeological Study Bible (2005) 2360 pages 950 ratings (See also Archaeology and the Bible - OT and NT)

"Readers who desire a more intimate knowledge of the historical context of the Bible will appreciate the NIV Archaeological Study Bible. Full of informative articles and full-color photographs of places and objects from biblical times, this Bible examines the archaeological record surrounding God’s Word and brings the biblical world to life. Readers’ personal studies will be enriched as they become more informed about the empires, places, and peoples of the ancient world. Features include: • Four-color interior throughout • Bottom-of-page study notes exploring passages that speak on archaeological and cultural facts • Articles (520) covering five main categories: Archaeological Sites, Cultural and Historical Notes, Ancient Peoples and Lands, the Reliability of the Bible, and Ancient Texts and Artifacts • Approximately 500 4-color photographs interspersed throughout • Detailed book introductions that provide basic, at-a-glance information • Detailed charts on pertinent topics • In-text color maps that assist the reader in placing the action "

NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible. Bringing to Life the Ancient World of Scripture Keener, Craig and Walton, John. Editors (2017)

The Holman Illustrated Study Bible 120 ratings Includes the excellent Holman maps but otherwise of little help in serious study.

Zondervan King James Version Commentary - New Testament

NIV Celebrate Recovery Study Bible

Daily Study Bible for Women : New Living Translation

The Woman's Study Bible : the New King James Version

The Study Bible for Women : Holman Christian Standard Bible

Daily Study Bible for Men : New Living Translation

NIV Topical Study Bible : New International Version

Ryrie Study Bible - Charles Ryrie (1978) 2142 pages. Conservative.  216 ratings 

Ryrie Study Bible Expanded Edition (1994) 2232 pages

The Hebrew-Greek Key Study Bible : New American standard study by Strong, James, 1822-1894; Zodhiates, Spiros 

The New Inductive Study Bible : updated New American Standard Bible - Introductions of each book give suggestions how to perform an inductive study on that specific book. Not strictly speaking a "study Bible" with notes but a Bible to help you study inductively. Has wide margins for making notes. This is one that works best in "paper," not digitally. 

With the Word - Devotional Commentary - Warren Wiersbe - 428 ratings

Evangelical Commentary on the Bible - Judges by Andrew Boling (20 pages); editor Walter Elwell (1989) 1239 pages. User reviews. (See also Boling's 380 page commentary on Judges the Anchor Bible Series)

Halley's Bible Handbook Henry H. Halley - (2000) 2720 pages (much larger than original edition in 1965 and no time limit on use). (Halley's Bible handbook : an abbreviated Bible commentary - one hour limit 1965 872 pages)

Rosscup - A much-used older evangelical handbook bringing together a brief commentary on Bible books, some key archaeological findings, historical background, maps, quotes, etc. It is helpful to a lay Bible teacher, Sunday School leader, or pastor looking for quick, pertinent information on a Bible book. This is the 72nd printing somewhat revised. Halley packed in much information. Unger’s is better overall, but that is not to say that Halley’s will not provide much help on basic information.

The Shaw Pocket Bible Handbook - Editor - Walter Elwell (1984) 408 pages.

"This hardback is small in size but packed full of content: Brief summaries of every book of the bible, cultural, archaeological and historical info, word definitions, pictures, maps and charts." Worth checking! 

MORE SERMONS AND
COMMENTARIES

HENRY ALFORD

James Rosscup writes that "This was the great work in the life of the versatile Dean of Canterbury. An outcome of this production was the New Testament for English Readers (4 vols.). Alford was a Calvinist, conservative and premillennial, though not dispensational. He takes a literal interpretation of the thousand years in Rev. 20 and has a famous quote there, is strong on sovereign election as in Ro 8:29, 30 and 1Pe 1:2, but, unfortunately, holds to baptismal regeneration in such texts as Titus 3:5 and John 3:5. He shows a great knowledge of the Greek text and faces problems of both a doctrinal and textual nature." (Commentaries for Biblical Expositors: An Annotated Bibliography of Selected Works)

John Piper writes ""When I’m stumped with a… grammatical or syntactical or logical [question] in Paul, I go to Henry Alford. Henry Alford… comes closer more consistently than any other human commentator to asking my kinds of questions."

Charles Haddon Spurgeon writes that this text "is an invaluable aid to the critical study of the text of the New Testament. You will find in it the ripened results of a matured scholarship, the harvesting of a judgment, generally highly impartial, always worthy of respect, which has gleaned from the most important fields of Biblical research, both modern and ancient, at home and abroad. You will not look here for any spirituality of thought or tenderness of feeling; you will find the learned Dean does not forget to do full justice to his own views, and is quite able to express himself vigorously against his opponents; but for what it professes to be, it is an exceedingly able and successful work. The later issues are by far the most desirable, as the author has considerably revised the work in the fourth edition. What I have said of his Greek Testament applies equally to Alford’s New Testament for English Readers,* which is also a standard work." (Spurgeon, C. H. Lectures to my Students, Vol. 4: Commenting and Commentaries; Lectures Addressed to the students of the Pastors' College, Metropolitan Tabernacle)

PAUL APPLE - modern commentary - 139 pages - includes outlines, questions, devotional thoughts, quotes for reflection.

JACK ARNOLD

Jack Arnold died instantly in the pulpit after uttering these final words: "And when I go to heaven." (Read more) His sermons are well done, as you might imagine!

BACK TO THE BIBLE Devotionals

COLOSSIANS 2 are found here

  • Colossians 2:1-7 You Grow the Way you Were Born - Epp
  • Colossians 2:2 Christians United in Love - W. H. G. Thomas
  • Colossians 2:2 Possibilities in Love by Mary Wilder Tileston
  • Colossians 2:6 His Will Becomes Mine by Mary Wilder Tileston
  • Colossians 2:6 Walking by Sight, Not by Faith - Epp
  • Colossians 2:6-7 A Submissive Faith - Epp
  • Colossians 2:10 Our Union With Christ by W. H. G. Thomas
  • Colossians 2:10-15 Not "Ought" but "Are" - Epp

WILLIAM BARCLAY Daily Study Bible

D Edmond Hiebert - Prints the author's own translation. Barclay defends Petrine authorship of 1 Peter but not of 2 Peter. Valuable for its numerous helpful word studies and background material. Barclay holds that Christ's descent into Hades gave those who there heard Him a second chance.

James Rosscup: This is a lucid and well-organized exposition of the epistles with many helpful lists on different facets of truth John can have in mind at different points as on “light” and “darkness” in I John 1:5. There is stimulating background material and warm application. (Commentaries for Biblical Expositors: An annotated bibliography of selected works).

Comment: I appreciate Barclay's unique insights on Greek words, but clearly his teaching about a "second chance" is NOT sound doctrine! Be an Acts 17:11 Berean with Barclay.  See discussion of his orthodoxy especially the article "The Enigmatic William Barclay".

ALBERT BARNES

James Rosscup writes that Barnes "includes 16 volumes on the Old Testament, 11 on the New Testament. The New Testament part of this old work was first published in 1832–1851. Various authors contributed. It is evangelical and amillennial… Often the explanations of verses are very worthwhile." (Commentaries for Biblical Expositors: An Annotated Bibliography of Selected Works)

C H Spurgeon "Albert Barnes is a learned and able divine, but his productions are unequal in value, the gospels are of comparatively little worth, but his other comments are extremely useful for Sunday-school teachers and persons with a narrow range of reading, endowed with enough good sense to discriminate between good and evil… Placed by the side of the great masters, Barnes is a lesser light, but taking his work for what it is and professes to be, no minister can afford to be without it, and this is no small praise for works which were only intended for Sunday-school teachers." (Spurgeon, C. H. Lectures to my Students, Vol. 4: Commenting and Commentaries; Lectures Addressed to the students of the Pastors' College, Metropolitan Tabernacle)

G. R. BEASLEY-MURRAY

BRIAN BELL

CHRIS BENFIELD

JOHANN BENGEL

James Rosscup writes "This work (Gnomon), originally issued in 1742, has considerable comment on the Greek, flavoring the effort with judicious details about the spiritual life. It has much that helps, but has been surpassed by many other commentaries since its day." (Commentaries for Biblical Expositors: An Annotated Bibliography of Selected Works)

Charles Haddon Spurgeon -- Bengel's NT commentary "is the Scholar's delight! Bengel condensed more matter into a line than can be extracted from pages of other writers." "'A Critical New Testament, so compiled as to enable a reader, unacquainted with Greek, to ascertain the exact English force and meaning of the language of the New Testament, and to appreciate the latest results of modern criticism.' Such is the professed aim of this commentary, and the compilers have very fairly carried out their intentions. The whole of Bengel’s Gnomon is bodily transferred into the work, and as one hundred and twenty years have elapsed since the first issue of that book, it may be supposed that much has since been added to the wealth of Scripture exposition; the substance of this has been incorporated in brackets, so as to bring it down to the present advanced state of knowledge. We strongly advise the purchase of this book, as it is multum in parvo, and will well repay an attentive perusal. Tischendorf and Alford have contributed largely, with other German and English critics, to make this one of the most lucid and concise commentaries on the text and teachings of the New Testament" (Spurgeon, C. H. Lectures to my Students, Vol. 4: Commenting and Commentaries; Lectures Addressed to the students of the Pastors' College, Metropolitan Tabernacle)

John Wesley said of Bengel "I know of no commentator on the Bible equal to Bengel" and referred to him as "The great light of the Christian world."

JOSEPH A BEET  Expositional Commentary

JOSEPH BENSON

BIBLE.ORG RESOURCES

BIBLICAL ILLUSTRATOR

BRIAN BILL - sermons

JIM BOMKAMP

JAMES BOURNE

GREGORY BROWN Commentary on Colossians

KARL BRAUNE- Lange's Commentary

BRIDGEWAY

F. F. BRUCE

WILLIAM BURKITT

JOHN CALVIN Commentary on Colossians

CAMBRIDGE BIBLE FOR SCHOOLS -  H. C. G. Moule (1891)

D Edmond Hiebert - A concise, lucid treatment of these epistles by a conservative Anglican scholar of the past generation. Includes several valuable appendixes.

CAMBRIDGE GREEK TESTAMENT - C F D Moule

D Edmond Hiebert - Greek text. Part of a new edition of the Cambridge Greek Testament. Valuable introduction. An exegetical commentary based on a linguistic and theological interpretation of the original text.

RICH CATHERS - frequent illustrations

ADAM CLARKE

James Rosscup - This old, conservative Wesleyan Methodist work is good devotionally and aggressive for righteous living. Laypeople can find it still valuable today. It is Arminian in viewpoint and thus helpful, for example, in showing the reader how this approach deals with texts involving the eternal security question. The work contains much background material from many sources on all books of the Bible.

VINCENT CHEUNG

GREGORY CHRISTOPHER

GEORGE CLARK "Designed for Pastors and Sunday Schools"

THOMAS CONSTABLE

W A CRISWELL

RON DANIEL Sermons 

JOHN NELSON DARBY

GEORGE DAVISON

BOB DEWAAY

JOHN DUMMELOW

MARK DUNAGAN

J LIGON DUNCAN

JOHN EADIE

D Edmond Hiebert - First published in 1855, this is a full and rich exegetical treatment of Colossians by a conservative Scottish Presbyterian scholar of the last century. Although innocent of the later theological developments, it still has value for the Greek student for its exegetical insights.

James Rosscup -  Based on the Greek text, this commentary grapples with problems in an energetic fashion, presenting various views and coming to conclusions. It is voluminous (480 pages).

Spurgeon - This is a most careful attempt to ascertain the meaning of the Apostle by a painstaking analysis of his words. The author is not warped by any system of theology, but yet he does not deviate from recognized evangelical truth. As a piece of honest grammatical exegesis the value of this commentary is very great, though there is room to differ from it here and there. (Lectures to my Students, Vol. 4: Commenting and Commentaries)

EASY ENGLISH

CHARLES ELLICOTT COMMENTARY 

James Rosscup -  Though often scanty, the work edited by a brilliant scholar is sometimes very helpful. Ellicott was an Anglican bishop. The New Testament part is more valuable. The work dates back to 1897 and is verse by verse, consisting of 2,292 pp. Ellicott was an outstanding Anglican conservative scholar of the 19th century in England. He also wrote critical commentaries on Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Thessalonians and Philemon. Different scholars here contributed on different scripture books, Famous names included are George Rawlinson (Exodus), H. D. M. Spence (I Samuel), E. H. Plumptre (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Acts, 2 Corinthians), W. Sanday (Romans, Galatians), Alfred Plummer (2 Peter, Jude), etc. A one-volume condensation edited by John Bowdle is available (Zondervan, 1971, 1,242 pages). 

What the Bible Teaches – Each page of this commentary has the AV text at the top and a commentary on some of the words and phrases underneath. Now over a century old, it is still very helpful.

EXPLORE THE BIBLE

EXPOSITOR'S GREEK TESTAMENT

EXPOSITORY DICTIONARY OF TEXTS

BRIAN FISHER

DON FORTNER Sermons 

A C GAEBELEIN

James Rosscup - This dispensationally oriented work is not verse-by-verse, but deals with the exposition on a broader scale, treating blocks of thought within the chapters. Cf. also Arno C. Gaebelein, Gaebelein’s Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible (I Volume, Neptune, NJ: Loizeaux, 1985), the Annotated Bible revised. The author was a popular evangelical Bible teacher of the first part of the century, much like H. A. Ironside in his diligent but broad, practical expositions of Bible books. Gaebelein was premillennial and dispensational, and editor for many years of Our Hope Magazine. 

JOHN GILL

BRUCE GOETTSCHE

GOSPEL COALITION

GRACE BAPTIST CHURCH

L M GRANT

JAMES GRAY

DAVE GUZIK

JAMES HASTINGS

VANCE HAVNER

ROBERT HAWKER

MATTHEW HENRY

Spurgeon - A Christian man wishing for the cream of expository writers could not make a better purchase. Ministers, as a rule, should not buy condensations, but get the works themselves.

James Rosscup - This evangelical work, devotional in character, has been in constant demand for about 280 years. Its insight into human problems is great, but it often does not deal adequately with problems in the text. The one-volume form eliminates the Biblical text and is thus less bulky. It has sold very well. The late Wilbur M. Smith, internationally noted Bible teacher, seminary professor and lover of books, tabbed this “The greatest devotional commentary ever written”. Henry was born in a Welch farmhouse, studied law, and became a Presbyterian minister near London. He wrote this commentary in the last 13 years before he died at 52 in 1714. The first of six volumes was published in 1708. He completed through Acts, and the rest of the New Testament was done by 14 clergymen.

DAVID HOCKING - outline with lots of alliteration

F B HOLE

DAVID HOLWICK

HOMILETICS

WAYNE HOUSE

J. P. T. HUNT

BRUCE HURT, MD - in depth, verse by verse, word studies, devotionals, illustrations

HYMNS RELATING TO COLOSSIANS

ICC NT COMMENTARY

IVP COMMENTARY

H A IRONSIDE 

JAMIESON, FAUSSET, BROWN

Published 1871 - Probably best older commentary on prophetic passages as it tends to interpret more literally.

James Rosscup - This is a helpful old set of 1863 for laypeople and pastors to have because it usually comments at least to some degree on problems. Though terse, it provides something good on almost any passage, phrase by phrase and is to some degree critical in nature. It is evangelical....Especially in its multi-volume form this is one of the old evangelical works that offers fairly solid though brief help on many verses. Spurgeon said, “It contains so great a variety of information that if a man had no other exposition he would find himself at no great loss if he possessed this and used it diligently” (Commenting and Commentaries, p. 3). Things have changed greatly since this assessment! It is primarily of help to pastors and lay people looking for quick, though usually somewhat knowledgeable treatments on verses.

Spurgeon - A really standard work. We consult it continually, and with growing interest. Mr. Fausset’s portion strikes us as being of the highest order. 

John Cereghin -  A conservative exposition. He defends Petrine authorship (xlixff); argues for the deity of Christ (619); holds that assurance in Scripture is doubly sure (622); identifies the elements as “the world’s component materials” (627); holds that Paul’s Epistles were already known as “Scripture” (628).

Below is the unabridged version of Jamieson, Fausset, Brown.

S LEWIS JOHNSON

S LEWIS JOHNSON 

12 part series on the epistle of Colossians in Bibliotheca Sacra - only the first page of the article is viewable at no charge but fee ($50/yr or $5/mo) 

Dr Johnson's Colossians Studies in Bibliotheca Sacra - 12 part series - there is a cost but only $5/month. You could subscribe and save the documents on your computer for future study. 

WILLIAM KELLY

GUY KING

A E KNOCH

R J KREJCIR

A verse by verse inductive and exegetical Bible Study series on the Book of Colossians!

PAUL KRETZMANN

LANGE COMMENTARY

James Rosscup - The treatments of books within this evangelical set vary in importance. Generally, one finds a wealth of detailed commentary, background, and some critical and exegetical notes. Often, however, there is much excess verbiage that does not help particularly. On the other hand, it usually has something to assist the expositor on problems and is a good general set for pastors and serious lay people though it is old.

NATHAN LEWIS

J B LIGHTFOOT

JOHN MACARTHUR

ALEXANDER MACLAREN - From Expositor's Bible Commentary

D Edmond Hiebert - One of the richest expositions in this famous series. Maclaren is here at his best; rich exposition with valuable application.

ALEXANDER MACLAREN Sermon

BRYN MACPHAIL

S R MACPHAIL

HENRY MAHAN

J VERNON MCGEE

F B MEYER Devotionals

H A W MEYER - Critical and Exegetical Handbook to the Epistles to the Philippians and Colossians 1875

MONERGISM

G. CAMPBELL MORGAN Colossians Sermons Westminster Pulpit

HENRY MORRIS

Defender's Study Bible - Excellent, conservative, literal study Bible notes from a leading creationist commentator, Dr Henry Morris. 

H C G MOULE

ROBERT NEIGHBOUR

NET BIBLE NOTES

PHIL NEWTON

JAMES NISBET - Church Pulpit Commentary

RAYMOND ORTLUND, JR.

OUR DAILY BREAD - ALL ON ONE PAGE - some duplication with following list

OUR DAILY BREAD

JOSEPH PARKER

PASTOR LIFE

PETER PETT

J B PHILLIPS

J C PHILPOT

JOHN PIPER Sermons on Colossians

MATTHEW POOLE

PREACHER'S HOMILETICAL COMMENTARY

PRECEPT MINISTRIES

RAY PRITCHARD

PULPIT COMMENTARY

ROBERT RAYBURN

REFORMATION STUDY BIBLE The Epistle to the Colossians

GRANT RICHISON

A. T. ROBERTSON

A. T. ROBERTSON The Epistle to the Colossians

D Edmond Hiebert - A series of expository lectures, originally published in 1928, which unite accurate scholarship with spiritual edification by a master of the Greek. Abounds in flashes of light from the Greek for the common reader.

GIL RUGH Sermon

ROB SALVATO

JOHNNY SANDERS

SANTA BARBARA COMMUNITY CHURCH

RAYMOND SAXE - Sermons, Fellowship Bible Church

  • Colossians 2:1-2 ( doc, pdf)
  • Colossians 2:3-6 ( doc, pdf)
  • Colossians 2:6-7 ( doc, pdf)
  • Colossians 2:8-10 ( doc, pdf)
  • Colossians 2:9-10 ( doc, pdf)
  • Colossians 2:11-12 ( doc, pdf)
  • Colossians 2:13-15 ( doc, pdf)
  • Colossians 2:16-17 ( doc, pdf)
  • Colossians 2:18-19 ( doc, pdf)
  • Colossians 2:20-23 ( doc, pdf)

RAYMOND SAXE -  COLOSSIANS SERMON NOTES FROM 1980s

  • Colossians 2:1-3 (pdf)
  • Colossians 2:4-7 (pdf)
  • Colossians 2:8-10 (pdf)
  • Colossians 2:11-15 (pdf)
  • Colossians 2:16-19 (pdf)
  • Colossians 2:16-19 Postscript (pdf)
  • Colossians 2:20-23 (pdf)

SCHAFF'S POPULAR COMMENTARY

SERMON BIBLE COMMENTARY

SERMONS BY VERSE - older expositions

CHARLES SIMEON

CHUCK SMITH

R C SPROUL - devotionals from Ligonier Ministries

C H SPURGEON

SPEAKER'S COMMENTARY

C H SPURGEON

RAY STEDMAN

SAM STORMS

JOSEPH SUTCLIFFE

PAUL TAYLOR - Pennisula Bible Church

TIM TEMPLE - Living Bible Studies

THIRD MILLENNIUM - study notes

DAVID THOMPSON SERMONS

Conservative. Evangelical. Transcripts average 5 pages.

TODAY IN THE WORD Devotionals on Colossian

JOHN TRAPP

BOB UTLEY 

VALLEY BIBLE CHURCH

2. Guarding the church from error 

a. Let no one delude you (Colossians 2:1-7)

b. Let no one deceive you (Colossians 2:8-15)

c. Let no one defraud you (Colossians 2:16-23)

MARVIN VINCENT

DANIEL WHEDON

OCTAVIUS WINSLOW

SERMONS BY VERSE - Older expositions 

And Comfort W. H. Griffith Thomas Colossians 2:1
Nature and Objects of the Apostle's Struggle on Behalf of the Saints T. Croskery. Colossians 2:1-3
St. Paul's Anxieties for the Colossians, and How They Were Allayed E.S. Prout Colossians 2:1-3
Three Wonderful Things U.R. Thomas Colossians 2:1-3
All Riches of the Fall Assurance of Understanding N. Byfield. Colossians 2:1-4
Christian Unity W. Williams. Colossians 2:1-4
Earthly and Heavenly Riches   Colossians 2:1-4
Error is Insidious Dr. R. W. Hamilton. Colossians 2:1-4
Ministerial Anxiety G. Barlow. Colossians 2:1-4
Paul's Striving for the Colossians A. Maclaren, D. D. Colossians 2:1-4
Satan's Method C. H. Spurgeon. Colossians 2:1-4
Soul Prosperity W. M. Punshon, LL. D. Colossians 2:1-4
St. Paul's Conflict J. Daille. Colossians 2:1-4
The Boundless Wealth of Wisdom in Christ J. Spence, D. D. Colossians 2:1-4
The Full Assurance of Knowledge W. B. Pope, D. D. Colossians 2:1-4
The Full Assurance of Understanding J. Hughes, D. D., J. Spence, D. D. Colossians 2:1-4
The Hidden Treasures of Wisdom in Christ G. Barlow. Colossians 2:1-4
The Treasures of Christ in Relation to Education W. Archer Butler, M. A. Colossians 2:1-4
The Triple Fruit of Evangelical Doctrine Bishop Davenant. Colossians 2:1-4
The True Safeguard Against Error A. Maclaren, D. D. Colossians 2:1-4
This I Say Lest Any Man Should Beguile You J. Daille. Colossians 2:1-4
Three Wonderful Things U. R. Thomas. Colossians 2:1-4
Introduction to the Polemical Part of the Epistle R. Finlayson Colossians 2:1-7
The Trinity as the Source of Christian Love and Consolation R.M. Edgar Colossians 2:1-7
A Warning Against Deceivers T. Croskery. Colossians 2:4, 5
Blessed Christian Possibilities U.R. Thomas Colossians 2:4-7
Congratulations and Counsels E.S. Prout Colossians 2:4-7
A Lofty Church Ideal A. Maclaren, D. D. Colossians 2:5
Apostolic Praise of Order and Stability G. Barlow. Colossians 2:5
Order and Steadfastness Bp. Alexander. Colossians 2:5
Phases of Human Nature D. Thomas, D. D. Colossians 2:5
The Faith and Order of the Gospel Recommended   Colossians 2:5
The Separation of Friends G. B. Birch. Colossians 2:5
The Value of Steadfast Faith C. H. Spurgeon. Colossians 2:5
Christian Progress Alexander Maclaren Colossians 2:6
Colossians Ii. 6, 7 St. Chrysostom Colossians 2:6
As and So C. H. Spurgeon. Colossians 2:6-7
Christ is the Believer's Foundation T. Guthrie. Colossians 2:6-7
Christian Activity the Safeguard of the Church Bishop Magee. Colossians 2:6-7
Faith is Receiving Christ C. H. Spurgeon. Colossians 2:6-7
Growth in Christ W.F. Adneney Colossians 2:6, 7
Progress is Gradual Dr. Goulburn. Colossians 2:6-7
Receiving Christ and Walking in Him J. Vaughan, M. A. Colossians 2:6-7
Retrospection the Basis of Progress J. Burton. Colossians 2:6-7
Suggestive Features of the Christian Life G. Barlow. Colossians 2:6-7
The Christian Life J. Gill. Colossians 2:6-7
The Christly Character D. Thomas, D. D. Colossians 2:6-7
The Life and Walk of Faith C. H. Spurgeon. Colossians 2:6-7
The Principle of a Consistent Christian Walk T. Croskery. Colossians 2:6, 7
The Threefold Growth A. J. Gordon, D. D. Colossians 2:6-7
A Warning Against Speculative Deceivers T. Croskery. Colossians 2:8
Christ the Treasury of Wisdom W.F. Adneney Colossians 2:8
Philosophy and its Counterfeit D. Thomas, D. D. Colossians 2:8
Philosophy Discriminated A. Vinet, D. D. Colossians 2:8
Philosophy True and False Bp. Davenant. Colossians 2:8
St. Paul's Attitude Towards Philosophy Bp. Lightfoot. Colossians 2:8
The Bane and the Antidote A. Maclaren, D. D. Colossians 2:8
The Fear Which Terminates in the Second Death Andrew Lee et al Colossians 2:8
The Gospel to be Preached in its Purity S. H. Leary, D. C. L. Colossians 2:8
The Gospel to be Preached Simply C. H. Spurgeon. Colossians 2:8
The Marks of a False Philosophy G. Barlow. Colossians 2:8
The Pure Milk of God's Word S. H. Leary, D. C. L. Colossians 2:8
The Spoiler and His Implement Bp. Alexander., Bp. Lightfoot. Colossians 2:8
Christ's Fulness the Christian's Safeguard E.S. Prout Colossians 2:8-10
Christ Our All R.M. Edgar Colossians 2:8-15
Philosophy R. Finlayson Colossians 2:8-15
The Complete Man U.R. Thomas Colossians 2:8-15
The Full Divinity of Christ W.F. Adneney Colossians 2:9
The Fulness of Christ E. H. Palmer. Colossians 2:9
The Fulness of God Dwelling in Christ E. Payson, D. D. Colossians 2:9
Christ the Fulness of the Godhead, and Our Relationship to Him T. Croskery. Colossians 2:9, 10
Angels N. Byfield. Colossians 2:10
Believers Complete in Christ A. Fletcher, D. D. Colossians 2:10
Christians Complete in Christ E. Cooper, M. A. Colossians 2:10
Complete in Christ J. Vaughan, M. A. Colossians 2:10
Complete in Christ E. P. Terhune, D. D. Colossians 2:10
Completed Life W. L. Watkinson. Colossians 2:10
Completely Furnished C. H. Spurgeon. Colossians 2:10
Every Need of Man Supplied in Christ C. Clemance, D. D. Colossians 2:10
The Completing of the Soul H. Bushnell, D. D. Colossians 2:10
The Fulness of Humanity W.F. Adneney Colossians 2:10
Ye are Complete in Him T. Jones, D. D. Colossians 2:10
The True Circumcision T. Croskery. Colossians 2:11
Christian Circumcision G. Barlow. Colossians 2:11-12
The Believer's Identification with Christ Bishop Alexander. Colossians 2:11-12
The Circumcision of Christ J. Spence, D. D. Colossians 2:11-12
The True Circumcision A. Maclaren, D. D. Colossians 2:11-12
Purity, Pardon, and Victory Through Christ E.S. Prout Colossians 2:11-15
The Import of Christian Baptism T. Croskery. Colossians 2:12
Characteristics of the New Life J. Spence, D. D. Colossians 2:13-14
Spiritual Death J. B. Owen, M. A. Colossians 2:13-14
The Dead Soul J. Spence, D. D. Colossians 2:13-14
The Great Deliverance Bishop Davenant. Colossians 2:13-14
The Holy Spirit is the Quickener T. W. Jenkyn, D. D. Colossians 2:13-14
The Transition from Death to Life G. Barlow. Colossians 2:13-14
The Atonement and its Blessed Results T. Croskery. Colossians 2:13-15
Cancelled and Nailed Up New Testament Anecdotes Colossians 2:14
Our Indictment Cancelled by the Cross J. Spence, D. D. Colossians 2:14
The Cross the Death of Law A. Maclaren, D. D. Colossians 2:14
The Handwriting Blotted Out Bp. Davenant. Colossians 2:14
The Law is Against Sinners J. Edmond, D. D. Colossians 2:14
Believers Share the Triumph of Christ   Colossians 2:15
Christ Triumphant C. H. Spurgeon. Colossians 2:15
Christ's Victory Christ and other Masters. Colossians 2:15
The Triumph of Christ C. H. Spurgeon. Colossians 2:15
The Triumph of the Cross G. Barlow. Colossians 2:15
Colossians Ii. 16-19 St. Chrysostom Colossians 2:16
The Rights of Liberty W.F. Adneney Colossians 2:16
Christian Liberty A. Maclaren, D. D. Colossians 2:16-17
Condemnation of Ritualistic Observances and Ascetic Severities T. Croskery. Colossians 2:16, 17
Religion, Freedom, and Joy John Smith. Colossians 2:16-17
The Ceremonial and the Real in Religion G. Barlow. Colossians 2:16-17
The Shadow and the Substance J. Spence, D. D. Colossians 2:16-17
Christian Independence U.R. Thomas Colossians 2:16-19
Two Dangers to be Avoided E.S. Prout Colossians 2:16-19
Legalism Exposed R.M. Edgar Colossians 2:16-23
Three Errors R. Finlayson Colossians 2:16-23
A Warning to Believers Charles Haddon Spurgeon Colossians 2:18
A Warning Against Angel Worship T. Croskery. Colossians 2:18, 19
Angel Worship Bp. Davenant. Colossians 2:18-19
False Confidences Christian Age Colossians 2:18-19
How Self-Will May be Lost   Colossians 2:18-19
Humility Before God Hoveden. Colossians 2:18-19
Speculative and Practical Error Dean Vaughan. Colossians 2:18-19
The Angels and the Head A. Maclaren, D. D. Colossians 2:18-19
The Head and the Body Bp. Davenant. Colossians 2:18-19
The Seductive Peril of a False Philosophy G. Barlow. Colossians 2:18-19
The Union Between Head and Body Bp. Lightfoot. Colossians 2:18-19
A Warning Against Asceticism T. Croskery. Colossians 2:20-23
Religion Does not Consist, in Bodily Neglect R. Stevens. Colossians 2:20-23
Ritualism Described and Condemned J. Spence, D. D. Colossians 2:20-23
The Ceremonial in Religion G. Barlow. Colossians 2:20-23
The Christian's Exemption from Bondage to Outwardness U.R. Thomas Colossians 2:20-23
The Soul's True Freedom in Christ Alone C. Wadsworth, D. D. Colossians 2:20-23
The Worthlessness of Unauthorized Ceremonialism E.S. Prout Colossians 2:20-23
Two Final Tests of the False Teaching A. Maclaren, D. D. Colossians 2:20-23
The Failure of Asceticism W.F. Adneney Colossians 2:23

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