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 |
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| Colossians 1 | Colossians 2 | Colossians 3 | Colossians 4 |
| Supremacy of Christ |
Submission to Christ |
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| Doctrinal and Corrective |
Practical and Reassuring |
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| What Christ Did For Us |
What Christ Does Through Us |
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| Christ Our Lord |
Christ Our Life |
Christ our Love |
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| Christ the Head of the Body |
Christ the Lord of the Universe |
Christ the Head of the Home |
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| Instruction | Warnings | Exhortations | Reminders |
| Reconciliation | Creation | Submission | Conversation |
| His Person and Word |
His Peace and Presence |
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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/
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!
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 or Logos)
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)
JACK ARNOLD - sermons
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!
- The Christian Employer Colossians 4:1, Ephesians 6:9
- Prayer And The World Colossians 4:2-4
- Witnessing And The World Colossians 4:5,6
- Pauls Faithful Companions Ephesians 4:7-11
- Pauls Final Thoughts Colossians 4:12-1
COLOSSIANS 4 all below are found here
- Colossians 4:2 Effort in Prayer by Mary Wilder Tileston
- Colossians 4:12-13 Fire on the Prayer Altar - Epp
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".
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)
- Colossians 4 Vigilant
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."
- Colossians 4 Commentary
- Colossians 4 - less Greek
CHRIS BENFIELD - sermons
- Colossians 3:18-4:1 Living to Honor Christ
- Colossians 4:2-6 Two Essential Activities
- Colossians 4:7-14 The Heart of a Servant
- Colossians 4:15-18 A Concluding Assignment
JOSEPH BENSON
BRIAN BILL - sermons
- Colossians 3:18 -4:1 Making Your Relationships Work
- Colossians 4:2-6 Knowing What to Pray For
- Colossians 4:7-6 Why We Need Each Other
- Colossians 4:16 Taking Time to Give Thanks
JIM BOMKAMP - sermon
ANDREW BONAR
THOMAS BROOKS
- Colossians 4:2 Secret Prayer (From his longer discourse "A Word in Season to Suffering Saints")
- See also
GREGORY BROWN Commentary on Colossians
- The Christian Worker (Colossians 3:22-4-1)
- The Mission-Driven Life (Colossians 4:2-6)
- Gospel–Centered Friendships (Colossians 4:7-18)
- Bibliography
BRIDGEWAY
WILLIAM BURKITT
GREGORY BROWN - Commentary on Colossians
- The Christian Worker (Colossians 3:22-4-1)
- The Mission-Driven Life (Colossians 4:2-6)
- Gospel–Centered Friendships (Colossians 4:7-18)
D Edmond Hiebert - A concise, lucid treatment of these epistles by a conservative Anglican scholar of the past generation. Includes several valuable appendixes.
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
- Colossians 3:22 - 4:1
- Colossians 4:2-6
- Colossians 4:7-18
- Colossians 2-4 Survey
- Colossians 3:18-4:1 In Depth
VINCENT CHEUNG
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.
GEORGE CLARK - Commentary "Designed for Pastors and Sunday Schools"
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.
W A CRISWELL Sermon
JOHN NELSON DARBY
JOHN DUMMELOW
MARK DUNAGAN
J LIGON DUNCAN - sermons
- Colossians 3:22-4:1 Sermon - Incomparable Christ XV
- Colossians 4:2-6 Sermon - Incomparable Christ XVI
- Colossians 4:7-18 Sermon - Incomparable Christ XVII
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.
BRIAN FISHER
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.
- Colossians 3:22-4:1 God and Your Job
- Colossians 4:2-4 A Summons to Prayer
- Colossians 4:5 Living With Wisdom Before a Watching World
- Colossians 4:6 The Power of Our Words
- Colossians 4:7-18 Expressing Gratitude for Our Friends
GOSPEL COALITION
- Scripture Index - Colossians - The Gospel Coalition - most are Mp3's
GRACE BAPTIST CHURCH
L M GRANT
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
HOLMAN PUBLISHING
- Holman Christian Standard Bible Study Bible - Well done conservative notes. Includes access to Holman NT Commentary on each Gospel (see Library in left gutter).
HOMILETICS
DAVID HOLWICK Sermons
- Colossians 3:22-4:1-Working on a Chain Gang
- Colossians 4:2-6-Seasoned To Perfection
- Colossians 4:3-6 Cultivating Civility
- Colossians 4:7-18-Greetings Galore
BRUCE HURT, MD - in depth, verse by verse, word studies, devotionals, illustrations
ICC NT COMMENTARY
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.
- Colossians 3:18-4:1 The New Man in the Old Relationship
- Colossians 4:2-6 Prayer and the Outsiders
- Colossians 4:7-18 Paul's Last Word to the Colossians
S LEWIS JOHNSON - Series on Colossians in Bibliotheca Sacra
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.
- Colossians 4:2-6 The Outward life - Watching in Prayer (4:2-4)/ Walking in Wisdom (4:5)/ Witnessing in Word (4:6);
- Colossians 4:7-18 - Paul’s Final Words to the Colossians
- Colossians 3:15-4:1 His Ideal Home Exhibition
- Colossians 4:2-6 His Talk of Tongues
- Colossians 4:7-14 His Enclosed Group Photograph
- Colossians 4:15-18 His Kind Regard
A E KNOCH
R J KREJCIR
A verse by verse inductive and exegetical Bible Study series on the Book of Colossians!
- Colossians 3:18-4:1 Running the Christian Home!
- Colossians 4:2-6 Devoting ourselves to Christ!
- Colossians 4:7-18 Ones Faithful Service to Christ!
PAUL KRETZMANN
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
LIFE AND LAND SEMINARS
- Colossians 3:18- 4:1 The New Man Makes a New Home
- Colossians 4:2 The Speech of the New Man, Part 1
- Colossians 4:2-6 The Speech of the New Man, Part 2
- Colossians 4:7-18 With a Little Help from My Friends
- Colossians 4 Speech Seasoned with Salt
D Edmond Hiebert - One of the richest expositions in this famous series. Maclaren is here at his best; rich exposition with valuable application.
- Colossians 3:18-4:1 The Christian Family
- Colossians 4:2-6 Precepts for the Innermost and Outermost Life
- Colossians 4:7-9 Tychicus and Onesimus, the Letter-Bearers
- Colossians 4:10-14 Salutations From the Prisoner's Friends
- Colossians 4:15-18 Closing Messages
BRYN MACPHAIL - sermons
S R MACPHAIL
HENRY MAHAN
RALPH MARTIN
F B MEYER Devotional
- Colossians 4:6: Devotional (August 20)
- Colossians 4:6: Devotional (Nov 8)
- Colossians 4:5: Scroll down
MONERGISM
HENRY MORRIS
Defender's Study Bible - Excellent, conservative, literal study Bible notes from a leading creationist commentator, Dr Henry Morris.
- Colossians 4:1 Master
- Colossians 4:3 open unto us a door
- Colossians 4:5 redeeming the time. See Eph 5:16.
- Colossians 4:6 speech with grace answer
- Colossians 4:7 Tychicus
- Colossians 4:9 Onesimus
- Colossians 4:10 Aristarchus Marcus
- Colossians 4:12 Epaphras always labouring fervently
- Colossians 4:14 physician Demas
- Colossians 4:16 epistle from Laodicea
JAMES NISBET - Church Pulpit Commentary
- Colossians 3:22-4:1 Sanctification: A New Attitude
- Colossians 4:2-4 Sanctification: A New Devotion
- Colossians 4:5-6 Sanctification: A New Behavior
- Colossians 4:7-18 Sanctification: New Relationships
OUR DAILY BREAD - ALL ON ONE PAGE - some duplication with following list
- Colossians 1 Illustrations
- Colossians 2 Illustrations
- Colossians 3 Illustrations
- Colossians 4 Illustrations
- Colossians 4:1: People Over Profits
- Colossians 4:1: Beyond Just And Fair
- Colossians 4:1-6: Communicating With Care
- Colossians 4:1-12: Struggling To Kneel
- Colossians 4:2-6 Make It Attractive
- Colossians 4:2-15 2 A.M. Friends
- Colossians 4:2: Why Pray?
- Colossians 4:2: Watch What Happens!
- Colossians 4:2: It's The Knees
- Colossians 4:2-6: Bee Pollen And The Gospel
- Colossians 4:2-6: Life Words
- Colossians 4:3: Invisible People
- Colossians 4:4: Make It Clear
- Colossians 4:5: Don't Kill Time!
- Colossians 4:5: Life's Countdown
- Colossians 4:5: Time: Handle With Care
- Colossians 4:5-6:Responding With Hope
- Colossians 4:5-15: God's Diversity
- Colossians 4:6: A Manner Of Speaking
- Colossians 4:6: Tone Check
- Colossians 4:6: Life Words
- Colossians 4:6: Responding With Hope
- Colossians 4:6: Religious Nuts
- Colossians 4:6: A Clear Testimony
- Colossians 4:12-13: Zealous For God
- Colossians 4:17: The Finish Line
DANIEL E PARKS
PASTOR LIFE - sermons
- What Difference Does Prayer Make? Colossians 4:2-4
- Thanksgiving and Its Connection to our Praying Colossians 4:2-4
A S PEAKE - The Expositor's Greek Testament
James Rosscup writes that this is "One of the older, much-used commentaries, which offers considerable help on Greek words, grammar, background etc. and will prove rather contributive, consulted along with newer and longer studies."
PETER PETT
- Colossians 4:2-4: Devote Yourselves to Prayer
- Colossians 4:2-4: O Lord, Open A Door For the Word
- Colossians 4:2-6: Walk in Wisdom: Seize the Moment
- Colossians 4:2-6: Walk in Wisdom Toward Those Outside
- Colossians 4:6 Expressing Truth
ROBERT RAYBURN - sermons
- Colossians 3:22-4:1 Colossians No. 14
- Colossians 4:2-6 Colossians No. 15
- Colossians 4:7-18 Colossians No. 16
- Colossians 3:22–4:1
- Colossians 4:2–6
- Colossians 4:7–17
- Colossians 4:7
- Colossians 4:9
- Colossians 4:10
- Colossians 4:11
- Colossians 4:12
- Colossians 4:13
- Colossians 4:14
- Colossians 4:15
- Colossians 4:16
- Colossians 4:17
- Colossians 4:18
GRANT RICHISON - verse by verse
- Colossians 4:1
- Colossians 4:2
- Colossians 4:2b
- Colossians 4:2c
- Colossians 4:2d
- Colossians 4:2e
- Colossians 4:3
- Colossians 4:3b
- Colossians 4:3c
- Colossians 4:3d
- Colossians 4:4
- Colossians 4:4b
- Colossians 4:5
- Colossians 4:5b
- Colossians 4:5c
- Colossians 4:5d
- Colossians 4:6
- Colossians 4:6b
- Colossians 4:6c
- Colossians 4:7
- Colossians 4:7b
- Colossians 4:7c
- Colossians 4:7d
- Colossians 4:8
- Colossians 4:9
- Colossians 4:10
- Colossians 4:10b
- Colossians 4:11
- Colossians 4:12
- Colossians 4:12b
- Colossians 4:12c
- Colossians 4:12d
- Colossians 4:13
- Colossians 4:14
- Colossians 4:14b
- Colossians 4:15
- Colossians 4:16
- Colossians 4:17
- Colossians 4:17b
- Colossians 4:18
- Colossians 4: Greek Word Studies
- Colossians 3:18-4:1 The Social Obligations of the New Man in Christ
- Colossians 4:2-18 Matters Personal
ROB SALVATO Sermons
- Colossians 3:18-4:1 From The Heavenlies To Home and Work
- Colossians 4:2-6 Watch, Walk & Talk
- Colossians 4:7-18 Special Team Players
JOHNNY SANDERS
- Colossians Commentary - "The Lordship of Christ" - verse by verse
- Same Resource in Pdf - 92 Pages
- Outline of Colossians
SANTA BARBARA COMMUNITY CHURCH
- The Supremacy of Christ - Studies in Colossians - 76 pages of short notes on verses and paragraphs with helpful questions to cause you to ponder and apply
RAYMOND SAXE - Sermons, Fellowship Bible Church
- Colossians 3:22-4:1 ( doc, pdf)
- Colossians 4:2-4 ( doc, pdf)
- Colossians 4:5-6 ( doc, pdf)
- Colossians 4:7-9 ( doc, pdf)
- Colossians 4:9 ( doc, pdf)
- Colossians 4:10-11 ( doc, pdf)
- Colossians 4:12-13 ( doc, pdf)
- Colossians 4:15-16 ( doc, pdf)
- Colossians 4:17 ( doc, pdf)
- Colossians 4:18 ( doc, pdf)
RAYMOND SAXE - COLOSSIANS SERMON NOTES FROM 1980s
SCHAFF'S POPULAR COMMENTARY
CHARLES SIMEON Sermons
- Colossians 4:1 The Relative Duties Explained
- Colossians 4:12 The Character and Aim of a Christian Minister
CHUCK SMITH
- Colossians 4 Commentary
- Sermon Notes for Colossians 4:2
- Sermon Notes for Colossians 4:2-6
- Sermon Notes for Colossians 4:12
R C SPROUL - devotionals from Ligonier Ministries
- Colossians 4:1 Just and Fair Masters
- Colossians 4:2-4 Praying for the Mission
- Colossians 4:5 Wisdom in the World
- Colossians 4:6 Lively and Gracious Speech
- Colossians 4:7-9 Greetings from the Brethren
- Colossians 4:7–18 The Epistles of the Apostles
- Colossians 4:10-11 Paul’s Partners and Friends
- Colossians 4:12-15 Epaphras and Luke
- Colossians 4:16-18 Final Words to Colossae
- Colossians 4:2 A Sermon for the Week of Prayer
- Colossians 4:2 - Devotional
- Colossians 4 - Exposition
SAM STORMS
- IS ALL SCRIPTURE PROFITABLE? (Colossians 3:22-4:1)
- THE EASIEST THING ABOUT PRAYER (Colossians 4:2)
- PRAY THANKFULLY! (Colossians 4:2)
- JUST DO IT (Colossians 4:3-4)
- OPEN DOORS FOR THE GOSPEL (Colossians 4:3-4)
- HUMAN SET-BACKS OR DIVINE SET-UPS? (Colossians 4:3-4)
- "SALTY" SPEECH AND THE SALVATION OF SOULS (Colossians 4:5-6)
- WHEN CHRISTIANS CLASH PART I (Colossians 4:10,14)
- WHEN CHRISTIANS CLASH PART II (Colossians 4:10,14)
- WHEN CHRISTIANS CLASH PART III (Colossians 4:10,14)
- SUPERSTAR-LESS CHRISTIANITY (Colossians 4:7-17)
- WOMEN ON THE FRONTLINES (Colossians 4:15)
- THE PUBLIC READING OF "LOST" SCRIPTURE (Colossians 4:16)
- REMEMBER MY CHAINS (Colossians 4:18)
- YOU ARE SERVING THE LORD CHRIST! (Colossians 3:22-4:1)
JOSEPH SUTCLIFFE
PAUL TAYLOR - Pennisula Bible Church
- Colossians 3:18-25, Colossians 4:1 Bringing Christ Home
- Colossians 4:2-6 Walking in Christ to the World
- Colossians 4:7-18 Finding Your Story in Christ
TIM TEMPLE - Living Bible Studies
THIRD MILLENNIUM - study notes
- Slaves . . . Masters - Colossians 3:22-4:1
Kingdom Prayer - Colossians 4:2-4 - That I may proclaim - Colossians 4:3-4
- Covenant Life and Outsiders - Colossians 4:5-6
- Full of grace, seasoned with salt - Colossians 4:6
- Final Greetings - Colossians 4:7-18
- Tychicus - Colossians 4:7-8
- Onesimus - Colossians 4:9
- Aristarchus and Mark - Colossians 4:10
- Jesus, who is called Justus - Colossians 4:11
- Epaphras - Colossians 4:12
- Laodicea and Hierapolis - Colossians 4:13
- Luke and Demas - Colossians 4:14
- Nympha - Colossians 4:15
- Letter from Laodicea - Colossians 4:16
- Archippus - Colossians 4:17
- In my own hand - Colossians 4:18
DAVID THOMPSON SERMONS
Conservative. Evangelical. Transcripts average 5 pages.
- Pursuing God in our work (Colossians 3:22-4:1)
- Pursuing God in our world (Colossians 4:2-6)
- Pursuing God in our church (Colossians 4:7-18)