2. The Apostle Paul wrote Ephesians, Philemon, & Colossians during his first Roman imprisonment; which took place in 60-62 A.D. This is why Ephesians & Colossians are often viewed as “twin letters.”

3. Paul’s letter to the Colossians is unique, since he did not plant that church and would not ever visit it. Paul was told about its faith, growth, and problems by his friend Epaphras.

5. Colossae was 1 of 3 triad cities (along with Laodicea & Hierapolis). It was famed for it purple wool cloth, called collosinus. But as the other 2 cities increased in importance, Colossae saw its role diminish.

6. The Letter of Colossians has 2 Main Themes: 1.) To remind Christians that Jesus is sufficient for salvation and life, in the face of heresy 2.) To inspire Christians to grow and mature

7. COLOSSIANS 1: 1-8

8. Echoing 1 Corinthians 13:13; Paul draws the deep connection between the eternal values of faith, hope, and love with a Christian…but uses our hope for our Heavenly union with Jesus as an “igniter” for the other 2. *** 1 Peter 1: 3-9

9. Colossians 1:6 “… In the same way, the Gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace.”

10. We must never lose heart and never forget that the “seed” of the Gospel can grow in any kind of soil. Whether it does or not, is up to the individual that hears it.

11. Jesus Christ is… The One We Have Faith in The One We Are Saved By Grace Through The One Who Has Overcome Sin & Death The One Who Lives To Intercede for Us The One Who Loved Us First