The Abridged

Letter to the Colossians

Disputedly by Paul
Written betwen 57CE-80CE
Set in 62CE
Text Fully Preserved

Divinity of Christ, law interpretation

Colossians

History

Sent to Colossae, a city in Anatolia

Doubted legitimacy

Part 1

Part 1

Colossians, Ch 1

Chapter 1

1:1. From: Paul & Timothy

1:1. Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother,

1:2. To: Our friends at Colosse

1:2. To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

1:3. We always thank God and Jesus for you

1:3. We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,

1:4. We've heard of how strong your faith for Jesus is, and how much you love the saints.

1:4. Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints,

1:5. This love and faith comes from the hope you have about heaven, like Jesus told you about.

1:5. For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;

1:6. The whole world is hearing this message, it's actively spreading.

1:6. Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:

1:7-8. You heard it from Epaphras- who is our dear friend, and has many good things to say about you.

1:7. As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ;

1:8. Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.

1:9. Since we've heard about you, we've been praying for God to give you knowledge and understanding of Will, through Wisdom.

1:9. For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

1:10. We hope you live a life that makes God happy, and can do many good things.

1:10. That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

1:11-12. God will give you strength, patience, and joy, if you appreciate what God has given you- a nation of light.

1:11. Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

1:12. Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:

1:13-14. God has rescued us from darkness and shown us the land of Jesus, where we'll be forgiven of any wrongdoings.

1:13. Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

1:14. In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

Poem

1:15. Jesus is the image of the invisible God,
The first creation.

1:15. Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:

1:16. He created all things in heaven and on earth.

1:16. For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

1:17. He came before all things, and holds everything together.

1:17. And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

1:18. He is the head of the church,
And was brought back to life first because he is best.

1:18. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

1:19. God was happy Jesus could hold all of God.

1:19. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;

1:20. Jesus will make everything better by sacrificing himself to make peace.

1:20. And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

1:21. At one point in your lives, you fought against God, and thought God hated you.

1:21. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled

1:22-23. If you continue follow the truth and doing what we've been saying, Jesus will bring you closer to God by showing God how awesome you are.

1:22. In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:

1:23. If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;

1:24. It makes me proud to know what I suffered for you, and know there is still many more sacrifices that need to be made for the church.

1:24. Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:

1:25-26. I became the church's servant after God gave me secrets to reveal to you.

1:25. Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;

1:26. Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:

1:27. God has chosen to reveal this truth to everyone- that the Chosen is within you- and this is the true wealth.

1:27. To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

1:28. We honor Jesus and teach everyone with wisdom, so everyone has a chance to be perfect.

1:28. Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

1:29. This is my goal, and what the energy of the Chosen motivates me to do.

1:29. Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

Colossians, Ch 2

Chapter 2

2:1. I want you guys to know how hard I'm working for you.

2:1. For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;

2:2-3. I want to encourage everyone to love and be united, so that they can get the full wealth and knowledge of God and the Chosen.

2:2. That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;

2:3. In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

2:4. I'm telling you all this so you will be prepared if someone tries to convince you with other arguments.

2:4. And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.

2:5. Even though I'm not there physically, I'm there in spirit, and get so much joy hearing about you.

2:5. For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.

2:6-7. Just like you welcomed Jesus as Ruler, contine to be appreciative and live in his ways.

2:6. As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:

2:7. Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

2:8. Make sure no one can talk you into following stupid theology which depends on traditions and the physical world, rather than on the Chosen.

2:8. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

2:9-10. The full being of God lives in the body of the Chosen. They have given you everything you need.

2:9. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.

2:10. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

2:11-12. The Chosen cut parts off of you- not off your body, but off the part of your heart that was not very nice.

2:11. In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:

2:12. Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

2:13. When you lost in your own ways, God saved you and made you alive.

2:13. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

2:14. God forgave you of all wrongdoings, and tossed out the rules that restricted you, and destroyed it with Jesus' sacrifice.

2:14. Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

2:15. Jesus defeated even the forces of death.

2:15. And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

2:16. So, don't let anyone tell what to eat or drink, what festivals to celebrate, or any other rules.

2:16. Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:

2:17. These rules were just trying to describe how to act, but now, the truth is found in the Chosen.

2:17. Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

2:18. Don't let anyone who is cocky and obssessed with fantasy to throw you off track. They'll describe crazy visions and all sorts of weird, useless ideas.

2:18. Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,

2:19. They have lost connection to the head of the spiritual body.

2:19. And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.

2:20. If you were reborn with Christ, why do you still act like you're bound by the rules of this world?

2:20. Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,

2:21. "Don't touch! Don't taste!"

2:21. (Touch not; taste not; handle not;

2:22. These are all destined to be destroyed, because they come from human understanding.

2:22. Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?

2:23. These rules you can put on yourself do seem wise, if you like bragging and destroying your body, but they don't solve the root of the issue.

2:23. Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body: not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.

Colossians, Ch 3

Chapter 3

3:1. Since you know the Chosen, focus your heart on heaven.

3:1. If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

3:2. Set your mind on good things.

3:2. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

3:3. The old you died, and your life is now safe with the Chosen and God.

3:3. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

3:4. When the Chosen appears at the end of time, so will you.

3:4. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

3:5. Destroy any part of you that wants to do evil: sexual assault, adultery, greed, or idolatry.

3:5. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

3:6. God is coming to stop these.

3:6. For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:

3:7. You used to be like that, you know.

3:7. In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.

3:8. But now, get rid of: anger, evil, lies, and swears.

3:8. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.

3:9-10. You have gotten rid of your old self, and been renewed in the image of God.

3:9. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

3:10. And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

3:11. There is no religion, no nation, no rules, no classes- the Chosen is in everyone, and everyone is brought together by the Chosen.

3:11. Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.

3:12. Be examples for others- be compassionate, kind, humble, gentle, and patient.

3:12. Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

3:13. Go easy on each other, get along, and forgive each other, as God has forgiven you.

3:13. Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

3:14. And "Love" is the thing that ties this all together in one perfect package.

3:14. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

3:15. Let peace rule your hearts. Be appreciative.

3:15. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

3:16. Let the message of the Chosen live in you as you teach and compliment each other with wisdom. Sing songs with joy in your heart.

3:16. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

3:17. Whatever you do- thank God.

3:17. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

3:18. Wives, obey your husbands.

3:18. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.

3:19. Husbands, love and be gentle with your wives.

3:19. Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.

3:20. Children, listen to your parents.

3:20. Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.

3:21. Fathers, be nice to your children.

3:21. Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.

3:22. Slaves, obey your owners.

3:22. Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God;

3:23-24. Whatever you do, do it with all your heart, because it's for God- not for humanity. God is the one who make sure you'll rewarded.

3:23. And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

3:24. Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

3:25. Anyone who does wrong will be repaid- there is no excuses.

3:25. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

Colossians, Ch 4

Chapter 4

4:1. Slave owners- treat your slaves fair because you have a ruler in heaven.

4:1. Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.

4:2. Pray a lot, be observant and appreciative.

4:2. Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

4:3-4. Pray for us, too, that we'll be succesful, loud, and proud with spreading this message, even though I'm currently in jail for doing exactly that.

4:3. Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:

4:4. That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

4:5. Be nice towards strangers, never miss an opportunity.

4:5. Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

4:6. Learn how to answer people smoothly and respectfully.

4:6. Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

4:7-9. I'm sending my friends Tychius and Onesimus to you. They will tell you more about what's going on, and cheer you up.

4:7. All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:

4:8. Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts;

4:9. With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.

4:10-14. My cellmate Aristarchus says hi, so does Mark and Luke.
Epaphras, your leader, says hi, too, he's working hard for you.

4:10. Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)

4:11. And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.

4:12. Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

4:13. For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.

4:14. Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.

4:15. Say hi to everyone for me.

4:15. Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.

4:16. After you read this letter, take it to the Laodicieans.

4:16. And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.

4:17. Tell Archippus to keep at it.

4:17. And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.

4:18. Grace be to you!
Signed,
Paul (while in jail)

4:18. The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.