The Letter to the Colossians is found in the New Testament. It is written by Saint Paul, though some believe one of his followers may have helped write it. It was sent to the Christian community in Colossae, a small city in what is now Turkey. Paul likely never visited this city himself, but he cared deeply about the people there.

The Christians in Colossae were facing confusion. Some teachers were giving them mixed messages. These teachers were combining ideas from other religions and philosophies with Christian beliefs. Paul wanted to make sure the people stayed true to Jesus. So, this letter helps guide them back to the truth of the gospel.

One of the main messages in Colossians is that Jesus is everything. He is above all things. Paul reminds the people that Christ is the head of the Church. All fullness is found in him. We do not need extra rules or secret knowledge. We only need Jesus and his teachings.

This letter also speaks about how to live as followers of Christ. It encourages kindness, patience, and forgiveness. It talks about family life, prayer, and how to treat others. Even though it is short, Colossians gives us many simple ways to live out our faith. It helps us stay centered on Christ, especially when the world pulls us in other directions.

The Letter to the Colossians was written by Saint Paul while he was in prison. Most people believe he wrote it in Rome, but it could have been another city. He was writing to a group of Christians he had never met. A man named Epaphras started the church in Colossae and told Paul about the problems there.

Colossae was a small town in the Roman Empire. People there followed many different beliefs. Some mixed Jewish laws with local traditions. Others followed strange spiritual practices. This caused confusion for the new Christians. Paul wrote to help clear things up.

Paul wanted the people to know that Christ is enough. They did not need extra rules or secret ideas. Some people were teaching things that sounded holy but pulled people away from Jesus. Paul reminded them to hold tight to the message they first received.

The Catholic Church sees this letter as an important part of the Bible. It shows how early Christians stayed strong in their faith. Even today, Colossians reminds us to focus on Jesus, especially when we hear confusing or mixed-up messages.

Colossians is written like a letter, just like many of Paul’s other writings. It has a greeting at the beginning, a message in the middle, and a closing at the end. Paul uses simple ideas to teach big truths. He repeats key points so they are easy to remember.

One part of the letter is written like a hymn. It praises Jesus as the image of the unseen God. This shows how important Jesus is. Paul uses short phrases and strong words to help the readers understand that Jesus is at the center of everything.

The letter also has lists. Paul often lists things to do and things to avoid. He talks about old ways to leave behind and new ways to live in Christ. These lists help readers know how to follow Jesus in daily life.

The style of Colossians is clear and to the point. It teaches faith in Christ, warns against false ideas, and gives simple advice for living as Christians. It is meant to be read by regular people, not just leaders or scholars.

The Letter to the Colossians shares many themes that are important to the Catholic faith. Paul wanted the people to stay close to Jesus and live in a way that shows they follow him.

Here are some of the main themes:

• Jesus is above all things. He is the image of the invisible God. Everything was made through him and for him.
• Christ is the head of the Church. The Church is his Body. We are joined to him through faith and baptism.
• We are made new in Christ. We leave behind our old sins and try to live like Jesus every day.
• Paul warns against false teachings. Some people were adding extra rules that were not from Christ.
• We are called to live in love. Paul teaches about patience, kindness, forgiveness, and peace.
• Family and community matter. Paul gives simple advice for how to treat others at home and in church.

These themes show how faith in Jesus shapes everything we do. As Catholics, we believe Christ is still the center of our lives and our Church. Colossians helps us remember that.

The Letter to the Colossians is short, but it is full of meaning. It has four chapters. Each part has a purpose. Paul moves from teaching about Jesus to giving advice for daily life.

Here is a simple way to break it down:

• Colossians 1:1–14 – Greeting and prayer. Paul thanks God for the faith of the people in Colossae. He prays they grow in wisdom and strength.
• Colossians 1:15–23 – Who Jesus is. This part may have been an early Christian hymn. It shows Jesus as the center of all creation.
• Colossians 1:24–2:5 – Paul’s mission. Paul talks about his work for the Church and his care for the Colossians.
• Colossians 2:6–23 – Stay true to Christ. Paul warns against false teachings and useless rules. Christ alone is enough.
• Colossians 3:1–17 – Live a new life. Paul explains how to live like someone who belongs to Christ.
• Colossians 3:18–4:6 – Family and community life. Paul gives guidance for families and how to treat others with respect.
• Colossians 4:7–18 – Final greetings. Paul ends with personal notes and blessings.

Each section builds on the last. Together they help us know Jesus better and live as faithful members of his Church.

Colossians may be an old letter, but it still speaks to us now. The world today is full of noise and mixed-up ideas. Some people say you need special knowledge or extra steps to find meaning. Colossians reminds us that Jesus is enough.

This letter helps us stay focused. It tells us not to get distracted by rules that do not come from Christ. It teaches us to live with kindness, patience, and love. These are things the world still needs.

Family life and community are also part of the message. Paul gives simple advice that still works. Respect each other. Forgive. Pray. Be thankful. These are small things, but they make a big difference.

The Church still reads this letter today because it helps us stay strong in faith. It reminds us who Jesus is and how we should live. In every time and place, that message stays the same.

Parts of Colossians are read during Mass in the Roman Catholic Church. It is not read all at once. Instead, short sections are used on different days during the year. These readings remind us of key truths about Jesus and how we should live.

Colossians is read during Ordinary Time on some Sundays. For example, Colossians 1:15–20 is used on the Feast of Christ the King in Year C. This part talks about how Jesus is the firstborn of all creation and the head of the Church.

Other parts of Colossians appear on weekdays and during special feast days. Colossians 3:12–17 is often read at weddings or during Christmas season. It talks about kindness, patience, and love—things every family needs.

When we hear Colossians at Mass, it helps us remember that Christ is at the center of our lives. The message is short and clear. Stay rooted in Jesus. Love one another. Keep growing in faith.

The Bible

If you want to learn more about the Bible, check out this guide at Young Catholics. It explains what the Bible is, why it matters, and how it can shape our faith. The language is clear and easy to read. The guide gives ideas for prayer and study.

This resource can help you fall in love with Scripture. It shows where to start and how to keep going. If you want to dig deeper into the Word of God, this is a good place to begin. Visit our page on the Bible to learn more and grow in your understanding.

Who wrote the Letter to the Colossians?

Saint Paul wrote it while he was in prison. Some think he may have used a helper to write it down.

Who were the Colossians?

They were a group of Christians living in Colossae, a small city in what is now Turkey.

Why did Paul write this letter?

He wrote to help the people stay true to Jesus. Some were being confused by false teachings.

What is the main message of Colossians?

The main message is that Jesus is enough. He is the center of our faith and the head of the Church.

Is Colossians used at Mass?

Yes. Parts of it are read during Sunday Mass and on some feast days, like Christ the King.

What does Colossians teach us today?

It reminds us to stay focused on Christ, live with love, and not get lost in confusing ideas.

The Letter to the Colossians was written by Saint Paul while he was in prison. He had not visited Colossae himself, but he had heard about the people there from a man named Epaphras. Paul wanted to encourage them and help them stay strong in their faith.

Some people in Colossae were teaching things that were not part of the gospel. They were adding extra rules and mixing in strange ideas. Paul reminded the Colossians to keep their focus on Jesus. He told them that Christ is above all things and that we don’t need anything else to be saved.

Paul also gave practical advice. He told the people how to treat each other—with kindness, patience, and forgiveness. He spoke about how to live in families and communities. This letter helps us see how faith in Jesus should shape the way we live every day.

Even now, Colossians teaches us how to stay true to our faith. It reminds us that Christ is the head of the Church and the center of our lives. When the world gets noisy or confusing, this letter brings us back to what really matters.

Take some time this week to read the Letter to the Colossians. It’s only four chapters long, but it gives clear advice for living as a follower of Jesus. You can read it in one sitting or just a little at a time.

After you read it, come back and share your thoughts in the comments. What part stood out to you? Did anything surprise you or speak to your life today? We’d love to hear how this letter speaks to you now.