Book of Colossians — New World Translation Study Guide

Testament: Christian Greek Scriptures · Chapters: 4 · Written by: Paul · Approximate date: c. AD 60–62 · Theme: The Preeminence of Christ

Summary of the Book of Colossians

Colossians counters false teaching by exalting Jesus Christ as the firstborn of all creation and the head of the congregation. In union with him, believers have everything they need and are complete before Jehovah.

The book of Colossians is part of the Christian Greek Scriptures and contains 4 chapters. It was written by Paul approximately c. AD 60–62. The central theme running throughout Colossians is the preeminence of christ — a foundational message for Jehovah's people as they pursue pure worship and grow in knowledge of Jehovah's purposes.

Key Verses in Colossians

  • Col 1:15–17
  • Col 2:9–10
  • Col 3:17

Notable Passages in Colossians

Colossians 1:15–17

The description of Jesus as 'the firstborn of all creation' through whom 'all other things were created' establishes his preeminence as Jehovah's unique first creation and agent of creation.

Colossians 2:9–10

Paul's statement that 'the fullness of the divine quality dwells in him bodily' and that believers 'are filled completely' through Christ affirms Jesus' sufficiency for all spiritual needs.

Colossians 3:17

The principle to do 'everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, thanking God the Father through him' establishes Christ as the channel through which all worship reaches Jehovah.

Study Questions for Colossians

As you read the book of Colossians, reflect on these questions to deepen your understanding and appreciation of Jehovah's Word:

  1. How does Paul's description of Jesus as 'the firstborn of all creation' and 'the firstborn from the dead' (1:15–18) clarify Jesus' unique position before Jehovah?
  2. What false philosophies and 'human traditions' (2:8) was Paul warning the Colossians against, and what parallels exist with dangers Jehovah's Witnesses face today?
  3. How does Paul's instruction to 'let the peace of the Christ control your hearts' (3:15) and 'let the word of the Christ reside in you richly' (3:16) describe the priority of God's word in congregation life?
  4. What does Paul's counsel for relationships — husbands/wives, children/parents (3:18–4:1) — reveal about applying Christian principles in everyday life?
  5. How does the principle 'whatever you are doing, work at it whole-souled as for Jehovah and not for men' (3:23) transform our approach to daily work and responsibilities?

How to Study Colossians with JW Study

JW Study is a free Bible reading tracker built for Jehovah's Witnesses. Track your progress through all 4 chapters of Colossians in the New World Translation, mark completed chapters, take personal study notes, and build a consistent daily Bible reading habit. Use it alongside JW Library and the publications available at wol.jw.org to deepen your understanding of Jehovah's Word.

Consider reading Colossians as part of your personal study routine, family worship night, or alongside the weekly meeting schedule. Taking notes on each chapter helps you retain key points and apply the lessons in your ministry.

Reading Plans That Include Colossians

The book of Colossians is covered in the following structured reading plans on NWT Progress. Each plan divides the reading evenly across a set number of days to help you stay consistent.

  • NWT in 1 Year — Read the entire New World Translation — all 66 books — in 365 days. (365 days, 1189 chapters)
  • New Testament in 90 Days — Read all 27 books of the Christian Greek Scriptures in just 90 days. (90 days, 260 chapters)
  • Intensive: Bible in 90 Days — Cover all 66 books in just 90 days — the ultimate reading challenge for dedicated readers. (90 days, 1189 chapters)
  • Paul's Letters in 30 Days — Dive deep into all 13 letters of the apostle Paul — from Romans to Philemon — in one focused month. (30 days, 87 chapters)
  • Acts & the Letters in 60 Days — Follow the early Christian congregation through Acts, then study every letter through Revelation in 60 days. (60 days, 171 chapters)

Related Bible Study Topics

Deepen your study of the Bible with these related topics from JW Study:

  • Is Jesus God? — Understanding Jesus' identity as the Son of God — distinct from Jehovah
  • Jesus and Michael the Archangel — Scriptural evidence that Jesus Christ is Michael the archangel
  • Holy Spirit — Person or Force? — The Bible shows the holy spirit is God's active force, not a third person
  • Holy Spirit Is Not a Person — Key Verses — Scriptural proof that the holy spirit is God's active force, not a person
  • The Trinity Is Not Biblical — Key Verses — Scripture consistently distinguishes the Father from the Son — the Trinity doctrine has no Bible basis
  • The Angel of the Lord Is Michael — Key Verses — Scriptural evidence connecting the angel of Jehovah, Michael the archangel, and Jesus Christ
  • What Is the Soul? — The Bible defines the soul as a living being — not an immortal inner entity
  • What Happens When We Die? — Death is a state of unconscious sleep — not heaven, hell, or purgatory
  • God's Kingdom — What Is It? — A real government in heaven that will rule over a paradise earth
  • Why Does God Allow Suffering? — Understanding the issue of universal sovereignty and why Jehovah permits evil for now
  • The Sanctity of Blood — Why Jehovah commands us to abstain from blood — and what this means today

Continue Reading the Christian Greek Scriptures

  • Previous book: Book of Philippians
  • Next book: Book of 1 Thessalonians
  • All 66 Bible Books
  • All Reading Plans
  • JW Study Blog