Read this passage alongside the similar sentiments of Ephesians 5:22-6:9. How are they the same, and how is the language in this passage more nuanced?
Look at the word definition and etymology for “is fitting” in Colossians 3:18 and compare its root words with the coming of Joseph’s brothers (and what Joseph gave to them) in Genesis 42:16-22.
Read Colossians 3:9 alongside Leviticus 24:12, Numbers 27:5, and Exodus 18:18. How do the truths of the latter passages help provide deeper insight into this one?
Take one day this week to dig deeper into each of the five things Paul tells us to put on in Colossians 3:12.
If the first part of Paul’s letter is full of theological checks and doctrinal diligence, then the rest of it, from here on out, is full of practical proof and balances.
Look at the word definitions for “voluntary humility” in Colossians 2:18 and “neglectful” in verse 23.
With the above definitions in mind, read this passage alongside Psalm 29:2 and Exodus 30:1-10.
We need to zoom the lens in a little bit closer and pick this passage apart word by word because there’s a lot happening in this section of text, including a surprising weight to our modern beauty culture that Paul never intended or even saw coming.
Look at the Greek word that Paul uses for “canceled” or “wiped out” in Colossians 2:14, paying attention to the Old Testament references included in the Thayer’s Greek Lexicon. Use those verses to dig into the Hebrew words for it, and piece together a complete picture of Jesus’ debt-cancellation.
Use cross-references to get a deeper understanding of the Colossians 2:16 ways in which Jewish believers had a tendency to judge each other.
Look at the Greek word agonizomai for “striving” in Colossians 1:29, as well as its etymology. How do the linguistics give new weight to this passage?
Look at the two Greek words for “knowledge” in Colossians 2:2-3. How do they differ and, together, how do they paint a clearer picture in this passage than they would if they were the same?
