Category Archives: Colossians

Colossians 2:18-23

Some Scripture-Digging Tips

Dig into the linguistics.

Look at the word definitions for “voluntary humility” in Colossians 2:18 and “neglectful” in verse 23.

Pair the passages.

With the above definitions in mind, read this passage alongside Psalm 29:2 and Exodus 30:1-10.

The Technicalities

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.

Colossians 2:11-17

Some Scripture-Digging Tips

Dig into the linguistics.

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.

Pair the passages.

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.

Colossians 1:24-2:10

Some Scripture-Digging Tips

Dig into the linguistics.

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?

Compare the knowledge.

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?

Colossians 1:13-23

Some Scripture-Digging Tips

Reconcile the reconciling.

Dig into the Greek word that Paul uses for “reconcile” in Colossians 1:20 and 21 to get a clearer understanding of its implication in this passage.

Pair the passages.

Read Colossians 1:23 alongside Acts 20:17-24. How does the truth of one further illustrate the point of the other?

The Technicalities

If you follow my writing in real time on any level, you can probably tell when God has me circling around one idea for days, weeks, months at a time.

Colossians 1:1-12

Some Scripture-Digging Tips

Research the book.

Consult your Bible’s introduction to the book, your favorite study tools (like Search the Scriptures) or The Bible Project for foundational introductory information before beginning to study the first chapter.

Identify the key verse.

Hint: Find the author’s emphasis by looking for repeated words and ideas throughout the text.

The Technicalities

A hundred miles from the coast of modern-day Turkey, tucked up at the base of Mt.