When Paul learned about the dangers the church was facing, he wrote them a message of warning. Colossians is full of dramatic and powerful passages coupled with rich instructions that defend Christ's deity and His sufficiency to reconcile men to God. Paul's message is a reminder that believers—then and now—are complete in Christ.
Paul also wrote a personal letter to Philemon, a prominent member of the Colossian church. This letter urges Philemon to forgive a former slave and thief and welcome him back as a brother in Christ. Through this real-life situation, Paul teaches Philemon, as well as believers today, the importance of forgiveness.
—ABOUT THE SERIES—
The MacArthur Bible Study series is designed to help you study the Word of God with guidance from widely respected pastor and author John MacArthur. Each guide provides intriguing examinations of the whole of Scripture by examining its parts and incorporates:
John MacArthur (1939–2025) was a renowned pastor, Bible teacher, bestselling author, and conference speaker known for his thorough, candid approach to teaching God's Word. He served as pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, from 1969 until his death in 2025. With over five decades of ministry, MacArthur became one of the most influential voices in evangelical Christianity, reaching audiences worldwide through his preaching, writing, and Grace to You media ministry. He authored more than two hundred books and study guides, including the bestselling The Gospel According to Jesus, Twelve Ordinary Men, Twelve Extraordinary Women, Slave, and The MacArthur Study Bible, a 1998 ECPA Gold Medallion recipient.