Colossians 1:19-20
What is written? (ESV)
For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
What does it say?
For in him (Christ) all of God’s fullness was pleased to dwell. Through Him, all things in heaven and earth are reconciled to God in peace by His blood on the cross.
What is its immediate context?
Paul’s letter to the church in Colossae where he confronts false teaching in the form of “human philosophies and traditions”. Earlier in this chapter, he references “the word of the truth, the gospel” which came to them and “indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing” (vs 6).
How Colossians 1:19-20 is applied across Bible answers
Did Jesus bring peace on earth?
Peace was brought through "the blood of his cross" that reconciled man to God.
How does one receive wisdom from God (James 1:5)?
Paul distinguishes that it is "spiritual wisdom and understanding" by which they know how to conduct themselves as Christians "worthy of the Lord".
Further down, Paul explicitly states, "I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments."
How was Jesus both God and man at the same time?
Jesus was filled up with God, who was "pleased to dwell" in Him.
Later in the letter, Paul writes, "For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily..." (2:9).
When did the New Covenant begin?
The "peace" made by the replacement of the Old Covenant with the New Covenant came about "by the blood of His cross".
