For an Informed Love of God
Bill Mounce
Colossians 1:1–23
Colossians 1 is a great passage for studying Paul’s writing style and the connection of his thoughts. Concentrate especially on the precise meanings of the prepositions and the participles. Do not be content merely using the generic meaning of the preposition or the “-ing” translation of the participle. Be sure to spend time working on your phrasing and you will see again why this discipline is vital for exegesis. We recommend that you phrase the entire passage. If you can only do a smaller amount of text, phrase either vv 3-8 or vv 9-12.
1:3–8
| Col 1:3 | We will meet a common adverbial participle and deal with an adverb that can modify two different words. |
| Col 1:4 | Another important adverbial participle. |
| Col 1:5 | Col 1:5 is a somewhat challenging verse with a possible Hebraic genitive and a helpful appositional construction. |
| Col 1:6 | This verse is quite confusing and needs to be phrased. You will also learn a new use of the aorist and the emphatic use of a preposition. |
| Col 1:7 | The first of three things we learn about Epaphras. |
| Col 1:8 | The third and final thing we learn about Epaphras. |
1:9-14
| Col 1:9 | Please be sure to phrase the next several verses. |
| Col 1:10 | One of the most important infinitives in the New Testament |
| Col 1:11 | This verse spells pout two of the four qualities of walking in a manner worthy of the Lord. |
| Col 1:12 | An interesting series of phrases and the chalenge of what modifies what. |
| Col 1:13 | Paul now shifts to speaking about God the Father. |
| Col 1:14 | An easy verse to translate if you recognize the oppositional construction. |