How to prepare to study a new book of the Bible (An Intro To Colossians)

On Sunday, we concluded our study through the Psalms of Ascent. This week, we are preparing to enter into a new study on Paul’s epistle to the Colossians. But what should we do before we begin a book study? It is really tempting to just jump and start reading verse 1 of chapter 1. However, if one would take the time to explore some background information, it will help them more faithfully apply the text to their own lives. In this blog, I want to consider 5 preliminary questions to ask before reading a book of the Bible and I’d like to go ahead and put it to practice as we consider the book of Colossians together.

1. Author

Ask: Who wrote this book?

Knowing the author helps us understand the message and tone. Was it Moses, a prophet, a gospel writer, or the Apostle Paul? God used each author’s personality, setting, and experience to communicate His truth.

Author of Colossians:

Paul introduces himself in 1:1: “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God.” He writes as one chosen and sent by Christ Himself, joined by his co-laborer Timothy.

2. Date

Ask: When was it written? 

The time period helps us see where the book fits in God’s plan. For example, was Israel still in the wilderness? Was the early church being persecuted? The date provides context for the story.

Date of Colossians: 

Most scholars believe that Colossians was likely written between A.D. 60-62. We will better understand why when we consider the question below.

3. Provenance (Where It Was Written)

Ask: Where was the author when he wrote?

Sometimes that detail gives new meaning. For instance, Paul wrote several letters from prison, which makes his joy and faith even more powerful when we consider the circumstances of his writing.

Where was Colossians written?

In Colossians 4, Paul refers to “my chains” (vv. 3, 10, 18). This most likely aligns with his Roman imprisonment that is described in Acts 28:16-31. During this period (AD 60-62) Paul was under house arrest in Rome. He was allowed to receive visitors, and he was allowed to send and receive letters. The book of Colossians is a book that is often part of a larger group known as the Prison Epistles: Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.

4. Audience

Ask: Who first received this message?Scripture was written to real people with real struggles. Understanding their world helps us understand why God’s message came in that particular way.

Who received the letter to the Colossians?

Paul addressed this epistle to the believers in Colossae. Colossae is a small city in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). This church was founded by Epaphras, who had heard the gospel through Paul’s ministry in Ephesus (Acts 19:10).  It’s important to realize that the Colossae Christians were young in the faith and surrounded by a culture full of competing ideas—Jewish legalism, pagan spirituality, and philosophical speculation.

5. Purpose

Ask: Why was it written? What problem was being addressed? What truth was being explained or defended? Each biblical book has a purpose—whether to comfort, correct, or call God’s people back to faithfulness.

Why did Paul write to the believers in Colossae?

Epaphras had visited Paul in prison, bringing both encouragement and concern. The Colossians had genuine faith, but false teachers were beginning to influence them—mixing the gospel with man-made rules, rituals, and mystical teachings. Paul wrote to remind them that Christ is enough. They didn’t need extra laws, hidden wisdom, or special experiences to be complete. In Christ, they already possessed everything.

As we begin our study through Colossians, let’s remember that good Bible study begins with good preparation. Taking time to ask questions about the author, date, background, audience, and purpose helps us step into the world of the text and hear it as its first readers did. When we understand why Paul wrote this letter and what the Colossians were facing, we can better see how the same truth applies to us today.