Definition

Proper noun: * A New Testament book: "Epistle to the Colossians" is a book in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. It is a letter (epistle) traditionally attributed to the Apostle Paul, written to the Christian community in the ancient city of Colossae in Phrygia (modern-day Turkey).

Usage

• The "Epistle to the Colossians" is typically cited or referenced in theological study, biblical commentary, and historical analysis of early Christian writings.
• It is often abbreviated as "Colossians" in references.

Examples

• As a subject:
  • The Epistle to the Colossians addresses themes of Christ's supremacy and sufficiency.
  • Scholars debate the authorship and date of the Epistle to the Colossians.
• In a prepositional phrase:
  • Her sermon was based on a passage from the Epistle to the Colossians.
  • Theological concepts in the Epistle to the Colossians influenced later church doctrine.

Advanced Usage

• "The Colossian letter": A less common, descriptive synonym.
  • The warnings in the Colossian letter concern philosophical traditions.
• Contextual reference: Often shortened to "Colossians" when the context is clear.
  • Paul's letter to the Colossians emphasizes the cosmic role of Christ.

Variants and Related Words

• Colossians (n): The standard abbreviated title for the Epistle to the Colossians.
  • We are studying the Book of Colossians this month.
• Pauline epistle (n): A term for any New Testament letter attributed to Paul; the Epistle to the Colossians is one of the Pauline epistles.
  • The Epistle to the Colossians is considered a principal Pauline epistle.

Synonyms

• The Letter to the Colossians: A direct synonym.
• The Book of Colossians: A common synonymous phrasing.

Related Idioms or Phrases

• None specific: As a proper noun naming a specific text, it does not generate idiomatic usage. However, famous verses from it become well-known quotations (e.g., "Set your minds on things above" from Colossians 3:2).

Noun

1. a New Testament book containing an epistle from Saint Paul to the Colossians in ancient Phrygia