Paul wrote Colossians to encourage the church there to remember God’s rescue (1:13–14), to wonder in Jesus as the Creator and head of all things (1:15–23), and to persevere in putting Jesus first above all other worldly philosophies (2:4–8). Paul emphasizes the decisive change that took place in the Colossians when they received the gospel, and he encourages the church to live in light of that change.
Living in Asia Minor near Colossae was a Christian named Philemon. He was a man of some means and had a home large enough to accommodate a Christian congregation. Paul writes to Philemon on behalf of Onesimus (vv. 8–10), who had been Philemon’s slave but who Paul now sees as his “child” in the faith “child” (v. 10). Paul urges Philemon to receive Onesimus back as a “beloved brother” (v. 16). “If you consider me a partner,” Paul reasons, “welcome him as you would me” (v. 17).
Here are our top picks for commentaries on Colossians and Philemon.
Introductory Commentaries
For Sunday school teachers and small group leaders without advanced training
Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon
Clinton E. Arnold, Frank Thielman, and S. M. Baugh
Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary
Zondervan Academic, 2015
Clinton Arnold has written extensively on the “Colossian syncretism,” and the biblical studies world awaits his forthcoming Word Biblical Commentary on the Greek text. In the meantime, this is his short exposition that emphasizes the book’s historical context. Beginning students and pastors will find it helpful.
Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon
William W. Klein, David E. Garland, Todd D. Still, and Arthur A. Ruprecht
Expositor's Bible Commentary
Zondervan Academic, 2017
Still’s succinct commentary provides a great deal of insight into the text of Colossians in a very readable format.
The Message of Colossians & Philemon
Dick Lucas
Bible Speaks Today
IVP Academic, 2020
Lucas provides beginning readers with an accessible exposition of the book that focuses on life application.
Colossians and Philemon
Alistair I. Wilson
TGC Bible Commentary
The Gospel Coalition, 2023
These short commentaries answer the important introductory questions about the books, provide clear exposition, and point the way to other helpful resources for further study. They’re a perfect starting point for beginning students of these epistles.
Preaching Commentaries
For pastors and Bible teachers preparing to proclaim the Word
The Epistles to the Colossians, to Philemon, and to the Ephesians
F. F. Bruce
Eerdmans Classic Biblical Commentaries
Eerdmans, 2020
Originally published in 1984, this was Bruce’s final study of Paul’s writings. It won the 1985 ECPA Gold Medallion Book Award.
Colossians, Philemon
David E. Garland
NIV Application Commentary
Zondervan Academic, 1998
Schreiner describes Garland’s commentary as “a fine exposition for pastors.” It’s one of the superior volumes in the NIVAC series, a helpful tool for preachers who want to ground the application sections of their sermons in the text.
The Letters to the Colossians and to Philemon
Douglas J. Moo
Pillar New Testament Commentary
Eerdmans, 2008
Doug Moo’s excellent commentary represents an optimal blend of exegetical competence, theological insight, and careful handling of interpretational issues. As is typical with all Moo publishes, he writes clearly and engagingly. Tabb notes that Moo’s lengthy introductions to both letters provide “a very thorough defense of Pauline authorship” and helpful proposals for the situation behind Philemon.
Scholarly Commentaries
For scholars and pastor-theologians proficient in biblical Greek
Colossians and Philemon
G. K. Beale
Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament
Baker Academic, 2019
Beale’s commentary is careful and thorough. Mathison says, “It should be the go-to commentary of first choice in every pastor and teacher’s library.” The volume’s strengths are its treatment of Paul’s flow of thought, and its focus on the apostle’s use of the Old Testament allusions.
The Letter to Philemon
Joseph A. Fitzmyer
Anchor Yale Bible Commentaries
Yale University Press, 2000
Schreiner says it’s “a very fine work.” Fitzmyer examines Paul’s letter within its social, political, and economic context. He sheds light on the question of whether Paul was suggesting Onesimus be granted freedom from slavery, or whether he was merely advocating for lenient treatment.
Colossians and Philemon
David W. Pao
Zondervan Exegetical Commentary
Zondervan Academic, 2012
Pao’s commentary is a solid verse-by-verse analysis of the Greek text of Colossians and Philemon that’s well-written and helpful for understanding the meaning of each passage. The text diagrams are particularly helpful for grasping the flow of thought. Pastor-teachers will also appreciate Pao’s clear statement of the main point of each passage, and his helpful applications.