unfoldingWord® Translation Questions
v88
Colossians
Copyrights & Licensing
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions
Copyright © 2022 by unfoldingWord
This work is made available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ or send a letter to Creative Commons, PO Box 1866, Mountain View, CA 94042, USA.
unfoldingWord® is a registered trademark of unfoldingWord. Use of the unfoldingWord name or logo requires the written permission of unfoldingWord. Under the terms of the CC BY-SA license, you may copy and redistribute this unmodified work as long as you keep the unfoldingWord® trademark intact. If you modify a copy or translate this work, thereby creating a derivative work, you must remove the unfoldingWord® trademark.
On the derivative work, you must indicate what changes you have made and attribute the work as follows: “The original work by unfoldingWord is available from unfoldingword.org/utq”. You must also make your derivative work available under the same license (CC BY-SA).
If you would like to notify unfoldingWord regarding your translation of this work, please contact us at unfoldingword.org/contact/.
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions
Date: 2026-01-14
Version: v88
Published by: unfoldingWord®
unfoldingWord® Literal Text
Date: 2026-01-14
Version: v88
Published by: unfoldingWord®
unfoldingWord® Simplified Text
Date: 2026-01-14
Version: v88
Published by: unfoldingWord®
Table of Contents
Colossians
Colossians 1
Colossians 1:1
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 1:1ULT:
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, and Timothy our brother,
UST:
{I,} Paul, {write this letter to you,} and Timothy our fellow believer {is with me}. God sent me to represent the Messiah Jesus, because that is what God chose to do.
How did Paul become an apostle of Christ Jesus?
Paul became an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God.
Colossians 1:2
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 1:2ULT:
to the saints and faithful brothers in Christ in Colossae. Grace to you, and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
UST:
{I send this letter} to you who are God’s people and faithful fellow believers united to the Messiah, {who live} in {the city of} Colossae. {May} God our Father and the Lord Jesus the Messiah {continue to} be kind to you and make you peaceful.
To whom did Paul write this letter?
Paul wrote to those set apart for God and the faithful brothers at Colossae.
Colossians 1:3
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 1:3ULT:
We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, always praying for you,
UST:
We pray for you very often. {When we do,} we thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus the Messiah,
(There are no questions for this verse)
Colossians 1:4
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 1:4ULT:
having heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love that you have for all the saints,
UST:
{because} have learned that you trust in the Messiah Jesus and that you love all God’s people.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Colossians 1:5
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 1:5ULT:
because of the hope that is being reserved for you in the heavens, which you heard before in the word of truth, the gospel,
UST:
{You do these things} because you are confidently waiting for everything that God is keeping for you in heaven. You first learned about all that God has for you when you heard the true message, {which is} the good news about the Messiah.
From where did the Colossians hear about the confident expectation that they now have?
The Colossians heard about their confident expectation in the word of truth, the gospel.
Colossians 1:6
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 1:6ULT:
which being present among you just as also in all the world, is bearing fruit and growing, just as also in you, from the day you heard {it} and learned about the grace of God in truth,
UST:
Just as you heard and believed this good news {in Colossae}, increasing numbers of people in many places are also hearing and believing it. These people are living in a different way now, just as you have been living in a different way since you first learned {about it} and truly experienced how God acts kindly {toward us}.
What does Paul say the gospel has been doing in the world?
Paul says the gospel has been bearing fruit and growing in all the world.
Colossians 1:7
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 1:7ULT:
just as you learned {it} from Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf,
UST:
This is what Epaphras told you {would happen}. He works with us for the Messiah, and we love him. He faithfully serves the Messiah as our representative.
Who presented the gospel to the Colossians?
Epaphras, the faithful servant of Christ, presented the gospel to the Colossians.
Colossians 1:8
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 1:8ULT:
and the one having made known to us your love in the Spirit.
UST:
He told us that you love {all God’s people}, just as God’s Spirit {has empowered you to do}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Colossians 1:9
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 1:9ULT:
Because of this, from the day we heard this, we also have not stopped praying for you and asking that you might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding,
UST:
Because of everything that Epaphras told us, since the time when he first told us {about you}, we have joined him in consistently praying for you. {When we pray for you,} we ask God to show you everything that he wants you to do and {to make you} able to understand everything that God’s Spirit {is teaching you}.
With what does Paul pray that the Colossians be filled?
Paul prays that the Colossians be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.
Colossians 1:10
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 1:10ULT:
to walk worthily of the Lord in every pleasing {way}, bearing fruit in every good deed and growing in the knowledge of God,
UST:
{We have been praying that you know what God wants} so that you can live in a way that honors the Lord and pleases him in every way. {When you live this way, you will be} doing every sort of good thing and continually knowing God better.
How does Paul pray that the Colossians will walk in their lives?
Paul prays that the Colossians will walk worthy of the Lord, bearing fruit with good deeds, growing in the knowledge of God.
Colossians 1:11
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 1:11ULT:
being strengthened with all power according to the power of his glory to all endurance and patience with joy,
UST:
{As you live this way,} God will greatly strengthen you to be able to patiently endure in all situations, and to do so joyfully. God can strengthen you greatly because he is gloriously powerful.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Colossians 1:12
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 1:12ULT:
giving thanks to the Father, the one having made you able to share the inheritance of the saints in the light.
UST:
{Then you will continually} thank {God our} Father, {because} he has made you worthy to take part in everything that he has to give to his people when they are with him.
For what have those set apart for God been qualified?
Those set apart for God have been qualified for a share in the inheritance in the light.
Colossians 1:13
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 1:13ULT:
He rescued us from the authority of the darkness and transferred {us} to the kingdom of his beloved Son,
UST:
God our Father has delivered us from the evil one, who used to control us, and he has given us to his Son, whom he loves, so that now we can obey his Son.
From what has the Father rescued those set apart for him?
He rescued them from the dominion of darkness and transferred them to the kingdom of his Son.
Colossians 1:14
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 1:14ULT:
in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
UST:
Because we are united to his Son, God has set us free; {that is,} he has forgiven our sins.
In Christ, we have redemption, which is what?
In Christ we have redemption, which is the forgiveness of sins.
Colossians 1:15
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 1:15ULT:
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.
UST:
God’s Son perfectly reveals who God is, even though no one can see God. The Son existed before God created anything, and he has first place over everything that God has created.
The Son is the image of whom?
The Son is the image of the invisible God.
Colossians 1:16
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 1:16ULT:
For in him all things were created, in the heavens and on the earth, the visible and the invisible. Whether thrones or dominions or governments or authorities, all things have been created though him and for him.
UST:
{You can know that the Son existed before anything else existed and has first place over everything} because the Father and the Son together created everything that exists. {This includes} everything in heaven and everything on earth, and everything that we can see and everything that we cannot see, {including the spiritual beings} such as thrones, dominions, rulers, and authorities. The Father and the Son together created everything, and everything exists to honor the Son.
What was created through Jesus Christ and for him?
All things were created through Jesus Christ and for him.
Colossians 1:17
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 1:17ULT:
And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
UST:
The Son existed before any of creation existed, and he sustains and connects all of it.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Colossians 1:18
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 1:18ULT:
And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from among the dead, so that he himself might become first among all things.
UST:
In regard to the church, {that is, all believers,} he rules over it as people’s heads rule over their bodies. He made it possible for the church to begin {when he was} the first person to live again after dying{, never to die again}. Because of these things about him, he is greater and more important than anything and anybody else.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Colossians 1:19
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 1:19ULT:
For in him all the fullness was pleased to dwell,
UST:
{The Son rules over everything} because the Son is fully God, just as the Father gladly willed him to be.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Colossians 1:20
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 1:20ULT:
and to reconcile through him all things to himself, having made peace through the blood of his cross, through him, whether the things on the earth or the things in the heavens.
UST:
{God the Father} also {gladly chose to work} through the Son to reconcile to himself everything {and every person that he created} in the whole universe. {God did this} through his Son when his Son died on the cross, which made everything peaceful between God and his creation.
How did God reconcile all things to himself?
God reconciled all things to himself when he made peace through his Son’s blood.
Colossians 1:21
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 1:21ULT:
At one time you also were alienated and enemies in thought, in evil deeds.
UST:
Before {you believed in the Messiah}, you did not want to be close {to God}, and you were hostile {to him} because everything you thought and did was evil.
What relationship did the Colossians have with God before they believed the gospel?
Before believing the gospel, the Colossians were separated from God and were his enemies.
Colossians 1:22
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 1:22ULT:
But now you have been reconciled by the body of his flesh through death to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him,
UST:
But {that has all changed} now {that you believe in Jesus!} God the Father has repaired the relationship between himself and you {by working} through his Son when his Son became human and died. {God the Father repaired the relationship} so that you can dwell with him as people who are completely free from sin.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Colossians 1:23
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 1:23ULT:
if indeed you continue in the faith, founded and firm and not being moved from the hope of the gospel that you heard, the one having been proclaimed to every creature {that is} under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a servant.
UST:
{This is all true about you} as long as you continue confidently to believe {in the Messiah}, and as long as you do not give up confidently hoping {for God to do what he has promised} in the good news that you heard and that people all over the world have heard. I, Paul, serve God {by proclaiming to people} this same good news.
What must the Colossians continue to do?
The Colossians must continue to be settled in the faith and confident of the gospel.
Colossians 1:24
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 1:24ULT:
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and I fill up in my flesh the lack of the afflictions of Christ for the sake of his body, which is the church,
UST:
At the present time I suffer cheerfully {because it is} for your benefit. I am suffering physically to complete {my part of} the suffering that the Messiah began on behalf of {his people,} the church, which is like the Messiah’s own body.
For whose sake is Paul suffering, and what is his attitude?
Paul is suffering for the sake of the church, and he rejoices in it.
Colossians 1:25
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 1:25ULT:
of which I became a servant according to the stewardship of God, the one having been given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God,
UST:
God called me to serve his church, and he appointed me {specifically} to carry out his plan that concerns you. {My part of this plan is} to proclaim {to you non-Jews} the full message from God.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Colossians 1:26
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 1:26ULT:
the mystery that had been hidden from the ages and from the generations, but now having been revealed to his saints,
UST:
God kept this message a secret, concealing it from people for a long time. But now he has made the message known to his people.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Colossians 1:27
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 1:27ULT:
to whom God desired to make known what {is} the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
UST:
God has been wanting to tell his people this very glorious message that was secret, which applies to non-Jews {as well as to Jews}. The secret is that the Messiah is united to you {non-Jews}, which means that you can confidently expect to become glorious beings like the Messiah.
What is the mystery that was hidden for ages but now has been revealed?
The mystery that was hidden for ages but now has been revealed is Christ in you, the confidence of glory.
Colossians 1:28
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 1:28ULT:
We proclaim him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom so that we may present every man complete in Christ.
UST:
{This is the Messiah} whom we announce {to everyone}. {When we talk about him,} we warn and teach each person as wisely as we can. {We do these things} so that each of these people may become spiritually mature in each person’s union with the Messiah.
What is the goal for which Paul is admonishing and teaching every man?
Paul’s goal is to present every person complete in Christ.
Colossians 1:29
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 1:29ULT:
For this also I labor, striving according to his working, the one working in me in power.
UST:
I work hard in all that I do in order to accomplish that goal. {I can do this} because the Messiah is powerfully enabling me to do it.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Colossians 2
Colossians 2:1
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 2:1ULT:
For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and the ones at Laodicea and as many as have not seen my face in the flesh
UST:
{I write these things} because I want to inform you about how hard I am working. {I work hard} for you, for the fellow-believers who live in {the city of} Laodicea, and for all fellow-believers who have not met me in person.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Colossians 2:2
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 2:2ULT:
so that their hearts might be encouraged, having been brought together in love and into all the riches of the full assurance of understanding, into knowledge of the mystery of God, Christ,
UST:
{I work this hard} in order to encourage all of you {who have not met me} so that you unite yourselves together with love for each other. {I want you} to completely and confidently understand the secret that God had previously kept hidden. {This secret is about} the Messiah.
What is the mystery of God?
The mystery of God is Christ.
Colossians 2:3
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 2:3ULT:
in whom all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden.
UST:
The Messiah is the one who knows all of God’s wonderful, wise plan.
What is hidden in Christ?
All the hidden treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Christ.
Colossians 2:4
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 2:4ULT:
I say this so that no one might deceive you with persuasive speech.
UST:
I am telling you about this secret in order that no person who argues persuasively will be able to convince you to believe what is not true.
What is Paul concerned that might happen to the Colossians?
Paul is concerned that the Colossians might be deceived with persuasive speech.
Colossians 2:5
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 2:5ULT:
For even if I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in the spirit, rejoicing and seeing your good order and the strength of your faith in Christ.
UST:
{You can know that those who argue persuasively are wrong} because I care about you and think about you, even though I am not with you in person. I am very happy to see that you are behaving properly and that you firmly believe in the Messiah.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Colossians 2:6
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 2:6ULT:
Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in him,
UST:
Now {that I have told you the truth about the good news}, I want you to behave in a way that fits with how God has united you to the Messiah. You should keep behaving as you did when you accepted the Messiah Jesus the Lord.
What does Paul call the Colossians to do now that they have received Christ Jesus?
Paul calls the Colossians to walk in Christ Jesus in the same way that they received him.
Colossians 2:7
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 2:7ULT:
being rooted and built up in him and confirmed in the faith just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.
UST:
{Behaving in this way includes} staying firmly united to him, just as a plant’s roots hold it firmly in place. {It also includes} depending completely on him, just as a house stands on its foundation. {It also includes} confidently trusting the Messiah, just as Epaphras taught you, and giving thanks more and more.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Colossians 2:8
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 2:8ULT:
Beware lest someone will be the one taking you captive through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the elemental teaching of the world, and not according to Christ.
UST:
Be on the alert so that no one who tries to lead you away from the truth will succeed. Anyone who tries to lead you away will use human thinking that is meaningless and deceptive. {Such a false message comes} from what older generations teach younger generations and from what humans normally think about the world, not from the Messiah.
Upon what are the empty deceits that Paul is concerned about based?
The empty deceits are based upon human tradition and the sinful belief systems of the world.
Colossians 2:9
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 2:9ULT:
For in him all the fullness of deity dwells in bodily form,
UST:
{I mention the Messiah} because he, a human, is fully God.
What lives in Christ?
All the fullness of God’s nature lives in Christ.
Colossians 2:10
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 2:10ULT:
and you are filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority,
UST:
In addition, you have everything you need since God has united you to the Messiah, who rules over {the spiritual beings, including} every ruler and every authority.
Who is the head of all rule and authority?
Christ is the head of all rule and authority.
Colossians 2:11
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 2:11ULT:
in whom you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands in the removal of the body of flesh in the circumcision of Christ,
UST:
When God united you to the Messiah, it was as if God the Father had circumcised you. I do not mean that a human physically cut flesh off you. {Rather, instead of cutting off flesh,} God removed your weak and sinful parts. {God} circumcised {you in this way} through what the Messiah accomplished.
What is removed through the circumcision of Christ?
The sinful body of flesh is removed through the circumcision of Christ.
Colossians 2:12
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 2:12ULT:
having been buried with him in baptism and in whom you were raised up through faith in the power of God, the one having raised him from the dead.
UST:
{Here is another way to understand what God has done for you:} when they baptized you, it was as if {you died and} people buried you {because God the Father included you} when {the Messiah died and} people buried him. And it was as if God the Father brought you back to life {because he included you} when he brought the Messiah back to life. {This happened} because you believed that God the Father works powerfully, particularly when he brought the Messiah back to life.
What happens in baptism?
A person is buried with Christ in baptism.
Colossians 2:13
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 2:13ULT:
And you, being dead in the trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, he made you alive together with him, having forgiven us all of our trespasses,
UST:
You used to be spiritually dead, because you {often} sinned against God and because you were non-Jews {and not part of God’s people}. But God the Father brought you back to life spiritually {because he included you} when he brought the Messiah back to life. {This means that} he has forgiven us for all the wrong things we have done against him.
What is a person’s condition before Christ makes him alive?
A person is dead in his sins before Christ makes him alive.
Colossians 2:14
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 2:14ULT:
having canceled the written record of the decrees against us, which were opposed to us, and he has taken {it} out from our midst, having nailed it to the cross;
UST:
It was as if God had an official list of the debts we owe{, which are our sins}. {When he forgave us,} he wiped out that list of sins that counted against us, and he prevented it from coming between us and him. God accomplished this when {the Messiah died on the cross, as surely as if} he had nailed the list to the cross.
What did Christ do with the record of debts charged against us?
Christ removed the record of debts and nailed it to the cross.
Colossians 2:15
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 2:15ULT:
having stripped the rulers and the authorities, he made a public spectacle of {them}, having triumphed over them in it.
UST:
Moreover, God defeated the spiritual beings that rule the world, and he publicly showed {that he defeated them}, just as if he had paraded them around as prisoners. {God did this when the Messiah died} on the cross.
What did Christ do with the rulers and authorities?
Christ removed the rulers and authorities, openly exposed them, and led them as his captives in a victory procession.
Colossians 2:16
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 2:16ULT:
Therefore, do not let anyone judge you in food or in drink or in regard to a festival or a new moon or Sabbaths,
UST:
Because of these things {that God has done for you}, do not worry about what other people say you should do. {They may have opinions} about what to eat and what to drink. {They may have opinions about} what special days to observe, including days for worshipping God, days for celebrating when there is a new moon, or days for resting.
What does Paul say are a shadow of the things to come?
Paul says that food, drink, feast days, and Sabbaths are a shadow of the things to come.
Colossians 2:17
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 2:17ULT:
which are a shadow of the things coming, but the body {is} of Christ.
UST:
{God used} these things {to} point to what he had planned for the future, which is the coming of the Messiah himself.
To what reality do the shadows point?
The shadows point to the reality of Christ.
Colossians 2:18
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 2:18ULT:
Let no one delighting in false humility and worship of the angels deprive you of your prize, standing on things he has seen, becoming puffed up without cause by the mind of his flesh
UST:
{You will meet some people} who enjoy pretending to be humble and worshipping angels and who love to talk about {amazing} things that they have seen. They act like they are great—although without good reason, because they think only in human ways. Do not listen to these people who are trying to take away what God has ready to give to you.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Colossians 2:19
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 2:19ULT:
and not holding fast to the head, from which the whole body, being supplied and held together through the joints and ligaments, grows with the growth from God.
UST:
{These people} are not remaining loyal to the Messiah. It is he who leads the church, just like people’s heads lead their bodies. The head directs how the whole body, each and every part, receives what it needs and how it works together. In this way the body grows. Just like that, the Messiah directs the church so that it grows as God wants it to grow.
From what does the whole body grow with the growth from God?
The whole body holds fast to Christ, the head, to grow with the growth from God.
Colossians 2:20
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 2:20ULT:
If you died with Christ from the elemental principles of the world, why, as living in the world, are you being subjected to its decrees:
UST:
It is as if you have died, {because God included you} when the Messiah died. {This frees you} from the spiritual beings that rule this world. So, you should not obey the rules {that these people have given to you}. {Doing so would mean that} you were really still part of this world.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Colossians 2:21
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 2:21ULT:
“You may not handle, nor taste, nor touch!”
UST:
{These rules include commands like these:} “Do not feel {certain things}!” “Do not try {certain foods}!” “Do not take hold of {certain things}!”
What kinds of commandments does Paul say are part of the world’s beliefs?
Commandments to not handle, not taste, and not touch are part of the world’s beliefs.
Colossians 2:22
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 2:22ULT:
which are all for destruction with the use, according to the commands and teachings of men;
UST:
All such rules concern things that perish when people make use of them. Further, people{, not God,} teach and require {these rules}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Colossians 2:23
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 2:23ULT:
which, having indeed a word of wisdom in self-made religion and false humility {and} severity of the body, are not of any value against indulgence of the flesh.
UST:
Following these rules may seem to be a wise thing to do for people who worship God the way they want to, who pretend to be humble, and who treat their bodies badly {as part of their religion}. However, {following these rules} will not help you stop sinning.
Against what do the rules of man-made religion have no value?
The rules of man-made religion have no value against the indulgence of the flesh.
Colossians 3
Colossians 3:1
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 3:1ULT:
If, therefore, you were raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God.
UST:
To return {to what I said before}, it is as if God brought you back to life {because he included you} when he brought the Messiah back to life. {Because of this,} I want you to stay focused on what is in heaven, since the Messiah is there. He sits next to God the Father on the throne {and rules everything}.
To where has Christ been raised?
Christ has been raised to sit at the right hand of God.
What should believers seek, and what should they not seek? (3:1-2)
Believers should seek the things above and not the things of the earth.
Colossians 3:2
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 3:2ULT:
Think about the things above, not the things on the earth.
UST:
I want you to desire what {God has ready for you} in heaven, not what {you could have here} on earth.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Colossians 3:3
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 3:3ULT:
For you died, and your life has been hidden with Christ in God.
UST:
{You should think this way} because it is as if you have died. You are spiritually alive only because God has united you to the Messiah in close relationship with himself, and this cannot be seen {on earth right now}.
Where has God put the believer’s life?
God has hidden the believer’s life in Christ.
Colossians 3:4
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 3:4ULT:
When Christ, your life,is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory.
UST:
You are alive because God has united you to the Messiah. {Therefore,} when {he returns again to earth and} everyone sees him, at that time you will be with him. Then, everyone will see that you too have become glorious {beings like him}.
What will happen to the believer when Christ is revealed?
When Christ is revealed, the believer will also be revealed with him in glory.
Colossians 3:5
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 3:5ULT:
Put to death, therefore, the members {that are} on the earth—sexual immorality, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and envy, which is idolatry,
UST:
Because {this is your destiny}, think of the desires you have to do evil things in this world as enemies that you must kill. {The evil things that you might desire include} having improper sex, doing impure things, enjoying wrong emotions, desiring evil things, and wanting more than you need, which is the same as worshiping another god.
What must the believer put to death?
The believer must put to death the sinful desires of the earth.
Colossians 3:6
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 3:6ULT:
because of which the wrath of God is coming,
UST:
Because people have these desires, God is angry with them and will punish them.
What happens to those who are disobedient to God?
The wrath of God comes upon those who are disobedient to God.
Colossians 3:7
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 3:7ULT:
in which you also formerly walked when you were living in them.
UST:
You, just like them, used to have these desires to do evil things. {That was} when you acted out these desires.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Colossians 3:8
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 3:8ULT:
But now you must also lay aside all {such things}—wrath, anger, evil desire, slander, {and} obscene speech from your mouth.
UST:
But now {that you have believed}, you must stop behaving in all evil ways. {These evil ways include} acting in angry ways, being angry with others, desiring to hurt others, talking bad about others, and speaking shameful words.
What are some of the things that Paul says the believers must get rid of, which are part of the old self?
The believers must get rid of wrath, anger, evil intentions, insults, and obscene speech.
Colossians 3:9
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 3:9ULT:
Do not lie to one another, having taken off the old man with its practices
UST:
You must not tell lies to one another. You are not the person you used to be, a person who normally behaved in these evil ways.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Colossians 3:10
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 3:10ULT:
and having put on the new man being renewed in knowledge according to the image of the one having created it;
UST:
You are a new person now, {a person} in whom God is working to make you know him more. {You are now a person} who is like God, who turned you into this new person.
In whose image is the believer’s new self created?
The believer’s new self is created in the image of Christ.
Colossians 3:11
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 3:11ULT:
where there is no Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave, freeman, but Christ {is} all, and in all.
UST:
Since {you are all new people}, {it is not important} whether anyone is a non-Jew or a Jew, or whether anyone is circumcised or not, or whether anyone is a foreigner or an uncivilized person, or whether anyone is a slave or not. Instead, it is the Messiah who is most important, and God has united him to all {of you}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Colossians 3:12
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 3:12ULT:
Therefore, as chosen ones of God, holy and beloved, put on inner parts of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, {and} patience,
UST:
God has chosen you, he has set you apart as his own people, and he loves you. Because of these things and because {you are new people}, you must always behave properly {towards others}. {This includes} caring about them, being kind to them, not being proud, not behaving harshly, and taking a long time to become angry.
What are some of the things that Paul says the believers must put on, which are part of the new self?
The believers must put on a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, and patience.
Colossians 3:13
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 3:13ULT:
bearing with one another and being gracious to each other if someone may have a complaint against someone else; just as also the Lord forgave you, so also should you.
UST:
You must not easily become irritated with one another. When you blame other people for the things they have done, you must forgive them. You should imitate how the Lord forgave you by {forgiving one another}.
In what way should the believer forgive?
The believer should forgive in the same way that the Lord has forgiven him.
Colossians 3:14
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 3:14ULT:
But above all these things, love, which is the bond of perfection.
UST:
Finally, {what is} more important than everything {I have said} so far is that you love one another. By doing this you will unite yourselves together, just as God has called you to do.
What is the bond of perfection among believers?
Love is the bond of perfection.
Colossians 3:15
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 3:15ULT:
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body, and become thankful.
UST:
You must make the peace which the Messiah has given you a primary factor when you choose what to do. {You must do this} because God has chosen you to have peace as he unites you closely together, as closely as if you were one person’s body. Also, you must give thanks to God.
What should rule in the believer’s heart?
The peace of Christ should rule in the believer’s heart.
What should the believer give to God in his attitude, song, word, and deed? (3:15-17)
In his attitude, song, word, and deed, the believer should give thanks to God.
Colossians 3:16
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 3:16ULT:
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, {and} spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
UST:
You must focus completely on the message about the Messiah as you think and act. You must teach and instruct one another very wisely using songs from the Scriptures, songs about Jesus, and songs that the Holy Spirit has given to you. You must thankfully and sincerely sing to God.
What should live in the believer richly?
The word of Christ should live in the believer richly.
Colossians 3:17
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 3:17ULT:
And everything, whatever you might do in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
UST:
Whenever you say or do anything, {you should behave} in every situation {as people who} represent the Lord Jesus. Also, you should thank God, {who is our} Father. {You can do this only} because of {the work of} the Messiah.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Colossians 3:18
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 3:18ULT:
Wives, be subjected to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
UST:
Wives must treat their husbands as the leaders {in their families}, since this is appropriate behavior for those whom God has united to the Lord.
How should a wife respond to her husband?
A wife should submit to her husband.
Colossians 3:19
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 3:19ULT:
Husbands, love your wives, and do not be embittered against them.
UST:
Husbands must love their wives and not treat them harshly.
How should a husband treat his wife?
A husband should love his wife and not be bitter against her.
Colossians 3:20
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 3:20ULT:
Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is pleasing in the Lord.
UST:
Children must obey their parents in every circumstance. This pleases God {and is appropriate} for those whom God has united to the Lord.
How should a child treat his parents?
A child should obey his parents in all things.
Colossians 3:21
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 3:21ULT:
Fathers, do not provoke your children, so that they may not be discouraged.
UST:
Fathers must not make their children angry. Otherwise, the children may feel like giving up.
What should a father not do to his children?
A father should not provoke his children.
Colossians 3:22
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 3:22ULT:
Slaves, obey your masters according to the flesh in all things, not with eyeservice as people pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord.
UST:
Slaves must obey those who are their masters in this world in every circumstance. {They should obey} not just when their masters are watching, which is how those who want to please only humans behave. Instead, {they should obey their masters} sincerely because they treat the Lord with reverence.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Colossians 3:23
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 3:23ULT:
Whatever you might do, work from the soul as to the Lord and not to men,
UST:
You must do whatever work you have to do diligently, as if {you were working} for the Lord instead of for merely human masters.
For whom are believers working in whatever they do? (3:23-24)
Believers are working for the Lord in whatever they do.
Colossians 3:24
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 3:24ULT:
knowing that you will receive from the Lord the reward of the inheritance. You are serving the Lord Christ.
UST:
{You must obey and serve in this way} because you know that the Lord will justly repay you by giving you what he has kept for you. {Remember that} the Lord Messiah is {the real master} for whom you are working.
What will those receive who serve the Lord in whatever they do?
Those who serve the Lord in whatever they do will receive the reward of the inheritance.
Colossians 3:25
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 3:25ULT:
For the one doing unrighteousness will receive what he did unrighteously, and there is no favoritism.
UST:
{You must remember who the real master is} because God will punish anyone who does wrong in proportion to those wrong actions. {This is because} God does not judge people based on how they look or who they are but on what they have done.
What will those receive who do unrighteousness?
Those who do unrighteousness will receive the penalty for what they did.
Colossians 4
Colossians 4:1
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 4:1ULT:
Masters, give to your slaves {what is} right and fair, knowing that you also have a master in heaven.
UST:
Masters must treat their slaves justly and fairly. {You who are masters must do this} because you know that you too serve a Master{, one who is} in heaven.
What does Paul remind earthly masters that they also have?
Paul reminds earthly masters that they also have a master in heaven.
Colossians 4:2
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 4:2ULT:
Continue steadfastly in prayer, staying alert in it in thanksgiving,
UST:
Pray {to God} persistently. Pay attention when you pray, and give thanks {to God}.
In what does Paul want the Colossians to continue steadfastly?
Paul wants the Colossians to continue steadfastly in prayer.
Colossians 4:3
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 4:3ULT:
praying together for us also so that God may open a door to us for the word to speak the mystery of Christ, on account of which also I have been bound,
UST:
When you are praying, pray for us too. {Pray} that God will make it possible for us to freely proclaim our message, which is the secret about the Messiah that we now share with others. Because {we proclaimed} this message, I am now in prison.
For what does Paul want the Colossians to pray?
Paul wants the Colossians to pray that he has an open door to speak the word, the mystery of Christ.
Colossians 4:4
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 4:4ULT:
in order that I may make it clear, as I ought to speak.
UST:
{Pray} that I am able to explain the good news clearly, since this is what God has called me to do.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Colossians 4:5
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 4:5ULT:
Walk in wisdom toward the ones outside, redeeming the time,
UST:
Behave wisely around those who do not believe in the Messiah. Take advantage of every opportunity {you have to do this}.
How does Paul instruct the Colossians to treat those who are outsiders? (4:5-6)
Paul instructs them to live in wisdom, and speak with grace toward those who are outsiders.
Colossians 4:6
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 4:6ULT:
your words always with grace, seasoned with salt, to know how it is necessary for you to answer each one.
UST:
{When you talk with them,} you must always speak in a pleasant and interesting way. {When you do this,} you will know the best way to respond to each person.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Colossians 4:7
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 4:7ULT:
All the things concerning me, Tychicus will make known to you, the beloved brother and faithful servant and fellow slave in the Lord,
UST:
Tychicus will tell you everything that has been happening to me. {He is} a fellow believer whom I love, who helps me faithfully, and who serves together with me as a man whom God has united to the Lord.
What task had Paul given Tychicus and Onesimus? (4:7-9)
Paul gave them the task of making everything known concerning him to the Colossians.
Colossians 4:8
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 4:8ULT:
whom I sent to you for this very {reason}, so that you might know the things concerning usand that he might encourage your hearts.
UST:
I am sending Tychicus to you {with this letter} because I want you to know how we are doing and because Tychicus will help you live confidently.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Colossians 4:9
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 4:9ULT:
Together with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother who is from among you, they will make known to you all the things here.
UST:
{I am sending him to you} with Onesimus, who is a faithful fellow believer whom I love. He is from your group. Tychicus and Onesimus will tell you about everything {that has been happening} here.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Colossians 4:10
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 4:10ULT:
Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, greets you, and Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received orders; if he may come to you, receive him),
UST:
Aristarchus, who is in prison with me, and Mark, who is Barnabas’ cousin, send their regards to you. You already know that you should welcome Mark if he visits you.
What instructions did Paul give concerning Mark, the cousin of Barnabas?
Paul told the Colossians to receive Mark if he comes to them.
Colossians 4:11
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 4:11ULT:
and Jesus, the one called Justus. These {are} the only fellow workers for the kingdom of God being from the circumcision, who were a comfort to me.
UST:
Jesus, whom you may know by the name Justus, also {sends his regards}. These men{—Aristarchus, Mark, and Justus—}are the only Jewish believers who are working with me for the sake of God’s kingdom. They have encouraged me {in this work}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Colossians 4:12
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 4:12ULT:
Epaphras greets you. He {is} from among you, a servant of Christ Jesus, always striving on behalf of you in prayers so that you may stand complete and fully assured in all the will of God.
UST:
Epaphras, who is from your group {and} who serves the Messiah Jesus, sends his regards to you. He prays earnestly for you very often. {He prays} that God will make you able to be what God has called you to be and to be sure of everything that God wants {you to do}.
For what does Epaphras pray for the Colossians?
He prays that the Colossians will stand complete and fully assured in all the will of God.
Colossians 4:13
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 4:13ULT:
For I testify for him that he has much hard labor on behalf of you and of the ones in Laodicea and of the ones in Hierapolis.
UST:
{You know that he prays this way for you} because I can personally affirm this about him. {I tell you} that he works very hard for you, for the people {who live} in the city of Laodicea, and for the people {who live} in the city of Hierapolis.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Colossians 4:14
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 4:14ULT:
Luke, the beloved physician, greets you, and also Demas.
UST:
Luke the doctor, whom I love, and Demas send their regards to you.
What is the name of the physician that is with Paul?
The physician’s name is Luke.
Colossians 4:15
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 4:15ULT:
Greet the brothers in Laodicea, and Nympha, and the church in her house.
UST:
Give our regards to the fellow believers who live in Laodicea, to Nympha, and to the group of believers {that meets} in Nympha’s home.
In what kind of place was the church in Laodicea meeting?
The church in Laodicea was meeting in a house.
Colossians 4:16
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 4:16ULT:
And when this letter has been read among you, make sure that it would be read also in the church of Laodicea and that you also would read the one from Laodicea.
UST:
After the person who reads this letter to you finishes it, send {it to Laodicea} so that someone can read it to the group of believers there, too. Also, {ask for} the letter I sent to the believers in Laodicea so that you too can read it.
To what other church had Paul also written a letter?
Paul also had written a letter to the church in Laodicea.
Colossians 4:17
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 4:17ULT:
And say to Archippus, “Look to the ministry that you have received in the Lord so that you may fulfill it.”
UST:
{You must} tell Archippus to make sure that he completes the task that God gave him to do when God united him to the Messiah.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Colossians 4:18
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Colossians 4:18ULT:
This greeting {is} by my {own} hand—Paul. Remember my chains. Grace {be} with you.
UST:
I, Paul, send my regards {to you}. I am writing {these last words} myself {instead of having my scribe write them}. You must not forget that I am in prison. {I pray that God will} be gracious to you.
How did Paul show that this letter was actually from him?
Paul wrote his name in his own handwriting at the end of the letter.