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Caught between Jewish legalism and pagan mystery religions—and evidently attracted to both—the young church in Colossae was struggling. The apostle Paul’s urgent letter to the congregation presents a singularly potent Christology as the cure for their confusion. In a companion letter to Philemon, a member of the church, Paul shows that embracing right doctrine leads to right relationships.

Richard D. Phillips’s devotional, pastoral commentary on these two letters presents a compelling view of apostolic apologetics and connects the false teaching of the past to the teaching and beliefs that surround believers on all sides today.

Endorsements

“The resounding theme of Colossians is the supremacy of Christ in all things, and Philemon illustrates what that truth will look like in the experiences of life. Phillips, with exegetical and theological precision along with pastoral insight, effectively explains deep theological truths in conjunction with the implications of truth to life.”

—Michael P. V. Barrett, Senior Research Professor of Biblical Studies, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary

“In this clear and practical exposition of two prison letters from the pen of Paul, Richard Phillips shows the superiority and all-sufficiency of Jesus Christ in his divine identity, glorious gospel, indwelling Spirit, and call to a transformed life (Colossians), as well as the resurrection power of Christ and the fruit of discipleship in a real-life scenario (Philemon). This commentary is ideal for both pastoral study and personal edification.”

—Joel R. Beeke, Chancellor and Professor of Systematic Theology and Homiletics, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary

“Richard Phillips’s Reformed Expository Commentary offers meaty, heart-searching exposition of these letters, powerfully conveying their transformative message of Christ’s preeminence and God’s grace. In conversation with a robust array of classic and contemporary commentaries, Phillips expresses the apostle’s message with a pastoral passion to draw people to the Lord who is supreme throughout the universe, in his church, and in our personal lives.”

—Dennis E. Johnson, Professor Emeritus of Practical Theology, Westminster Seminary California

“Offering exegetically careful, theologically informed, and thoughtfully applied exposition in clear prose, Colossians & Philemon will aid both the seasoned preacher and the careful Bible student. More than anything else, Phillips puts on display the grace and glory of Christ in the gospel, encouraging us to trust, love, and serve Christ Jesus the Lord.”

—Guy Prentiss Waters, James M. Baird, Jr. Professor of New Testament, Academic Dean, Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson

“Masterfully written, engagingly Reformed, eminently practical, this volume in the series reaches the top shelf. A superb achievement.”

—Derek W. H. Thomas, Chancellor’s Professor, Reformed Theological Seminary; Teaching Fellow, Ligonier Ministries

The Author

Richard D. Phillips

Richard D. Phillips (MDiv, Westminster Theological Seminary; DD, Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary) is the senior minister of Second Presbyterian Church of Greenville, South Carolina. The author of over forty books, he is coeditor of the Reformed Expository Commentary series, a trustee of Westminster Theological Seminary, and a council member of the Gospel Reformation Network.

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