Abstract
This bibliography represents seventy years of commentaries on Colossians. The bibliographic list is extensive but not exhaustive. What makes the list a bit unusual is that, instead of the standard organizing of commentaries alphabetically by authors, the commentaries are arranged by decades, beginning with the 2020s. Within each decade, the commentaries are listed from the latest to the earliest. While unconventional, this categorization helps one to observe some trends and trajectories that might not be as readily discerned in a traditional alphabetized listing.
Most of the commentaries are critical, although a few will lean more into the expository and devotional/spiritual approach. As is typical with commentaries on Colossians, several are combined with Ephesians or even with the larger Pauline corpus of the prison epistles.
2020s
Balabanski, Victoria S. Colossians: An Earth Bible Commentary. London: Bloomsbury Academic, forthcoming 2020.
2019–2010
Beale, G. K. Colossians and Philemon. Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2019.
McKnight, Scot. The Letter to the Colossians. The New International Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2018.
Tamez, Elsa, Cynthia Briggs Kittredge, and Alicia J Batten. Philippians, Colossians, Philemon. Wisdom Commentary 51. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical, 2017.
Foster, Paul. Colossians. Black’s New Testament Commentaries. London: Bloomsbury Academic, 2016.
Osborne, Grant R. Colossians & Philemon: Verse by Verse. Osborne New Testament Commentary Series. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2016.
Pao, David W. Colossians and Philemon. Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2016.
Bird, Michael F. Colossians and Philemon: A New Covenant Commentary. Cambridge: Lutterworth, 2014.
Garland, David E. Colossians and Philemon: From Biblical Text to Contemporary Life. The NIV Application Commentary. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2014.
Hagelberg, Dave. A Commentary on Colossians: The Proclamation of Christ That Leads to Spiritual Maturity. Rev. ed. Delhi: Indian Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, 2014.Seitz, Christopher R. Colossians. Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible. Grand Rapids: Brazos, 2014.
Wilson, R. McL. A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on Colossians and Philemon. The International Critical Commentary on the Holy Scripture of the Old and New Testaments. London: Bloomsbury, 2014.
Gupta, Nijay K. Colossians. Smyth & Helwys Bible Commentary. Macon, GA: Smyth & Helwys, 2013.
Hamm, Dennis. Philippians, Colossians, Philemon. Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2013.
Tomlin, Graham. Philippians, Colossians. Reformation Commentary on Scripture Series 11. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2013.
Engelbrecht, Edward, and Paul E Deterding. Colossians, Thessalonians. Reformation Heritage Bible Commentary. St. Louis: Concordia, 2012.
Gundry, Robert H. Commentary on Colossians and Philemon. Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2011.
Tarazi, Paul Nadim. Colossians & Philemon: A Commentary. Chrysostom Bible: A Commentary Series for Preaching and Teaching. St. Paul, MN: Ocabs, 2010.
2009–2000
Comfort, Philip Wesley. Ephesians, Philippians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, Colossians, Philemon. Cornerstone Bible Commentary, 16. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale, 2008.
Moo, Douglas J. The Letters to the Colossians and to Philemon. The Pillar New Testament Commentary. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2008.
Sumney, Jerry L. Colossians: A Commentary. The New Testament Library. Louisville: Westminster/John Knox, 2008.
Talbert, Charles H. Ephesians and Colossians. Paideia: Commentaries on the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2007.
Wilson, Earle L., Alex R. G. Deasley, and Barry L. Callen. Galatians, Philippians, Colossians: A Commentary for Bible Students. Wesleyan Bible Commentary Series. Indianapolis: Wesleyan, 2007.
Witherington, Ben, III. The Letters to Philemon, the Colossians, and the Ephesians: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary on the Captivity Epistles. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2007.
Klein, William W., David E. Garland, Arthur A. Rupprecht, and Todd D. Still. Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon. Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Rev. ed. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2006.
Hahn, Scott, Curtis Mitch, and Dennis Walters. The Letters of Saint Paul to the Philippians, the Colossians, and Philemon. Rev. 2nd ed. Ignatius Catholic Study Bible. San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 2005.
Kuschel, Harlyn J. Philippians, Colossians, Philemon. Rev. ed. People’s Bible Commentary. St. Louis: Concordia, 2005.
Smiles, Vincent M. First Thessalonians, Philippians, Second Thessalonians, Colossians, Ephesians. The New Collegeville Bible Commentary 8. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical, 2005.
Thompson, Marianne Meye. Colossians and Philemon. The Two Horizons New Testament Commentary. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2005.
Thomas, M. M. The First-Born of All Creation: Letter to the Colossians, Philemon. Translated by T. M. Philip. Contextual Theological Bible Commentary 2. Tiruvalla, India: CCS Books, 2004.
Deterding, Paul E. Colossians. Concordia Commentary. Saint Louis: Concordia, 2003.
Maxwell, Marcus. Ephesians to Colossians and Philemon: A Bible Commentary for Everyday. The People’s Bible Commentary. Oxford: Bible Reading Fellowship, 2002.
Phillips, John. Exploring Colossians & Philemon: An Expository Commentary. The John Phillips Commentary Series. Grand Rapids: Kregel, 2002.
Stam, Cornelius Richard. Commentary on Colossians. Germantown, WI: Berean Bible Society, 2002.
Gorday, Peter, and Thomas C. Oden. Colossians, 1–2 Thessalonians, 1–2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon. Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture. New Testament 9. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2000.
Hay, David M. Colossians. Abingdon New Testament Commentaries. Nashville: Abingdon, 2000.
Lincoln, Andrew T. “The Letter to the Colossians: Introduction, Commentary, and Reflections.” In 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon. Vol. 11 of The New Interpreter’s Bible. Edited by Leander E. Keck. Nashville: Abingdon, 2000.
MacDonald, Margaret Y. Colossians and Ephesians. Sacra Pagina 17. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical, 2000.
1999–1990
Anders, Max E. Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians & Colossians. Holman New Testament Commentary 8. Nashville: Holman Reference, 1999.
Gannett, Alden A. Christ Preeminent: A Commentary on Colossians. Grand Rapids: Kregel, 1998.
Barclay, John M. G. Colossians and Philemon. New Testament Guides. Sheffield, UK: Sheffield Academic Press, 1997.
Harrington, Daniel J. Paul’s Prison Letters: On Paul’s Letters to Philemon, the Philippians, and the Colossians. Spiritual Commentaries. Hyde Park, NY: New City Press, 1997.
Hübner, Hans. An Philemon, an die Kolosser, an die Epheser. Handbuch Zum Neuen Testament, 12. Tübingen: Mohr Siebeck, 1997.
Donelson, Lewis R. Colossians, Ephesians, First and Second Timothy, and Titus. Westminster Bible Companion. Louisville: Westminster/John Knox, 1996.
Dunn, James D. G. The Epistles to the Colossians and to Philemon: A Commentary on the Greek Text. The New International Greek Testament Commentary. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1996.
Hendriksen, William. Exposition of Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. New Testament Commentary. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1996.
Thurston, Bonnie Bowman. Reading Colossians, Ephesians, and 2 Thessalonians: A Literary and Theological Commentary. Reading the New Testament Series. New York: Crossroad, 1995.
Ash, Anthony L. Philippians, Colossians & Philemon. The College Press NIV Commentary. Joplin, MO: College Press, 1994.
Barth, Markus, Helmut Blanke, and Astrid B Beck. Colossians: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary. The Anchor Bible 34b. New York: Doubleday, 1994.
Aletti, Jean-Noël. Saint Paul: Épître Aux Colossiens. Études Bibliques. Nouvelle Série 20. Paris: J. Gabalda, 1993.
Martin, Ernest D. Colossians, Philemon. Believers Church Bible Commentary. Scottdale, PA: Herald Press, 1993.
Wall, Robert W. Colossians & Philemon. The IVP New Testament Commentary Series. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1993.
Wolter, Michael. Der Brief an Die Kolosser: Der Brief an Philemon. Ökumenischer Taschenbuchkommentar zum Neuen Testament 12. Gütersloh: Gütersloher Verl.-Haus Mohn, 1993.
Yates, Roy. The Epistle to the Colossians. Epworth Commentaries. London: Epworth Press, 1993.
MacArthur, John. Colossians & Philemon. The MacArthur New Testament Commentary. Chicago: Moody Press, 1992.
Harris, Murray J. Colossians & Philemon. Exegetical Guide to the Greek New Testament. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1991.
Martin, Ralph P. Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon. Interpretation, a Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching. Atlanta: John Knox, 1991.
Melick, Richard R. Philippians, Colossians, Philemon. The New American Commentary 32. Nashville: Broadman, 1991.
Pokorný, Petr. Colossians: A Commentary. Translated by Siegfried S. Schatzmann. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 1991. (German: Pokorný, Petr. Der Brief des Paulus an die Kolosser. 2. Aufl ed. Theologischer Handkommentar Zum Neuen Testament 10/1. Berlin: Evangelische Verlagsanstalt, 1990).
Patzia, Arthur G. Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon. New International Biblical Commentary 10. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 1990.
1989–1980
Hughes, R. Kent. Colossians and Philemon: The Supremacy of Christ. Preaching the Word. Wheaton: Crossway, 1989.
Blair, Edward P. Philippians, Colossians, and First and Second Thessalonians. Cokesbury Basic Bible Commentary 25. Nashville: Abingdon, 1988.
Pfammatter, Josef. Kolosserbrief. Die Neue Echter Bibel: Kommentar Zum Neuen Testament mit der Einheitsübersetzung 12. Würzburg: Echter, 1987.
Wright, N. T. The Epistles of Paul to the Colossians and to Philemon: An Introduction and Commentary. The Tyndale New Testament Commentaries. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1986.
Hartman, Lars. Kolosserbrevet. Kommentar Till Nya Testamentet 12. Uppsala: EFS-förlaget, 1985.
Taylor, Walter F, and John Henry Paul Reumann. Ephesians [and] Colossians. Augsburg Commentary on the New Testament. Minneapolis: Augsburg, 1985.
Appéré, Guy. The Mystery of Christ: Meditations on Colossians. Welwyn Commentary Series. Welwyn, UK: Evangelical Press, 1984.
Bruce, F. F. The Epistles to the Colossians, to Philemon, and to the Ephesians. The New International Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1984. (Revision of E. K. Simpson and F. F Bruce. Commentary on the Epistles to the Ephesians and the Colossians: The English Text with Introduction, Exposition and Notes. The New International Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1957).
Patzia, Arthur G. Colossians, Philemon, Ephesians. A Good News Commentary. San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1984.
Weed, Michael R. The Letters of Paul to the Ephesians, the Colossians, and Philemon. The Living Word Commentary 11. Abilene: ACU Press, 1984.
Lindemann, Andreas. Der Kolosserbrief. Zürcher Bibelkommentare 10. Zürich: Theologischer Verlag, 1983.
Pfitzner, John C. Chi Rho Commentary on Colossians and Philemon. Chi Rho Commentary Series. Adelaide, South Australia: Lutheran House, 1983.
Dunnam, Maxie D. Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon. The Communicator’s Commentary 8. Waco, TX: Word, 1982.
O’Brien, Peter T. Colossians, Philemon. Word Biblical Commentary 44. Waco, TX: Word, 1982.
Schweizer, Eduard. The Letter to the Colossians: A Commentary. Translated by Andrew Chester. Minneapolis: Augsburg, 1982. (German: Schweizer, Eduard. Der Brief an die Kolosser. Evangelisch-katholischer Kommentar. Zurich: Benziger, 1976).
Eadie, John. Colossians. Minneapolis: Klock & Klock, 1980.
Gnilka, Joachim. Der Kolosserbrief. Herders Theologischer Kommentar Zum Neuen Testament Bd. 10, Fasz. 1. Freiburg Im Breisgau: Herder, 1980.
Johnson, Luke Timothy. Invitation to the New Testament Epistles III: A Commentary on Colossians, Ephesians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus with Complete Text from the Jerusalem Bible. Doubleday New Testament Commentary Series. Garden City, NY: Image Books, 1980.
Rogers, Patrick. Colossians. New Testament Message 15. Wilmington, DE: Glazier, 1980.
Vaughan, Curtis. Colossians and Philemon. Bible Study Commentary Series. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1980.
1979–1970
Lane, William L. Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians. Understanding the New Testament. London: Scripture Union, 1978.
Sampley, J. Paul. Ephesians, Colossians, 2 Thessalonians, the Pastoral Epistles. Proclamation Commentaries. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1978.
Caird, G. B. Paul’s Letters from Prison (Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians). New Clarendon Bible. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1976.
Ernst, Josef. Die Briefe an die Philipper, an Philemon, an die Kolosser, an die Epheser. Regensburer Neues Testament. Regensburg: Pustet, 1974.
Martin, Ralph P. Colossians and Philemon. New Century Bible Commentary. London: Marshall, Morgan, and Scott, 1973.
Harrison, Everett Falconer. Colossians: Christ All-Sufficient. Everyman’s Bible Commentary. Chicago: Moody Press, 1971.
Lohse, Eduard. Colossians and Philemon: A Commentary on the Epistles to the Colossians and to Philemon. Translated by William R. Poehlmann and Robert J. Karris. Hermeneia: A Critical and Historical Commentary on the Bible. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1971. (German: Lohse, Edward. Briefe an die Kolosser und an Philemon. Kritisch-egegetischer Kommentar über das Neue Testament. Göttingen: Vandenhoeck, 1968.)
White, R. E. O. “Colossians.” In 2 Corinthians-Philemon. Broadman Bible Commentary 11. Nashville: Broadman, 1971.
Houlden, James L. Paul’s Letters from Prison (Philippians, Colossians, Philemon, and Ephesians). Pelican New Testament Commentaries. Harmondsworth, Middlesex: Penguin, 1970.
1969–1960
Hugedé, Norbert. Commentaire de L’Epître Aux Colossiens. Genève: Labor Et Fides, 1968.
Johnston, George. Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon. The Century Bible. New Edition. London: Nelson, 1967.
Thompson, George Howard. The Letters of Paul to the Ephesians, to the Colossians and to Philemon: Commentary. Cambridge Bible Commentary on the New English Bible. Cambridge: University Press, 1967.
Conzelmann, Hans. “Der Brief an die Kolosser.” In Die kleineren Briefe des Apostels Paulus. Das Neue Testament Deutsch. Göttingen: Vandenhoeck, 1965.
Carson, Herbert M. The Epistles to the Colossians and Philemon: An Introduction and Commentary. London: Tyndale Press, 1960.
Sullivan, Kathryn. The Captivity Epistles: Philippians, Philemon, Colossians, Ephesians. New Testament Reading Guide 9. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical, 1960.
1959–1950
Hunter, Archibald M. Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians. The Layman’s Bible Commentary. Richmond, VA: John Knox, 1959.
Scott, Ernest Findlay. The Epistles of Paul to the Colossians, to Philemon and to the Ephesians. Moffatt New Testament Commentary. London: Stoughton, 1958.
Synge, Francis C. Philippians and Colossians: Introduction and Commentary. Torch Bible Commentaries. London: SCM Press, 1958.
Moule, C. F. D. The Epistles of Paul the Apostle to the Colossians and to Philemon: An Introduction and Commentary. Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary. Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press, 1957.
Dibelius, Martin, and Heinrich Greeven. An die Kolosser Epheser, an Philemon. 3 Aufl. Neu Bearb. Edited by Heinrich Greeven. Handbuch Zum Neuen Testament 12. Tübingen: J. C. B. Mohr, 1953.
Masson, C. L’Épitre de Saint Paul aux Colossiens. Commentaire du Nouveau Testament. Neuchâtel: Delachaux, 1950.