Colossians & Philemon (Reformed Expository Commentaries)

“At first thought, linking Colossians to Philemon seems to be a mismatch. Few of Paul’s letters are more Christological and theological than Colossians, and none are more specifically personal than Philemon. But herein lies the connection that is so frequently missed both in preaching and in practice. Genuine Christian conduct can happen only when people are thinking correctly about Christian truth, and Christian truth cannot be correctly understood apart from an accurate knowledge of Jesus Christ―who he is and what he has done. 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. His sermonic style sets an example for preachers in how to handle deep doctrine as well as providing a guide for laymen in their personal study of the Scripture.”

“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.”

“They keep coming! Commentaries from Rick Phillips in the Reformed Expository Commentary series are almost legion. And they seem to get better and better. Colossians and Philemon are such important letters. The Colossian church was a church plant from Paul’s Ephesus ministry and is now, at the time of writing, five to seven years old. Paul has never seen this fledgling church but has heard about it from Epaphras, the apostle’s companion during his time in Ephesus. What does a young church facing false teaching about its members’ own identity in Christ need to hear? That they are complete in Christ. Phillips catches the urgency of the hour in the first few pages and continues to keep the issue in focus throughout. Masterfully written, engagingly Reformed, eminently practical, this volume in the series reaches the top shelf. A superb achievement.”

“Christians love Paul’s epistle to the Colossians because it so powerfully and movingly impresses the all-sufficiency of Jesus Christ on the minds and hearts of its readers. Less appreciated but no less stirring, Paul’s epistle to Philemon shows how the grace of Christ that reconciles sinners to God also transforms relationships between the people of God. Dr. Richard D. Phillips is an ideal author to bring these two letters to life for the contemporary church. 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.”