We’ve reached the finish line of our Colossians Bible study journey! In this special recap episode, Heather and Kristina walk back through the powerful themes and key takeaways from the book of Colossians—highlighting what it means to live a Christ-centered life rooted in truth.

From the supremacy of Jesus to practical encouragement for everyday faith, this episode brings together everything we’ve learned about spiritual growth, identity in Christ, and standing firm in God’s Word. Colossians reminds us that Jesus is not only sufficient—He is over all and in all, calling us to deeper faith and transformation. ()

Join us as we reflect, celebrate how far we’ve come, and lift our eyes to the great and powerful God we serve. Whether you’ve followed along from the beginning or are looking for a meaningful Christian podcast recap, this episode will encourage and strengthen your walk with Christ.

At the close of Colossians, Paul lists a remarkable community of names—leaders, servants, friends, and fellow laborers who embodied the beauty of Christ’s kingdom. Jews and Greeks, slave and free, men and women stood side by side in the work of the gospel, each honored and valued by Paul. In a divided world, the early church displayed a new kind of family where status, ethnicity, and social rank no longer defined status. As Paul declared, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” These names are more than a closing greeting—they are a testimony that the church of Jesus Christ was built through kingdom diversity, shared mission, and unity in Him.

Call to Action:

1) Reread Colossians.

2) Write a summary of Colossians and compare with the first summary you wrote.

In this episode, we dive into Ephesians 4 and explore two powerful, everyday realities of the Christian life: prayer and salt. What does it mean to pray with urgency—not as a routine, but as a lifeline? And how are we called to live as “salt” in a world that desperately needs preservation, flavor, and fertilization?

Together, we unpack how a life anchored in intentional prayer shapes the way we show up in our relationships, our communities, and our calling. As we walk through Paul’s words, we’ll wrestle with the challenge of living distinctively—bringing grace, truth, and influence into the spaces we inhabit.

This conversation is both a reminder and a challenge: prayer isn’t passive, and being salt isn’t optional. It’s time to wake up, lean in, and live with purpose.

Call to Action:

1) Read Colossians 4:7-18

2) Make a list of everyone Paul mentions, and his descriptions of them.

3) Use Bible Hub to learn more about these people. 

4) Read more about Nympha, and what it meant that a church was in her home.

Is submission a dirty word?

In today’s episode, we wrestle with one of the most debated passages in Scripture—Colossians 3:18–4:1. Why does Paul call wives to submit to their husbands? What does that actually mean—and just as importantly, what does it not mean?

We dig deeper into the bigger story unfolding in this text: a radical, countercultural vision of relationships shaped by Christ. As husbands are called to love sacrificially and wives to submit faithfully, we explore how both reflect the gospel in powerful, often misunderstood ways.

Join us as we challenge assumptions, uncover better stories, and discover how these instructions point beyond themselves to something far greater—Christ’s love for His people.

Listen now and be part of the conversation.

Resources:

Join Dr. Cynthia Hester's Theology of Women Academy! 

Since we didn't have chance to talk about slavery in the Bible, here is a great discussion on The Urban Perspective with Dr. Mason. 

Call to Action:

Read Colossians 4:2-6. These are Paul's final words to the church in Colossae!

Write it out on an index card and carry it around with you in your purse or wallet. Let's memorize it together 

In this episode, we dive into a powerful passage that challenges earthly philosophies and outward appearances. Exploring themes of freedom and who we are in Christ, we unpack what it means to live in Him rather than in human traditions. The conversation confronts the illusion of control through strict practices, revealing how these can distract from true spiritual growth. Instead, we reflect on a deeper connection—one that nourishes and sustains from within—inviting listeners to reconsider where real transformation begins and what it looks like to grow in a faith that is alive, not performative.

Call to Action:

1. Read Col 3:18  - 4:1. Mark keywords and use your Bible Study Tools

2. Read 1 Peter 2: 13-3: 6; Ephesians 5:22-33

3. Read these two articles: CBE International and The Gospel Coalition

In today’s powerful episode of the Bible Study Besties Podcast, we dive deep into Colossians 2:1–15 with our special guest, Dr. Ingrid Faro—biblical scholar, author of several books, including her newest, Redeeming Eden, and a passionate teacher of God’s Word.

Together we explore the heart of Paul’s message to the church in Colossae and uncover the life-changing truth of what it means to be filled to the fullness of Christ and more. Dr. Faro shares the inspiring story of what first sparked her love for studying the Bible, and how believers today can grow in a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.

If you’re looking for deep Bible study, Christian discipleship, and practical ways to grow in faith, this conversation will encourage and challenge you.

Call to action:

1) Read Colossians 2:16-23

2) Mark the keywords and use the other tools in your Bible Study toolkit! 

In this episode, we dive into Colossians 1:15–29. Together, we unpack the meaning of the supremacy of Christ in Colossians. We also discuss how understanding Christ’s supremacy transforms believers today.

Yet, what do we do when we encounter difficult-to-understand Bible passages or verses that seem complex? Join us as we explore practical Bible study methods and learn how to approach challenging Scripture passages with increasing clarity and confidence.

If you’ve ever wondered how to handle hard-to-understand Bible verses, this episode will help you see how thoughtful study reveals the beauty of Scripture.

Tune in as we explore Colossians 1:15–29, the preeminence of Christ, and how recognizing Jesus as supreme changes everything—from how we read the Bible to how we live out our lives.

Call to Action:

1) Read Colossians 2:1-15 and mark keywords.

2) Write down any questions you have about the text.

3) In your own words, summarize those tricky questions as best as you can. 

4) Because scripture interprets scriptures, put into practice using cross references. You can use The Blue Letter Bible, The Bible Hub, or your Study Bible, if you have one. 

5) If needed, use a Commentary at the resources listed above to help you understand the passage. 

Grab your Bible, your BSB notebooks, and your favorite color pencils—this episode of Bible Study Besties is all about slowing down and studying together. Today we’re walking through the epistle to the Colossians 1:1–14, looking closely at the words and themes that show up again and again in the passage.

As we read, we’ll practice marking keywords to help the message stand out on the page. A great place to start:

• Put faith / faithfulness in a blue box
• Mark thanks / thankful with an orange box
• Highlight God the Father with a triangle
• Circle pray / prayer with a red circle

You don’t have to mark them exactly this way—this is simply a helpful starting point as we notice patterns in the text and let Scripture interpret Scripture. Together we’ll talk about what Paul is encouraging the church with, how gratitude and faith are woven throughout the passage, and how prayer shapes the life of believers.

So settle in, open your Bible, and study along with us. Let’s read, mark, and grow in the Word—together.

Call to Action:

1) Read and mark keywords from Colossians 1:15-29

2) Make a list about what you learn about Christ

3) Make a list about what you learn about 

Epistles make up the majority of the New Testament, and they’re packed with rich theology, real people from the early church, and responses to misunderstandings and false teachings that arose in those communities. In this episode, we explore how to read an epistle in a way that helps the message truly settle in our hearts.

We walk through the typical structure and outline of an epistle, talk about why historical context matters, and show practical ways to understand what the original readers would have heard. Finally, we discuss how to faithfully apply these letters today—so we don’t just read them well, but live them well too.

Call to Action::

1) Watch: 

 ​Reading an Epistle Literarilyy

Reading an Epistle Historically

2) Read the entire book of Colossians again in one sitting. As you read find every reference to the finished work of Christ. How does this change the way you live?

3) Write an outline for the book of Colossians. 

In this episode, we take the next step on our biblical roadmap by exploring the historical, cultural, and theological context of the book of Colossians. Understanding Colossians in context is essential for interpreting Paul’s message as it was first heard. 

We’re joined by Dr. Cynthia Hester, who helps us unpack Colossians at the time of Paul’s writing. Together, we discuss who the Colossians were, why Paul wrote the letter, and how understanding the first-century Greco-Roman world sharpens our reading of Scripture today.

Call to Action:

1) Read Acts 21:17 through the end of chapter 28. What was Paul willing to risk in order to preach the Word of God?

2) Look up Colossae on a map. If you are able, print out the map and put it in your journal. 

Resources:

Click here to see updates about excavations at Colossae. 

New Testament in Color: A multiethnic Bible Commentary