Douglas J. Moo’s Colossians and Philemon (Second Edition) offers a masterful exploration of these two Pauline epistles, solidifying its place as a crucial resource for pastors, scholars, and anyone delving into New Testament studies. This updated edition in the renowned Pillar New Testament Commentary series reflects Moo's engagement with recent scholarship while preserving the clarity and depth that distinguished the first edition. Moo provides readers with a balanced approach, blending theological analysis, historical context, and practical applications.

Understanding the Context

Moo begins by defending Pauline authorship of both letters. He argues convincingly that the language, theology, and historical details align with Paul’s other writings. The introduction sets the stage by detailing the cultural and religious context of Colossae, a small city influenced by a mix of Jewish legalism, pagan mysticism, and Hellenistic philosophy, which posed serious theological challenges for the early Christians there. He highlights Philemon as an intimate letter dealing with the personal and social dynamics of slavery, forgiveness, and Christian brotherhood.

Colossians

Colossians 1:1-14 – Thanksgiving and Prayer

Moo begins his exposition of Colossians by examining Paul’s greeting and his opening thanksgiving and prayer for the Colossians. Moo highlights Paul’s emphasis on gratitude for the Colossians' faith and love, grounded in “the hope stored up for you in heaven” (1:5). He underscores how Paul’s prayer for the Colossians reflects a deep concern for their spiritual growth, praying that they may be “filled with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives” (1:9). Moo emphasizes that this passage sets the tone for the rest of the letter, focusing on the sufficiency of Christ and the need for spiritual discernment in the face of false teachings.

Colossians 1:15-20 – The Christological Hymn

Moo moves on to the famous Christological hymn in Colossians 1:15–20, which he describes as “one of the most important theological passages in the New Testament.” He unpacks how Paul highlights Christ’s supremacy in creation and redemption, showing that Christ is the “image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation” (1:15). Moo stresses that Paul’s theology here directly challenges the false teachings infiltrating the Colossian church by presenting Christ as fully sufficient, both cosmically and salvifically.

Colossians 1:21-29 – Paul’s Ministry and the Mystery of Christ

In this section, Moo explores Paul’s personal ministry and his message about the mystery of Christ. Paul reflects on the transformative work of the gospel, particularly how it has reconciled believers who were once “alienated and enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior” (1:21). Moo explains how Paul’s emphasis on reconciliation highlights the gospel's power to transform lives. Paul’s description of his suffering for the church (1:24) is interpreted by Moo as Paul sharing in Christ’s sufferings, rather than adding to Christ’s atoning work. Moo further elaborates on Paul’s explanation of “the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people” (1:26), underscoring how this mystery refers to the inclusion of Gentiles in the redemptive plan of God, with Christ as the hope of glory.

Colossians 2:1-5 – Encouragement in the Face of False Teaching

Moo continues by discussing Colossians 2:1-5, where Paul expresses his struggle for the Colossians and Laodiceans, urging them to be united in love and grounded in the knowledge of Christ. Moo emphasizes that Paul’s concern for their spiritual well-being reflects his awareness of the false teachings threatening the community. “In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (2:3), Paul asserts, which Moo interprets as Paul’s way of countering the claims that spiritual enlightenment or salvation could be found outside of Christ. Moo explains that this section builds on the themes of Christ’s sufficiency and supremacy introduced earlier, reminding believers that they do not need to look beyond Christ for spiritual fulfillment.

Colossians 2:6-23 – Addressing False Teaching

In this section, Moo outlines how Paul systematically dismantles the false teachings threatening the Colossian church. He explains how the mixture of Jewish legalism and local mystical practices created confusion among believers. “Paul asserts that ‘in Christ, all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form’ (2:9), directly countering claims that believers needed additional spiritual experiences beyond Christ.” Moo examines Paul’s critique of practices such as asceticism and angel worship, showing how these detracted from Christ's sufficiency.

Colossians 3:1-17 – Christian Living

Moo explores Paul’s call to live a life reflective of Christ's supremacy. He highlights the "put off" and "put on" imagery that Paul uses to describe Christian sanctification, stressing that believers are to “put off the old self with its practices and put on the new self” (3:9-10). Moo argues that Paul’s ethical teaching is rooted in the believer's union with Christ. He also emphasizes how Christian virtues such as love, peace, and forgiveness are central to building a new community that reflects Christ’s lordship.

Colossians 3:18–4:1 – Household Codes

Moo’s analysis of Paul’s household codes demonstrates his careful balance of cultural sensitivity with Christian ethics. While Paul’s instructions may seem to uphold traditional Roman family structures, Moo explains that Paul’s exhortations are revolutionary in their mutual submission to Christ. "Husbands, love your wives" (3:19) and "masters, treat your slaves justly" (4:1) reflect Paul's redefinition of relationships under Christ's lordship, challenging the patriarchal norms of the Roman world.

Colossians 4:2-6 – Prayer and Witness

Moo highlights Paul’s exhortation to devote themselves to prayer, especially for opportunities to share the gospel. He also discusses Paul’s advice to speak with “grace” and “seasoned with salt” (4:6), emphasizing the importance of engaging with non-believers in a way that reflects Christ’s love and wisdom.

Colossians 4:7–18 – Final Greetings

Moo concludes his analysis of Colossians by examining Paul's personal greetings, emphasizing the close-knit nature of the early Christian community. He highlights Paul's mention of Tychicus, Onesimus, and others as evidence of the relational bonds and the diverse network of early Christian workers. Moo suggests that these greetings also serve to reinforce Paul's theological message—just as the body of Christ is diverse, it is unified in Christ’s supremacy.

Philemon

Philemon 1-15 – Paul’s Appeal for Onesimus

Moo offers a careful exposition of Philemon 1–15, emphasizing how Paul’s letter to Philemon presents a powerful plea for forgiveness and reconciliation. Paul begins by acknowledging Philemon’s love for the saints, setting a tone of mutual respect before making his appeal on behalf of Onesimus, the runaway slave who has now become a Christian brother. Moo highlights Paul’s tact in asking Philemon to forgive Onesimus, noting how Paul refrains from using his apostolic authority to command Philemon but rather appeals to him on the basis of love (Philemon 8-9). Moo underscores the significance of Paul’s request that Philemon receive Onesimus “no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother” (Philemon 16). This shift in relational status reflects the radical equality that the gospel promotes within the Christian community.

Philemon 16-25 – Forgiveness and Reconciliation

Moo explores the theological themes of forgiveness and reconciliation in the final verses of Philemon. He examines how Paul’s willingness to bear the financial cost of Onesimus’s wrongdoing (“If he has wronged you, charge it to me” [Philemon 18]) mirrors the atoning work of Christ. Moo points out that Paul’s appeal for Onesimus to be received as a brother in Christ challenges the social norms of Roman slavery. By asking Philemon to welcome Onesimus “as you would welcome me” (Philemon 17), Paul emphasizes the transformative power of the gospel in reshaping relationships. Moo concludes by noting that this letter exemplifies how Christian love and forgiveness should be lived out in everyday relationships, transcending societal structures and hierarchies.

Conclusion

Douglas J. Moo’s Colossians and Philemon (Second Edition) is an indispensable resource for anyone seeking to understand these two important New Testament letters. Moo’s commentary is characterized by theological depth, clear exposition, and practical insights that make it accessible for both scholars and lay readers. His analysis of Colossians’ Christological focus and Philemon’s relational dynamics provides a robust framework for understanding how the gospel challenges both personal and societal norms.

Who Should Read This Book?

Pastors and Preachers: Moo’s detailed exegesis and practical applications make this commentary a valuable resource for sermon preparation and teaching.

Theological Students and Scholars: Moo’s interaction with contemporary scholarship and his careful analysis of Greek texts provide a solid foundation for academic study.

Lay Readers and Bible Study Leaders: Despite its scholarly depth, Moo’s clear and engaging writing makes this commentary accessible to anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Scripture.

Should You Purchase It?

Yes, Colossians and Philemon (Second Edition) by Douglas J. Moo is an essential addition to any theological library. Moo’s comprehensive treatment of both the theological and practical dimensions of these letters ensures that readers will gain a deep and rich understanding of Paul’s message. Whether you are a pastor, a student, or a lay reader, this commentary will provide invaluable insights into how the supremacy of Christ shapes Christian faith and practice.