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Colossians & Philemon
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
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
- GenresTheology
392 pages, Hardcover
Published August 28, 2024
4 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
Richard D. Phillips
78 books42 followersRichard D. Phillips (MDiv, Westminster Theological Seminary) is the senior minister of Second Presbyterian Church of Greenville, South Carolina. He is a council member of the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals, chairman of the Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology, and coeditor of the Reformed Expository Commentary series.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
July 26, 2025
This is the ninth volume I’ve read in the Reformed Expository Commentary series from P&R Publishing. Over the last two years, I’ve worked through the Gospel of John in my women’s group using this series, and it’s become a trusted tool in my study of Scripture.
What I appreciate most about this series, and about this volume in particular, is how accessible it is. The exposition is clear and never shallow. Phillips draws on a wide range of theological voices—quoting John Calvin, F. F. Bruce, Martyn Lloyd-Jones, and others—but always in service to the text. He doesn’t assume the reader has formal theological training, and he doesn’t avoid serious doctrinal content either.
Although I’ve been a communing member of a Reformed church for nearly nine years, I wasn’t raised in the tradition. Reading this commentary, one almost gets catechized along the way. Phillips’s treatment of Colossians and Philemon reinforces core doctrines of the church in language that resonates with the Westminster Confession of Faith. He doesn't simply explain verses; he shows how sound doctrine shapes the life of the church—particularly its worship, leadership, and unity in Christ.
The commentary has both instructional and devotional value. These chapters were originally preached at Second Presbyterian Church (Greenville, South Carolina), and the sermonic origin is evident in how each section applies the passage to the believer’s life. The exposition reflects the heart of a shepherd, guiding the reader with both doctrine and discipleship in view.
I recommend Colossians & Philemon to readers who want more than technical analysis. It’s for those who want to learn, but also to be reminded of the sufficiency of Christ, the authority of Scripture, and the grace that transforms both individuals and the church.
--
A few of my favorite quotes:
"If Christ is the head and we are the body, then we imbibe life only in union and communion with him. Jesus illustrated this point in his parable of the vine: “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). When our faith seems dry and we lack spiritual vitality, the remedy is to spend time with Jesus Christ in prayer and through his Word, and the life of the head will animate his body."
"The saving mission of Christ was not a reaction on God’s part to the unforeseen fall of our race into sin through Adam. Rather, when God first said, “Let there be” (Gen. 1:3), the creation of all things was a means to the end that was Christ. The purpose of creation, as with each of our individual lives, is realized through faith in and service to the cosmic Lord Jesus Christ. "
"Whether we are ministers in the pulpit or Christians bearing testimony in a coffee shop, Christ must be proclaimed for sinners to be saved. We must announce the last thing that unbelievers want to hear—God’s wrath on their sins—but also the last thing they expect, that the God of grace has sent his Son to bear our sins on the cross. We preach because our message is good news, telling those dying in sin that there is new life in Jesus Christ, together with forgiveness through his blood. Unless we can say with Paul, “Him we proclaim,” we are not bearing the testimony that God will bless in saving sinners."
I was provided with a complimentary copy for review. All views are my own.
What I appreciate most about this series, and about this volume in particular, is how accessible it is. The exposition is clear and never shallow. Phillips draws on a wide range of theological voices—quoting John Calvin, F. F. Bruce, Martyn Lloyd-Jones, and others—but always in service to the text. He doesn’t assume the reader has formal theological training, and he doesn’t avoid serious doctrinal content either.
Although I’ve been a communing member of a Reformed church for nearly nine years, I wasn’t raised in the tradition. Reading this commentary, one almost gets catechized along the way. Phillips’s treatment of Colossians and Philemon reinforces core doctrines of the church in language that resonates with the Westminster Confession of Faith. He doesn't simply explain verses; he shows how sound doctrine shapes the life of the church—particularly its worship, leadership, and unity in Christ.
The commentary has both instructional and devotional value. These chapters were originally preached at Second Presbyterian Church (Greenville, South Carolina), and the sermonic origin is evident in how each section applies the passage to the believer’s life. The exposition reflects the heart of a shepherd, guiding the reader with both doctrine and discipleship in view.
I recommend Colossians & Philemon to readers who want more than technical analysis. It’s for those who want to learn, but also to be reminded of the sufficiency of Christ, the authority of Scripture, and the grace that transforms both individuals and the church.
--
A few of my favorite quotes:
"If Christ is the head and we are the body, then we imbibe life only in union and communion with him. Jesus illustrated this point in his parable of the vine: “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). When our faith seems dry and we lack spiritual vitality, the remedy is to spend time with Jesus Christ in prayer and through his Word, and the life of the head will animate his body."
"The saving mission of Christ was not a reaction on God’s part to the unforeseen fall of our race into sin through Adam. Rather, when God first said, “Let there be” (Gen. 1:3), the creation of all things was a means to the end that was Christ. The purpose of creation, as with each of our individual lives, is realized through faith in and service to the cosmic Lord Jesus Christ. "
"Whether we are ministers in the pulpit or Christians bearing testimony in a coffee shop, Christ must be proclaimed for sinners to be saved. We must announce the last thing that unbelievers want to hear—God’s wrath on their sins—but also the last thing they expect, that the God of grace has sent his Son to bear our sins on the cross. We preach because our message is good news, telling those dying in sin that there is new life in Jesus Christ, together with forgiveness through his blood. Unless we can say with Paul, “Him we proclaim,” we are not bearing the testimony that God will bless in saving sinners."
I was provided with a complimentary copy for review. All views are my own.
September 14, 2025
September 1, 2025 * 4 - 4.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews