Most evangelicals attribute Colossians 3:15 to the apostle Paul (with Timothy named as a co‑author in Colossians 1:1). The letter to the Colossians is normally seen in evangelical circles as one of Paul’s prison epistles, written while he was under house arrest in Rome (around AD 60–62) and addressed to the church in Colossae to combat a syncretistic heresy and to instruct believers in the practical implications of Christ’s supremacy.

Key points about the likely author (Paul) from an evangelical perspective

– Identity and authority
– Paul (formerly Saul of Tarsus) was an apostle called by Christ (Acts 9). Evangelicals affirm his unique apostolic authority and that his letters are inspired Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16).
– In Colossians Paul identifies himself explicitly (Col. 1:1), and the early church accepted the letter as Pauline.

– Life and ministry (brief)
– A Jewish Pharisee turned follower of Jesus, Paul became the primary missionary to the Gentiles, planting churches across the Roman world and writing many New Testament epistles.
– Tradition and the New Testament show him imprisoned multiple times; Colossians is usually dated to his Roman imprisonment when he continued to shepherd churches by letter.

– Why Paul wrote Colossians (relevant to 3:15)
– The letter’s main theme is the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ (Col. 1:15–20; 2:9–10).
– Paul addresses false teaching that combined Jewish legalism, ascetic practices, and mystical/angelic speculations. He urges believers to live in the reality of their union with Christ.
– Colossians 3 contains practical ethical instruction grounded in Christian identity — verse 15 (“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts… And be thankful.”) fits that pastoral aim: internal peace, unity in the body, and gratitude are marks of life shaped by Christ.

– Why evangelicals accept Pauline authorship
– Internal claim to apostolic authorship (Col. 1:1) and the letter’s place in the early manuscript and church tradition.
– Theology and style correspond with Paul’s other undisputed letters (themes of union with Christ, household codes, ethical exhortation).
– Prominent evangelical scholars and commentators (historically and today) treat Colossians as authentically Pauline.

How this affects reading Colossians 3:15
– Because Paul is regarded as the inspired apostle, his practical commands carry authoritative weight for doctrine and Christian living.
– The verse is read as a pastoral exhortation grounded in the gospel: Christ’s peace should govern believers’ hearts, promoting unity (“one body”) and thankful worship — all flowing from Christ’s supremacy and reconciliation.

Short citation (ESV): “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.”

If you’d like, I can provide a short evangelical commentary on that specific verse (word meanings, theological implications, or application for church life).