Introduction
The Letter to the Colossians is a gem. In it we find much which tells
us of the true nature of Jesus Christ. It is relatively short (for one of
Paul's letters).
That may be explained by certain facts:
- Paul wrote this letter while in chains. It is likely enough that he
dictated it.
- Paul had never been to Colosse; he does not know these people
personally. His contact with them is through Epaphras, a fellow
evangelist.
In this letter Paul adopts the more formal style of teaching which is also
found in Romans. In both cases he writes to those he doesn't know.
In this instance in particular, there is some evidence that the Colossians had
been perturbed by a fraudulent letter which bore Paul's name. He is at
some pains to establish his credentials, but he does so not to admonish them but
to instruct them correctly. The letter remains useful for that to this
day.
| Colossians 1:1-15 |
Prayer at a Distance
- Paul opens his letter to the Colossians - whom he
has not met - with his prayer for them. |
| Colossians 1:15-29 |
Supremacy - The supremacy
of Christ, our reconciliation with the Father and the hope
of glory. |
| Colossians 2:1-12 |
Warning - Paul's
struggles in prayer for the Colossians for their Christian
growth in the fullness of Christ. |
| Colossians 2:13 - 3:4 |
Set Your Mind - Paul
encourages the Colossians to set their mind on things above,
not giving way to legalism and Judgmentalism. |
| Colossians 3:5-17 |
The New Self - Paul
deals with a version of the seven deadly sins, and their
replacements in Christ. |
| Colossians 3:18 - 4:1 |
Reciprocal
Relationships - Paul lays out the reciprocal
nature of the relationships between husband and wife,
parents and children, slaves (employees) and masters
(employers). |
| Colossians 4:2-18 |
Final Instructions
- Paul's final instructions to individuals, and to the
church to be wise in the ways of the world, redeeming the
time - and that their conversation is always "seasoned with
salt." |
A newer series on this letter may be found
here.
