
Colossians
INTRODUCTION
Colossians is one of four letters Paul wrote from prison in Rome, about A.D. 61. This letter has a sharp focus: Paul wrote to combat a peculiar heresy that seemed to blend occult superstition with a “hollow and deceptive philosophy” (2:8). The effect of the heresy was to rob Christ of His central role in Christian faith. To oppose it, Paul provided one of Scripture’s clearest and most powerful statements of who Jesus is and what He has done. Paul then went on to describe the way of life that is appropriate for those who know the real Jesus, and shows us that true spirituality is living a godly life in this present world.
OUTLINE OF CONTENTS
I. | Prayers for the Colossians | Col. 1:1–14 |
II. | The Preeminence of Christ | Col. 1:15–29 |
III. | Exposure of Errors | Col. 2 |
IV. | The Life of Holiness | Col. 3:1–4:1 |
V. | Final Words and Greetings | Col. 4:2–18 |