Commentary on The Epistle to the Colossians
Commentary
on
The Epistle to the Colossians
on
The Epistle to the Colossians
Outline of Colossians
Theme: Christ, the Pre-eminent One, the Only and All-Sufficient Savior
I. This Only and All-Sufficient Savior Is the Object of the Believers’ Faith, chapters 1 and 2
A. This Truth Expounded Positively, chapter 1
1. Opening Salutation
2. Fervent Thanksgiving and Prayer
3. The Son’s Pre-eminence
a. In Creation
b. In Redemption
4. His Reconciling Love toward the Colossians, and Their Resulting Duty to Continue in the Faith
5. The Apostle’s Share in Proclaiming “the Mystery,” namely, “Christ in you the hope of glory”
B. This Truth Expounded Not only Positively but Now Both Positively and Negatively, chapter 2, the Latter over against “the Colossian Heresy” with Its:
1. Delusive Philosophy
2. Judaistic Ceremonialism
3. Angel-worship
4. Asceticism
II. This Only and All-Sufficient Savior Is the Source of the Believers’ Life, and Thus the Real Answer to the Perils by Which They Are Confronted, chapters 3 and 4
A. This Truth Applied to All Believers, 3:1–17
1. Believers should be consistent. They should live in conformity with the fact that they were raised with Christ, who is their life
2. Therefore, they should “put to death” and “lay aside” the old vices; and
3. They should “put on” the new virtues
B. This Truth Applied to Special Groups, 3:18–4:1
1. Wives and their husbands
2. Children and their fathers
3. Servants and their masters
C. Closing Admonitions, Greetings, etc., 4:2–18
1. Prayer urged
2. Wise conduct and gracious speech stressed
3. A good word for Tychicus and Onesimus, who have been sent with tidings and encouragement
4. Greetings
5. Exchange of letters requested
6. Crisp directive for Archippus
7. Closing salutation