(2) The prayer for the church
(a) That it might be filled with wisdom, fruitful in good
works, and strengthened with divine power, vs. 9-11
(b) Thanksgiving for the spiritual inheritance the great deliverance, and redemption from sins, vs. 12-14.
Part II
The doctrinal Section. Main Theme, The glory of the Person and Work of Christ
Ch. 1. (1) His glorious preeminence.
(a) As the image of God, v. 15.
(b) The creator of all things, v. 16…
(c) His preexistence, v. 17…
(d) His head-ship of the church, v 18…
(e) His divine fullness, v. 19…
(f) His reconciling work, vs. 20-23.
(g) The mystery of his indwelling in believers
proclaimed in Paul’s ministry, vs. 24-29.
Ch. 2. (2) Paul’s anxiety concerning the state of the church.
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(a) That the members might be united together in love,
having a fuller understanding of the spiritual
mysteries of the Father and of Christ, vs. 1-3.
(b) He warns against false doctrine and enjoins steadfast
faith in Christ, vs. 4-7.
Part III.
Doctrinal and Polemical Section.
Ch. 2. (1) The peril of worldly philosophy and legalism, v. 8.
(2) The transcendent glory of Christ and the power of his spiritual ordnances contrasted with those of the
ceremonial system, vs. 4-13.
(3) The liberating power of the cross of Christ in abolishing the old ceremonialism, vs. 14-17
(4) Warnings concerning angel worship, and false mysticism
which dishonor Christ as the Head of the church, vs. 18,
19.
(5) Warnings against ceremonialism and asceticism, vs. 20-
23.
Part IV.
The Hortatory Section.
Ch. 3. Exhortations
(1) To heavenly aspirations and affections, vs. 1-4.
(2) To the subjugation of fleshly lusts and desires, vs. 5-7
(3) To lay aside the evil passions and vices, and to put on the Christian graces and virtues, vs. 8-14.
(4) To be ruled by the spirit of peace, unity, and thankfulness, v. 15.
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(5) To seek an infilling of the truth so as to be mutually helpful in instruction and warning and praise; doing all things in the name of Christ, vs. 16, 17.
Part V.
The Family Section.
Chs. 3, 4 The duties of the various members of the Christian household: wives, husbands, children, fathers, servants, masters, Ch. 3:18 to 4:1.
Part VI.
The Fellowship Section.
Ch. 4. (1) Paul’s request for prayer and advice concerning social conduct, vs. 3-6.
(2) Closing salutations and commendations of workers, vs.
7-18.3
Conclusion
In the next part we will consider the letter to Philemon.
1 https://www.gotquestions.org/church-at-Colossae.html
2 https://www.theologyofwork.org/new-testament/colossians-philemon/introduction-to-colossians-and-philemon/background-on-colossae-and-the-colossians
3 Source material Thompson Chain Reference Bible, Workbook Edition, Forth Improved Edition, B.
B. Kirkbride Bible Company, Inc, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, copyright 1964
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