Outline of Colossians I. Introduction 1:1-14 A. Salutation 1:1-2 B. Paul's prayer requests for the Colossians: a mature knowledge of God's will 1:3-14 II. Doctrinal: Christ, preeminent in both the universe and church 1:15-2:3 A. Preeminent over the universe 1:15-17 B. Preeminent over the church 1:18 C. Paul's ministry enhanced by suffering to reveal the mystery of the indwelling Christ 1:24-2:3 III. Polemical: The warning against error 2:4-23 A. Prologue: The Colossians urged to maintain their relation with Christ 2:4-7 B. The Colossians warned of the multifaceted heresy threatening to rob them of spiritual blessings 2:8-23 1. Error of vain philosophy 2:8-10 2. Error of legalism 2:11-17 3. Error of angel worship 2:18-19 4. Error of asceticism 2:20-23 IV. Practical: The Christian life 3:1-4:6 A. Prologue: The Colossians summoned to pursue heavenly and not earthly matters 3:1-4 B. Old vices to be discarded and replaced by their corresponding virtues 3:5-17 C. Instructions given governing domestic relations 3:18-4:1 1. Wives and husbands 3:18-19 2. Children and parents 3:20-21 3. Slaves and masters 3:22-4:1 D. Evangelism to be conducted by persistent prayer and wise living 4:2-6 V. Administrative: Final instructions and greetings 4:7-15 A. Tychicus and Onesimus to inform the Colossians of Paul's situation 4:7-9 B. Greetings exchanged 4:10-15 VI. Conclusion: Final requests and benediction 4:16-18