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
