ANALYSIS OF COLOSSIANS

I. PRESCRIPT (1:1–2)

II. THE PERSON AND WORK OF CHRIST (1:3–23)

1. THANKSGIVING FOR NEWS OF THE COLOSSIANS’ FAITH (1:3–8)

2. PRAYER FOR THE COLOSSIANS’ SPIRITUAL WELFARE (1:9–14)

3. HYMN IN HONOR OF CHRIST (1:15–20)

(1) Christ the Agent in Creation (1:15–16)

(2) Lord of the Universe and Head of the Church (1:17–18a)

(3) Christ the Agent in Reconciliation (1:18b–20)

4. SINNERS RECONCILED TO GOD (1:21–23)

III. PAUL’S MINISTRY (1:24–2:7)

1. STEWARDSHIP OF THE DIVINE MYSTERY (1:24–29)

2. CONCERN FOR THE CHRISTIANS OF THE LYCUS VALLEY (2:1–5)

(1) Reassurance of Paul’s Prayers for Them (2:1–3)

(2) His Anxiety Lest They Be Misled (2:4–5)

3. MAINTAINING THE TRADITION OF CHRIST (2:6–7)

IV. FALSE TEACHING AND ITS ANTIDOTE (2:8–3:4)

1. THE ALL-SUFFICIENCY OF CHRIST (2:8–15)

(1) The Fullness of Christ (2:8–10)

(2) The New Circumcision (2:11–12)

(3) The Triumph of Christ (2:13–15)

2. GUARD YOUR FREEDOM! (2:16–19)

(1) Freedom in Respect of Food and Festivals (2:16–17)

(2) Freedom in Respect of Asceticism and Angel Worship (2:18–19)

3. YOU DIED WITH CHRIST; THEREFORE … (2:20–23)

4. YOU WERE RAISED WITH CHRIST; THEREFORE … (3:1–4)

V. THE CHRISTIAN LIFE (3:5–4:6)

1. “PUT OFF” (3:5–11)

2. “PUT ON” (3:12–17)

3. “BE SUBJECT” (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)

4. “WATCH AND PRAY” (4:2–6)

VI. PERSONAL NOTES (4:7–17)

1. PAUL’S MESSENGERS (4:7–9)

2. GREETINGS FROM PAUL’S COMPANIONS (4:10–14)

3. MESSAGES FOR VARIOUS FRIENDS (4:15–17)

VII. FINAL GREETING AND BENEDICTION (4:18)