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Colossians
Introduction
The book of Colossians was addressed to the people living in Colosse, which is east of Ephesus in Asia Minor (Eastern Greece). It was written by Paul while he was in Rome in the early to mid 60’s A.D. The theme of this letter is, sufficiency.
This letter was written at the same time as Ephesians and Philemon, and were delivered to their respective destinations by Tychicus and Onesimus. See the references to this in Ephesians and Philemon respectively.
The Bible never states that Paul ever visited Colosse, but he did visit nearly every major town near there, so one would assume that he went through Colosse at some point during his earlier travels.
Among the errors mentioned in this letter, the dangers of philosophy, ritual observance, and gnosticism are mentioned. To lean on earthly views, preconceived ideas, beliefs of convenience, and especially those that discount the function of Bible doctrine, is extremely dangerous for ones spiritual life.
Colossians Outline (New Unger's Bible Dictionary)
I. Introduction (1:1-12)
II. Doctrinal exposition (1:13-2:3)
A. Redemption (1:13-14)
B. Person of Christ (1:15-19)
C. The work of Christ (1:20-23)
D. The apostle's participation in Christ's program (1:24-2:3)
III. Doctrinal polemicism (2:4-3:4)
A. Against false philosophy (2:4-8)
B. In behalf of the Person and work of Christ (2:9-15)
C. Resulting obligations (2:16-3:4)
IV. Doctrinal practice (3:5-4:6)
A. Practical appropriation of the death and resurrection of Christ (3:5-17)
B. Appropriation of Christ's death and resurrection in domestic life (3:18-4:1)
C. Appropriation of the death and resurrection in relation to the world (4:2-6)
V. Personal matters (4:7-17)
A. The mission of Tychicus and Onesimus (4:7-9)
B. Salutations from Paul's associates (4:10-14)
C. Paul's own greetings (4:15)
D. The Laodicean message (4:16-17)
VI. Conclusion (4:18)
