Col, overview
Author: Paul
Time: AD 61
Summary: The letter to Colosse was written in response
to heresy that had been brought to Paul's attention. The major errors that had
crept into the church seemed to have been: (1) the exaltation of angels or other
"elemental spirits"; (2) the emphasis on ascetic or liturgical practices thought
to produce spirituality; and (3) claims to a special knowledge beyond that found
in the Gospel of Christ. Paul states that these are philosophies based on human
tradition and are therefore worthless. He teaches love, humility, submission to
authority, and finally prayer to establish a believer in the wisdom of
God.
Key verse: "See, to it that no one takes you captive
through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and
the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ" (Col 2:8).
Outline
- Introduction: Col 1:1-14
- The supremacy of Christ: Col
1:15-23
- Paul's labor for the church: Col 1:24 -- 2:7
- Freedom from
human regulations through life with Christ: Col 2:8-23
- Rules for holy
living: Col 3:1 - 4:6
- Final greetings: Col
4:7-18
