Outline of Paul's letter to the Colossians

Greeting and Thanksgiving (Col. 1:1-9)

Paul and Timothy to the church at Colossae, grace and peace (1:1-2)

We praise you for your faith and love, which we learned from Epaphras (1:4,7)

Prayer (Col. 1:9-14)

We have not ceased praying for you, that you might have all wisdom, bearing good fruit, and giving thanks to the Father, who has delivered us from darkness through His Son

Description of Christ (Col. 1:15-20)

He is the image of the invisible God, the Head of the Body, the first-born of the dead;

in Him dwelled the fullness of God, and through Him He reconciled all things

Description of the Colossians and Paul’s ministry to them (Col. 1:21-2:8)

And you, once estranged and hostile in mind, have now been reconciled by His death, in order to be presented holy before Him, provided you continue in this faith of the Gospel of which I, Paul, am a minister (1:21-23)

I minister according to the Divine offi

ce which was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, that you may not fall prey to empty deceit

Salvation and avoidance of false teachings (2:9-23)

You do not need to get circumcised, for you have received the circumcision of Christ at baptism, so let no one pass judgement on you because you do not follow the teachings of those who do not hold fast to the Head

The moral life (3:1-17)

For since you have been baptized, seek the things which are above, and put to death therefore what is earthly in you

The Christian household (3:18-4:1)

Wives, be subject to your husbands; husbands, love your wives; children, obey your parents; slaves, obey your masters; masters

, treat your slaves justly and fairly

Prayer (4:2-6)

Continue steadfastly in prayer, pray for us also, and conduct yourselves wisely

Paul’s co-workers (4:7-14)

I have sent to you Tychicus and Onesimus, they will tell you everything

My co-workers of the circumcision send greetings: Aristarchus, Mark, and Justus; my other co-workers also send greetings

Personal note for the Laodiceans and closing (4:15-18)

10.1 Greet the church at Laodicea and the church at Nympha’s house.

10.2 After reading this letter, have it read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you read also the letter from Laodicea

10.3 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand