Epistle to the Colossians

From the Bible Dictionary, Pauline Epistles:

Epistle to the Colossians was the result of a visit from Epaphras, the evangelist of the Church in Colosse (1:7–8), who reported that the Colossians were falling into serious error, the result of a deep consciousness of sin leading to a desire to attain moral perfection by mechanical means, the careful observance of external ordinances (2:16) and ascetic restrictions (2:20), coupled with special devotion to a host of angelic mediators. The attractiveness of such teaching was due not only to the satisfaction it offered to the craving after sanctification, but also to the show it made of superior wisdom and greater insight into the mysteries of the universe. Paul shows that Christ, in his own person, is the one principle of the unity of the universe, and that sanctification is to be found only through union with him.

Analysis of Colossians
1. Salutation, thanksgiving, and prayer (1:1–13).
2. Doctrinal.
a. Christ, our Redeemer, the author and goal of all creation, the Lord of all divine perfection, in whom is the reconciliation of the universe (1:14–2:5).
b. Hence the importance of union with him (2:6–12).
c. Danger of ceremonialism and of angel worship (2:13–19).
d. Importance of dying and rising again with Christ (2:20–3:4).
3. Exhortation.
a. Every evil inclination to be subdued (3:5–11).
b. We must clothe ourselves in all graces of the Spirit (3:12–17).