As with his other letters, Paul identifies himself as the author of Colossians. The early church did not question his authorship. In the 19th century scholars began to question Paul’s authorship. They pointed to the occurrence of 33 words not used anywhere else in the NT, and 48 not used by Paul anywhere else in his writings. They also argue that the letter’s use of liturgical hymnotic style is not how Paul usually wrote. Critics also point to how the letter’s teachings on Christ, the last days and the church are foreign to Paul’s other writing. Proponents of Paul’s authorship point out that Galatians (almost indisputably Pauline) has 35 unique words. Moreover, differences in content are easily explained by the different occasions and messages of the letters.

The Epistle to the Colossians is usually dated to A.D. 60, during Paul’s imprisonment in Rome. A few have argued for other places of origin, including Ephesus and Caesarea, but these arguments are not convincing.

1:19 “For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.”

2:6-10 “As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily;  and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.”

3:1-2 “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.”

4:5-6 “Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”

Ephaphras

Epahras, the “dear fellow servant” and “fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus” of Paul, was the evangelizer sent to the cities of the Lychus Valley (Colosse, Laodicea and Hierapolis). Paul says he had “great zeal” for the believers in these cities, and was tasked with delivering Paul’s letter to Colosse, his hometown.

The Coming of Heretics to Colosse

Paul doesn’t mention them, or when the heresy came to Colosse, but clearly, its coming was what prompted Paul to write to them.

Greetings and Thanksgiving (1:1-2)

The Work of God Through Christ (1:3-23)

I.  Faith of the Colossians (1:3-8)

II.  Christological Prayer (1:9-18)

III.  Reconciliation (1:19-23)

Paul’s Ministry (1:24-2:3)

I.  Suffering and Ministering the Mystery (1:24-29)

II.  Ministry to the Colossians (2:1-3)

Denunciation of False Teaching (2:4-23)

I.  Do Not Be Deceived But Walk in Christ (2:4-7)

II.  Superiority of Christ Over The World’s Philosophies (2:8-15)                                                                       

III.  Do Not Engage in Meaningless Rituals (2:16-19)

IV.  Do Not Engage in False Asceticism (2:20-23)

Christian Living (3:1-4:6)

I.  Walk No Longer in Sin (3:1-11)

II.  Walk in True Spirituality (3:12-17)

III.  Instructions for the Home (3:18-21)

IV.  Instructions for Subordinates and Superiors (3:22-4:1)

V.  Continue Earnestly in Prayer (4:2-4)

VI.  Treat Unbelievers With Grace (4:5-6)

Conclusion (4:7-18)

I.  Greetings (4:7-15)

II.  Final Instructions (4:16-17)

III.  Salutation in Paul’s Own Hand (4:18)