Paul’s Epistle to the Colossians – Outline emphasizes the “Christ Hymn of Praise” and the truth that …

… as Lord of the Cosmos and Lord of the Church, Jesus Christ is to have first place in everything.

• Prescript, 1.1-2 (Author, recipients, greeting)

• Letter Opening, 1.3-23
  1. Thanksgiving, 1.3-8 (Its expression, occasion, and ground)
  2. Prayer report, 1.9-14 (Its character, content, and intended result)
  3. Christ Hymn of Praise 1.15-20
  4. Thematic statement, 1.21-23 (The letter’s three themes in reverse order)
• Body Middle, 1.24–4.6 (Paul’s apostolic commission, persevering in the face of false teaching, and leading holy lives)
  1. Personal matters, 1.24–2.5 (Inclusio: 1.24 and 2.5)
     • General: his divine commission, 1.24-29 (Begins with ‘nun’ formula; his mandate, message, and motivation)
     • Particular: his present concern, 2.1-5 (Begins with disclosure formula: an encouragement, warning, and reassurance) [Transition, 2,6-7]
  2. Theological matters, 2.8-23 (Characterized by the indicative mood; deceptive philosophy, religious rituals, ascetic practices)
     • Statement, 2.8
     • Contrast, 2.9-23
       • According to Christ, 2.9-15
       • According to human origin, 2.16-23
     • [Transition, 3,1-4] (Corrective: “Set your minds on the things above…”)
  3. Practical matters, 3.5–4.6 (Characterized by the imperative)
     • Vice-virtue lists, 3.5-17 (Two vice lists of five each, one virtue list of five, and a supplementary section)
     • Household code, 3.18–4.1 (Exhortations to wives, husbands, children, fathers, slaves)
     • Evangelism, 4.2-6 (Advancing the gospel)

• Closing, 4.7-18 (Greetings, a final charge, and signature)