1. Paul teaches many of the same things in Colossians as he did in Ephesians.
2. Paul was imprisoned in Rome when he wrote this letter (cf. Acts 28).
3. The letter was written to refute a heresy which denied the sufficiency of Christ for salvation.
4. Colossae was a city in Asia Minor (Modern Turkey).
5. The city was destroyed by a massive earthquake in 61 A.D. shortly after the letter was written. 

In Colossians, God is glorifying Himself through the sufficiency of Christ, so that He might demonstrate His superior goodness in the salvation sinners, the damnation of the wicked, and for the preservation of His people, for His eternal glory, and their eternal joy.

“Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God…”

Colossians 1:1

“…of which I, Paul, became a minister”

Colossians 1:23

“This salutation by my own hand—Paul”

Colossians 4:18

“To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are in Colosse” 

Colossians 1:2

“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.

“And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight—if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.”

Colossians 1:19–23

“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.”

Colossians 2:8–10

“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

Colossians 3:12–17

1. Christ is before all things and in Him all things hold together.
2. Since we have been raised with Christ, we ought to set our minds on things above.
3. We ought to continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.

1. Doctrine of Christ and His Absolute Sufficiency (Col. 1–2)
   1. Paul’s Joy and Gratitude Toward the Colossian Church (Col. 1:1–14)
   2. Doctrine of the Sufficiency of Christ (Col. 1:15–2:23)
2. The Work of Christ as the Only Sufficient Work in Your Life (Col. 3–4)
   1. Living a Resurrected Life (Col. 3:1–4:6)
   2. Final Greetings (Col. 4:7–15)
   3. Closing Exhortations and Blessings (Col. 4:16–18)