Colossians 4 - Introduction

I. OUTLINE OF CHAPTER 1 Thessalonians 4:1-6:

I. Further Ramifications Of The New Life: Colossians 4:1-6

A. New Attitude For Masters: Colossians 4:1

B. Life Of Attentive Prayer: Colossians 4:2-3

C. Prayin For Opportunities To Evangelize: Colossians 4:3

D. Wise Conduct And Speech Toward Non-Christians: Colossians 4:5-6

II. INTRODUCTORY COMMENTS:

Paul now turns to the obligations that Masters have toward their servants. Note that God doesn't condemn or attack this social and economic institution, rather, Christianity is to be applied by both parties in it. These verses infer: (1) Problems between labor and management are usually due to wrong attitudes and sin on both sides. God is neither pro-labor/union or pro-management. God is pro-living. godly life, regardless of which side you may be on. Also note that no spiritual or moral advantage is found on either side. Too many assume that God is always on the side of the "little guy" or the underdog. Rather, God is always on the side of the righteous man! (Romans 1:17)

I. OUTLINE OF CHAPTER 1 Thessalonians 4:7-18:

I. Closing Matters: Colossians 4:7-18

A. His Praise For The Coming Messengers: Colossians 4:7-9

B. Greetings From Jewish Christians: Colossians 4:10-11

C. Greetings From Gentile Christians: Colossians 4:12-14

D. Greetings To Christians In Laodicea: Colossians 4:15

E. Exhortation Concerning Two Letters: Colossians 4:16

F. Exhortation Addressed to Archippus: Colossians 4:17

G. Paul's Own Personal Greeting: Colossians 4:18

II. INTRODUCTORY COMMENTS:

'The mere mention of these names in the various epistles of Paul adds to his writings. tone of reality and an element of deep human interest. The letters are made to be not mere theological essays or moral homilies, but vital messages to living men illustrated and embodied in actual life. In no portion of his letters, excepting possibly the last chapter of the epistle to the Romans, does Paul give. more fascinating list of his companions than in the closing, or "personal", section of this epistle to the Colossians.' (Erdman p. 111)

'The personal references of this section, though slight and cursory are of peculiar value, bearing themselves the strongest marks of genuineness, and decisively attesting the Pauline authorship of the Epistle.' (P.P. Comm. p. 211)