# Introduction to Colossians

### Outline of the Book of Colossians

1. Greeting, thanksgiving, and prayer (1:1-12)
1. The person and work of Christ 
    - Deliverance and redemption (1:13-14)
    - Christ: the Image of the invisible God, and the One who is over all creation (1:15-17)
    - Christ is the Head of the Church, and the Church trusts in him (1:18-2:7)
1. Tests of faithfulness
    - Warnings against false teachers (2:8-19)
    - True godliness is not rigid rules and unbending traditions (2:20-23)
1. Teaching and living
    - Life in Christ (3:1-4)
    - Old and new life (3:5-17)
    - Christian family (3:18-4:1)
1. Christian behavior (4:2-6)
1. Closing and greetings
    - Paul thanks Tychicus and Onesimus (4:7-9)
    - Paul sends greetings from his associates (4:10-14)
    - Paul gives directions to Archippus and the Christians in Laodicea (4:15-17)
    - Paul's personal greeting (4:18)

### Who wrote the Book of Colossians?

Paul wrote the Book of Colossians and was from the city of Tarsus. He had been known as Saul in his early life. Before becoming a Christian, Paul was a Pharisee who persecuted Christians. After he became a Christian, he traveled several times throughout the Roman Empire telling people about Jesus.

Paul wrote this letter while in prison in Rome.

### What is the Book of Colossians about?

Paul wrote this letter to the believers in the Asia Minor city of Colossae. The main purpose of this letter was to defend the gospel against false teachers. He did this by praising Jesus as the image of God, sustainer of all things, and head of the church. Paul wanted them to understand that only Christ is needed for God to accept them.