Paulus was in chains when he wrote the letter (4:3), shortly before he was forsaken by Daemas (see 2 Timotheos). With similar things going on as in the Open Letter, this letter to the Kolossaeans contains many similar ideas. Thus, the central themes of the author's proclamation were being developed.
The letter is grouped into two parts:
| Information relating to their current situation: | 1:3-3:4 |
| Closing advice and admonitions: | 3:5-4:6 |
These portions are preceded and followed by the usual greetings.
Paulus' troubles with his countrymen never ceased. Even in this last letter, he recalls things that are happening both to the Kolossaeans and to him as a result of Jews or Judiazers. He reminds the readers of his own sufferings at the hands of the Jews and warns them not to fall into the trap of submitting to a system of rules. He refers to "human tradition" (2:8), figurative circumcision (2:11), sabbaths and feast days (2:16), and to human regulations (2:20f.), all of which were directed at dealing with Judaizers. The regulations of the Judaizers are earthly, but followers of Jesus are to set their minds on things above (3:2).
Even as he gives advice, Paulus returns to the statement echoed in Galatians 3:28: that in Jesus there is neither Greek nor Jew.
During the closing comments, Paulus mentions a letter to the Laodikeans, which is most likely his open letter--the letter that is commonly referred to as the Letter to the Ephesians, for it was sent there also. Notice that while Paulus and Timotheos co-wrote the body of the letter (1:1), Paulus adds a personal touch by signing the letter himself (4:18).
Click here to continue to Paulus' Letter to the Kolossaeans.