Detailed Outline of Colossians
Completeness in Christ Guards Against the Counterfeits of Mysticism, Legalism, and Traditionalism
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Information/Participation: Completeness in Christ brings fellowship, love and concern for the brethren (Col 4:7-18)3
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Paul sent two representatives to both inform and encourage the Colossians because of his fellowship, love and concern for them—and they for him (Col 4:7-9)
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Tychicus—the trusted missionary and messenger (Col 4:7-8)
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His character (Col 4:7a)
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Beloved brother
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Faithful servant
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Fellow bond-servant in the Lord
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His mission (Col 4:7-8)
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Information
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Encouragement
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Onesimus—the former runaway slave, now faithful brother (Col 4:9)
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His character (Col 4:9a)
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Faithful and beloved brother
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One of your number
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His mission (Col 4:9b)
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Information
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Reconciliation (cf. Philemon)
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Paul sent greetings from other believers of note to the Colossians because of their mutual fellowship, love and concern (Col 4:10-14)
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The Jewish brethren with whom they partnered with for Christ’s glory (Col 4:10-11)
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Aristarchus—the selfless missionary from Macedonia [Thessalonica] (Col 4:10a)
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Mark—the famous minister (Col 4:10b)
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He had a famous cousin
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He was famous for his failure
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He would be famous for his service
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Jesus called Justus—the man who bore the name of His Savior, and His Savior’s character (Col 4:11a)
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Their collective encouragement (Col 4:11b)
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The Gentile brethren with whom they partnered with for Christ’s glory (Col 4:12-14)
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Epaphras—the passionate pastor and prayer warrior on behalf of the Colossians (Col 4:12-13)
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A Colossian
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A bond-slave of Jesus Christ
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A fervent intercessor
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A concerned brother
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Luke—the brilliant writer and beloved physician (Col 4:14a)
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Demas—the future deserter (Col 4:14b)
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Paul sent his final instructions, and personal greetings to promote mutual fellowship, love and concern (Col 4:15-18)
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Paul expected that fellowship would take place between different congregations (Col 4:15-16)
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Fellowship with, and a desire of blessing for the brethren in Laodicea (Col 4:15a)
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Fellowship with, and a desire of blessing for Nympha and the church in her house (Col 4:15b)
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Fellowship in the Scriptures between congregations (Col 4:16)
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Paul sought to encourage Archippus in fulfilling his ministry (Col 4:17)
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Paul personally cared for those believers he had never personally met, and believed that they cared for him (Col 4:18)
3These weren’t superficial closing remarks, but were meant to foster fellowship, love and mutual care for those complete in Christ—between both Jewish and Gentile believers.
Exhortation: Completeness in Christ Is a Gift of God That Should Shape All of Life (Col 3:1-4:6)
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