text: References to "the elements" and the only mention of the word "philosophy" in the New Testament have led scholar Norman DeWitt to conclude that early Christians at Colossae must have been under the influence of Epicurean philosophy, which taught atomism. The Epistle to the Colossians proclaimed Christ to be the supreme power over the entire universe, and urged Christians to lead godly lives. The letter consists of two parts: first a doctrinal section, then a second regarding conduct. Those who believe that the motivation of the letter was a growing heresy in the church see both sections of the letter as opposing false teachers who have been spreading error in the congregation. Others see both sections of the letter as primarily encouragement and edification for a developing church.
  Outline
  I. Introduction (1:1–14)
  A. Greetings (1:1–2)
  B. Thanksgiving (1:3–8)
  C. Prayer (1:9–14)
  II. The Supremacy of Christ (1:15–23)
  III. Paul's Labor for the Church (1:24–2:7)
  A. A Ministry for the Sake of the Church (1:24–2:7)
  B. A Concern for the Spiritual Welfare of His Readers (2:1–7)
  IV. Freedom from Human Regulations through Life with Christ (2:8–23)
  A. Warning to Guard against the False Teachers (2:8–15)
  B. Pleas to Reject the False Teachers (2:16–19)
  C. An Analysis of the Heresy (2:20–23)
  V. Rules for Holy Living (3:1–4:6)
  A. The Old Self and the New Self (3:1–17)
  B. Rules for Christian Households (3:18–4:1)
  C. Further Instructions (4:2–6)
  VI. Final Greetings (4:7–18)
  Doctrinal sections
  The doctrinal part of the letter is found in the first two chapters. The main theme is developed in chapter 2, with a warning against being drawn away from him in whom dwelt all the fullness of the deity, and who was the head of all spiritual powers.  offers firstly a "general warning" against accepting a purely human philosophy, and then  a "more specific warning against false teachers".