Chapter 1

ANALYSIS OF THE CHAPTER.

The chapter embraces the following topics:

1.      The usual salutation to the church, (vv. 1, 2)
2.      Thanks to God for what he had done for the Colossians and for the fruits of the gospel among them, (vv. 3-8).

3.      Prayer that they might persevere in the name course, and might walk worthy of their calling, (vv. 9-11). 

4.      An exhortation to render thanks to God for what he had done for them in redemption, (vv. 12-14). 

5.      A statement of the exalted dignity of the Redeemer, (vv. 15-18). 

6.      A statement of what he had done in the work of redemption, in making peace by the blood of his cross, and reconciling the world to God, (vv. 19, 20). 

7.      Through this gospel, Paul says, they had been reconciled to God, and were now brought into a state in which they might be presented as holy and unblamable in his sight, (vv. 21-23).

8.      Of this gospel, Paul says he was a minister; in preaching it he had been called to endure trials, but those trims he endured with joy; and in preaching this gospel he used the utmost diligence, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom, that he might present every one perfect in Christ Jesus, (vv. 24-29).

(vv. 1, 2): The salutation of Paul and Timothy to the Church at Colosse.

(vv. 3-6): They give thanks to God for the good estate of that Church, and the wonderful progress of the Gospel in every place

 having received particulars of their state from Epaphroditus, which not only excited their gratitude, but led them to pray to God that they might walk worthy of the Gospel; and they give thanks to Him who had made them meet for an inheritance among the saints in light,

(vv. 7-12):  This state is described as a deliverance from the power of darkness, and being brought into the kingdom of God's dear Son.

(vv. 13, 14): The glorious character of Jesus Christ, and what He has done for mankind.

(vv. 15-20): The salvation which the Colossians had received, and of which the apostle had been the minister and dispenser.

(vv. 21-26): The sum and substance of the apostle's preaching,

(vv. 27-29): The manner in which he executed his ministry