book. (1) Philosophic, 2:3, 4,
8. (2) Ritualistic, or Judaistic, 2:11, 14, 16-17. (3) Visionary, or
angel-worship, 1:16; 2:10, 15, 18. (4) Ascetic practices, 2:20-23.
There are three modern applications of the Colossian heresy. (1)
Ceremonialism, or ritualism. (2) Speculation. (3) Low standards of
righteousness.

The Epistle. The news of these false teachings was brought to Paul
probably by Epaphras. 1:7-8, and he wrote to combat them. It is
polemic in spirit and argues that we have everything in Christ, that
he is the source and Lord of all creation and that he alone can
forgive sins and reconcile us to God. It, therefore, represents more
fully than any other of Paul's epistles his doctrine of the person and
preeminence of Christ.

Analysis.

I. Doctrinal Teachings, Ch. 1.

1. Introduction, 1-14.

2. Christ in relation to creation, 15-17.

3. Christ in relation to the church, 18 end.

II. Polemic Against False Teachings, ch. 2.

1. Introduction, 1-7.

2. Polemic against the general false teachings, 8-15,

3. Polemic against the particular claims of the false teachers, 16
end.

III. Hortatory Section, 3:1-4:6.

1. To a lofty Christian life, 3:1-4.

2. To exchange the old vices for the Christian graces, 3:5-14.

3. To make Christ sovereign over the whole of life, 3:15-17.

4. To the Christian discharge of relative duties, 3:18-4:1.

3. To a proper prayer life, 4:2-6.

IV. Personal Section, 4:7 end.

For Study and Discussion. (1) Paul's prayer for them, 1:9-14. (2) The
preeminence of the Savior,1:5-20. (3) The false and true philosophy of
religion, 2:8-15. (4) The worldly vices, 3:5-8. (5) The Christian
graces, 3:9-14. (6) The lofty Christian life, 3:15-17. (7) All
references to the false teachings as in the words mystery, head, body,
Lord, fullness, etc. Note 2:3, 8, 11, 16, 18, and many others. (8)
Paul's view of Jesus. Study every reference to him.

* * * * *

Chapter XXXIII.

First and Second Thessalonians.

The City of Thessalonica. It was founded by Cassander, King of Macedon
315 B. C., and was about a hundred miles west of Philippi. It was a
great commercial center of Paul's time, the inhabitants being Greeks,
Romans and Jews. It still exists under the name of Saloniki, and has a
population of from 75,000 to 85,000 about half of whom are Jews.

The Church of Thessalonica. Upon being delivered from prison at
Philippi. Paul continued his secon