Table of Contents
General Editor's Preface ix
Author's Preface xi
Abbreviations xiii
Bibliography xvii
Introduction 1
I Authorship: The Logic of the Known to the Unknown 5
A Authority of Paul 12
B Christology 13
C Ecclesiology 14
D Eschatology 15
E Other Themes Absent 16
F Colossians and Ephesians 17
G Philemon 17
II Opponents and Setting: The Halakic Mystics of Colossae 18
A Methodology 21
B The Opponents 25
III Date and Imprisonment 34
A Options 35
B Discussion 37
IV Paul's Theology in Colossians 39
A Paul's Theology: What Scholars Are Saying 40
B Paul's Theology in Colossians: A Brief Sketch 51
V The Structure of Colossians 66
Text and Commentary 75
I Introduction (1:1-2:5) 76
A Salutation (1:1-2) 76
B Thanksgiving (1:3-8) 87
C Intercession (1:9-23) 105
D Authorizing Biographical Disclosure (1:24-2:5) 181
II Doctrinal Correction (2:6-3:4) 215
A The Essential Exhortation (2:6-7) 215
B Correction of False Religion (2:8-19) 222
C Exhortation to True Religion (2:20-3:4) 279
III Practical Exhortation (3:5-4:6) 298
A Christian Life: Old and New Existence (3:5-17) 298
B Christian Life: Household Regulations (3:18-4:1) 335
C Christian Life: Ecclesial Instructions (4:2-6) 367
IV Conclusion (4:7-18) 381
A Messengers (4:7-9) 383
B Greetings (4:10-15) 387
C Directions (4:16-17) 396
D Superscription (4:18) 398
Index of Subjects 401
Index of Authors 411
Index of Scripture and Other Ancient Texts 420