(1) Just as the epistle to the Galatians is patterned after the epistle to the Romans, and summarizes the same with a short term, which the epistle to the Romans elaborates further and more richly, so this epistle to the Colossians is patterned after the epistle to the Ephesians, and also summarizes the same content with a short term.
2) First of all, the apostle praises and wishes the Colossians to continue and increase in the faith, and he states what the gospel and faith are, namely, a wisdom that knows Christ as Lord and God, crucified for us, who came from the world.
hidden, and now brought forth through his ministry. This is the first chapter.
In the other chapter he warns them against the doctrines of men, which are always contrary to the faith, and paints them even as they are not painted anywhere in Scripture, and rebukes them masterfully.
4 In the third, he exhorts them to be fruitful in the true faith with all kinds of good works toward one another, describing their own works to all kinds of people.
In the fourth, he commands himself into their prayer, and greets and strengthens them.