I. INTRODUCTORY (i. 1–13).

(1) i. 1, 2. Opening salutation.

(2) i. 3–8. Thanksgiving for the progress of the Colossians hitherto.

(3) i. 9–13. Prayer for their future advance in knowledge and

well-doing through Christ.

[This leads the Apostle to speak of Christ as the only path of

progress.]