his epistle was sent because of some difficulties which
arose among the Colossians, probably from false teachers, in
consequence of which they sent to the apostle. The scope of the
epistle is to show, that all hope of man's redemption is founded
on Christ, in whom alone are all complete fulness, perfections,
and sufficiency. The Colossians are cautioned against the
devices of judaizing teachers, and also against the notions of
carnal wisdom, and human inventions and traditions, as not
consistent with full reliance on Christ. In the first two
chapters the apostle tells them what they must believe, and in
the two last what they must do; the doctrine of faith, and the
precepts of life for salvation.