Structure in Colossians 1-2

Paul’s hymn(s) to Christ in Colossians 1-2 are constructed as a large chiasm:

A. 1:16-20: head; “rulers and authorities”

B. 1:19-20: fullness of deity in Christ; reconcile through cross

C. 1:21-23: formerly hostile, now established and steadfast

D. 1:24: rejoice, flesh

E. 1:26-27: mystery hidden from ages and generations; Christ in You

F. 1:28-2:2a: proclaim, labor, struggle

E’. 2:2b-3: mystery; Christ, hidden; hidden from ages, mystery in Christ: hidden treasures

D’. 2:5: rejoice, flesh

C’. 2:6-7: received Christ, so walk; rooted, founded

B’. 2:9: fullness of deity

A’. 2:10-15: head over all rule and authority

The structure, rather surprisingly, centers on Paul’s description of his own ministry. All the exposition of the mystery and headship of Christ circles around Paul’s labor and struggle among the churches.

Colossians 2:9 appears to be the beginning of another chiasm, a hook section that both links back to the “fullness” of 1:19-20 and also initiates a new section of the passage.

A. 2:9: fullness dwells in Him

B. 2:10: head over rule and authority

C. 2:11: circumcision

D. 2:12: baptism: buried and raised

E. 2:13: dead in uncircumcision

D’. 2:14: made alive

C’. 2:14: nailed to cross

B’. 2:15a: disarmed rulers and authorities

A’. 2:15b: triumphed over them

One of the important results of this structure is to reinforce the connection between the cross and the “circumcision of Christ” (C/C’). As Wright and other commentators have argued, the circumcision of Christ is not a description of baptism or any experience of conversion, but instead a description of the cross.

If this structure works, then the exhortation that begins in 2:16 might link back to 1:9-15. Christ delivered us from the domain of darkness, Paul says, and brought redemption, which is to say, forgiveness of sins (1:1415). Once Paul has explains who Christ is and what He has accomplished, Paul draws the conclusion: Therefore, don’t cling to the shadows (2:16-17). Redemption and forgiveness of sins involve deliverance from the elementary principles of the world, from the childish regulations, Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch.