Editing Epistle to the Colossians (section)

===Doctrinal sections===
The doctrinal part of the letter is found in the first two chapters. The main [[theme (literary)|theme]] is developed in chapter 2, with a warning against being drawn away from him in whom dwelt all the [[pleroma|fullness]] of the deity,<ref>{{Bibleref2|Colossians|2:9}}</ref> and who was the head of all spiritual powers. {{bibleref2|Colossians|2:8-15}} offers firstly a "general warning" against accepting a purely human philosophy, and then {{bibleref2|Colossians|2:16-23}} a "more specific warning against false teachers".<ref name=alford>Alford, H., [https://biblehub.com/commentaries/alford/colossians/2.htm Greek Testament Critical Exegetical Commentary - Alford: Colossians 2], accessed 19 May 2021</ref>

In these doctrinal sections, the letter proclaims that Christ is supreme over all that has been created. All things were created through him and for him, and the universe is sustained by him. God had chosen for his complete being to dwell in Christ. The "cosmic powers" revered by the false teachers had been "discarded" and "led captive" at Christ's death. Christ is the master of all angelic forces and the head of the church. Christ is the only mediator between God and humanity, the unique agent of cosmic reconciliation. It is the Father in Colossians who is said to have delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son.<ref>{{bibleverse ||Colossians|1:12–13|31}}</ref> The Son is the agent of reconciliation and salvation not merely of the church, but in some sense redeems the rest of creation as well ("all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven").<ref>{{bibleverse ||Colossians|1:20|31}}</ref>{{tone inline|date=November 2020}}