The congregation in Colossae was not founded by Paul. From the letter itself, the author (supposedly Paul) states that he is struggling for all the faithful in Colossae who have not seen him “face to face” (2:1). He also notes who the probable founder of this faith community was, Epaphras (1:7-8). Because of the content of this letter and some of the very different teachings found in this letter, it is widely believed that Colossians was not actually written by Paul. This letter was most likely written by one of Paul’s followers soon after Paul’s death somewhere between 60 and 64 CE.
Although the author does not tell us how he has heard of the issues in Colossae, Paul (the supposed author) writes this letter to warn the Colossians of the “deceitful” and “philosophical” teachings (2:8) of the false apostles that have once again been teaching a false gospel. At the heart of this letter is the supremacy of Christ. Its cornerstone is what is referred to as the Christ Hymn (1:15-20). Paul goes on to combat the false teaching by emphasizing the Christ that is in each follower, ‘the Christ in you” (1:27). Apparently, these false teachers have been teaching a “philosophical gospel” that proclaims that we have not yet received the fullness of Christ’s liberating death and resurrection. The teaching went on to say that it would only be through a life of abstinence from any physical pleasures, observances of special holy days, and the worship of celestial powers that we could obtain the knowledge necessary to receive the fullness of Christ.
Paul argues against such teachings and insists on the supremacy of Christ. He appeals to the Colossians to live their lives in accordance with this supremacy. He appeals to them to live peacefully with each other and in a loving manner worthy of Christ (3:5-4:6).
Paul closes this letter with a greeting and benediction in which he tells the Colossians that, although he is not free to come to Colossae, he will send Tychicus and Onesimus (who is a Colossian) to them so they can help and support this faith community (4:7-9).
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