Colossians

The City of Colossae
Ruins of Colossae #1
Ruins of Colossae #2
Colossae was a Phrygian city located near the upper end of the Lycus valley in the eastern part of the Roman province of Asia. It was an inland city on the main eastern and western commercial route.

It is important because it is located on the highway from Ephesus to the East. There were two mountain ranges on either side and this was the only way to pass through. It was never a spectacular city but Paul put it on the map when he wrote his letter. Two other cities are also mentioned in the book that are close by and worthy of note, Laodicea and Hierapolis. Without a doubt Colossae was the least important church to which any epistle of Paul is addressed.

Occasion
This is one of the two letters written by Paul to churches which he did not personally establish. It seems likely that during his lengthy stay at Ephesus (3 years) Acts 19 the message of Christ had been taken to Colossae by one of his fellow workers probably Epaphras. (Colossians 1:7,8)

There seemed to be two reasons for the writing of the letter to the Colossians. The first was the problem of returning Onesimus to his master at Colossae. Paul had waited some time for an opportunity to arise so he could send Onesimus back. His need to write to the Colossians gave him the opportunity.

The second reason for writing was the visit and report of Epaphras. Some five or six years seem to have passed since the founding of the church in Colossae under the influence of Epaphras. Apparently he continued on as the shepherd of the flock. But recently there was an error started in the Church concerning Christ. Because of its location, the city shared two contrasting cultures and ideologies. These new ideas had filtered into the church and needed his correction. It seems that Epaphras had felt unable to cope with this new heretical movement, so he had gone to Rome to consult with Paul. (Colossians 1:7,8) In making his report to Paul he had given a good report of the general condition of the church; he told of its stability and growth in grace and assured the Apostle of their loyal affection for him. But Paul felt constrained to write them and refute the error that was arising in the Colossian Church. The sending of this letter would offer the opportunity to return Onesimus to his master.

The name usually given to the false teaching in this city is 'the Colossian heresy.' It apparently consisted of a mixture of Jewish and Gnostic ideas, combined to create a threat to the gospel of Christ. This false teaching tried to reduce Christianity into a legal system and to obscure the person and work of Christ. Paul's defence is found in the key verse 1:18 'that in all things he might have the pre-eminence.'