Chapter One
Introduction to the Book
Why would anyone want to study the Book of Colossians? Obviously this is a trick question! The first and definitely the most valid and truly the most important answer is that it is in the Bible and like all other books of the Bible, it should be studied and thoroughly understood by all Christians. The second answer to that question may not be so obvious, the Book of Colossians offers insight on many current issues including:
These are only a few examples of how this short little book can be effective in helping us to stand firm as a Christian in our society today.
Paul wrote this epistle while he was in prison (see Colossians 4:3), some scholars have offered several potential locations such as Caesarea and Ephesus, however, most believe it was written while Paul was incarcerated in Rome (see Acts 28:11-31).
The City of Colossae was located in the Lycus Valley, approximately 100 miles east (inland) of Ephesus. It was at the base of Mount Cadmus (elevation of approximately 8,000 feet) on the Lycus River (not too far from the Maeander River). Prior to the Roman Empire, Colossae was a great fortified city on the main trade route between Ephesus and then north to Pergamos. However, Rome later rerouted the trade through the nearby town of Laodicea and the importance of Colossae declined rapidly. In Paul’s day it was only a small city and was completely abandoned by the 8th Century (the city experienced several severe earthquakes). While under the rule of the Seleucid Empire, King Antiochus III (known as the Great, 223-187 B.C.) had several thousand Jews transported to Colossae (previously a predominately pagan community) to live.
It appears that Paul never traveled to Colossae, nor knew anyone in the church at Colossae with the exception of Epaphras (ep·af·ras) who undoubtedly founded the church after hearing Paul and accepting Jesus himself (see Colossians 1:3-8). This letter was probably written in the early 60’s (most scholars agree that it was written between 60 and 63). Nearly every epistle written to a church in the New Testament was written to address a problem or correct some form of corruption, the Book of Colossians is no exception. The only epistle that seems to be “admonition free” is Ephesians, however, we see later in the Book of Revelation that it is one of the churches being admonished by Jesus (see Revelation 2:1-7).
While most issues addressed in these ‘church’ epistles were usually due to either Jewish traditional influences or pagan interpretations entering the church (both motivated to corrupt God’s true Word, just as Jude explained, our enemy is very active), all the issues recorded took place within a few years of each church being started. Imagine what level of corruption that has taken place over the last nearly 2,000 years! Even though the beginning of the Reformation took place in 1517, reform in the church is always needed, the process never stops. We should never get comfortable, thinking that false teachers have rested over the last 500 plus years, it is essential that Christians know and live the Word of God.
With its history in mind, it should not be surprising to learn that the church of Colossae had issues of heresy containing elements of Greek philosophy, Roman paganism and Judaism. The influence of the world had a strong pull on the church. Much of that influence will later be given the title of Gnosticism, in the 2nd Century. This epistle of Paul’s is often considered a preventative letter as the people of Colossae, while being influenced by the many false philosophies and Judaic legalism and ceremonialism (including possible influence from the Essenes, see Colossians 2:16-23), they had not yet to fully embraced them.
Some of the false Greek philosophies included denying the humanity of Jesus as well as some that denied His deity, either way or both, this thinking ultimately concluded that Jesus was simply not sufficient for salvation, thereby requiring people to do some form of work for their salvation. Regarding Jewish legalism, they were teaching that circumcision was required, as well as the need to follow the proper dietary laws and observe all of the holy days outlined in the Torah. What was Paul’s answer to these issues? Christ is all and in all (Colossians 3:11); Jesus is indeed God (Colossians 2:9); Jesus is the Creator (Colossians 1:16); Jesus is the Savior (Colossians 1:20; 2:13-14) and He is the Head of the Church (Colossians 1:18). Paul offers a personal note and prayer in the first 14 verses followed by a brief expositional study of Christian doctrine (Colossians 1:15-2:23) and then concludes the epistle with instructions on how to live as a Christian (Colossians 3:1-4:17).
Now do you see now why the Book of Colossians is a vital and important book to study in light of today’s thinking? The world believes that man has all the answers, that peace and unity can be found through accepting lies as truth (calling it tolerance) and that good works are required for salvation (Catholic, JW, etc.), god-hood (Mormon), enlightenment (a wide variety of philosophies), etc. The Book of Colossians is indeed important for all Christians today, as it contains invaluable insight to many of the arguments that are still being presented in opposition to Christianity, but we need to always remember that we are to…“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” (Colossians 4:6, ESV)