The book of Colossians
The Book of Colossians
What is the book of Colossians about?
The book of Colossians addresses false teachings that had infiltrated the church in Colossae. Paul sent this letter to remind Christians of the teachings that:
- Jesus is superior over Jewish rules and regulations (2:16), angels (2:18), and everything else.
- The person and work of Christ is supreme (1:15-20; 2:2-3,9).
- Human wisdom and tradition does not measure up to Christ (2:4,8).
Previously a leading city in Asia Minor (present-day Turkey) Colossae was diminshed to a second-rate market town by the first century AD. The neighboring towns of Laodicea and Hierapolis had surpassed Colossae in both power and importance.
During Paul's three year ministry in Ephesus, Epaphras had been converted and had carried the gospel to Colossae (1:7-8). The young church that resulted then became the target of heretical attack, which led to Epaphras's visit to Paul in Rome and ultimately led to the penning of this letter.
Who wrote the book of Colossians?
The author of the book of Philippians is the apostle Paul, along with Timothy (1:1).
Who is the audience?
The believers in Colossae, a church perhaps planted by Paul's coworker, Epaphras.
Timeframe Colossians was written:
Written sometime around AD 60.
"In short" (One sentence summary):
In the book of Colossians, Paul writes to demonstrate that Christ is supreme over every human philosophy and tradition.
Fun facts about Colossians/Did you know?
Paul mentions a letter to Laodicea (4:16) that apparently did not make it into the New Testament scripture.
