The Letter to the Colossians and the Letter to PhilemonSample

Colossae, a city in the ancient region of Phrygia (in present-day Turkey), was once a major trade center known for its textile industry. By the time of the apostle Paul, the city had lost some of its importance but remained on a vital trade route. The city was a melting pot of different cultures, philosophies, and religious ideas—comparable to modern cities like Amsterdam or New York.

It was here that Epaphras, a fellow worker of Paul and a native of Colossae, founded a Christian church. Paul had never personally visited this community. The church was made up mostly of Christians from a pagan background, though a significant Jewish population lived in the region, and their traditions also had an influence.

This mix of influences was the precise challenge for the young church. A false teaching began to spread, mixing elements of Jewish legalism (such as food laws and festivals), pagan mystery cults (with an emphasis on angel worship and visions), and Greek philosophy. This "Colossian heresy" promised believers a supposedly higher knowledge and deeper spirituality through special rules, ascetic practices, and the worship of angels.

Probably in the year 62 AD, Epaphras visited Paul, who was imprisoned in Rome. Epaphras reported on all the good things happening in the church but also its challenges. To strengthen the community, Paul, together with Timothy, wrote a letter and sent it back with Epaphras.

In this letter, Paul counters the "Colossian heresy" by emphasizing the preeminent position and absolute superiority of Jesus Christ over all powers and authorities. He makes it clear that in Christ, believers already possess everything they need for a fulfilling spiritual life and their final salvation. They don't need additional rules, asceticism, or the worship of angels.

During his time with Paul, Epaphras also met an old acquaintance: the runaway slave Onesimus. Paul also wrote a letter about him—the book of Philemon. But more on that later...