S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

Author:  The apostle Paul was the primary writer of the Book of Colossians (Colossians 1:13). Timothy is also given some credit (Colossians 1:1). Date of Writing:  The Book of Colossians was likely...

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November 15 2013 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

What is the book of Colossians?

The Book of Colossians is a New Testament letter written by the Apostle Paul (with Timothy) to the church in Colossae. Composed around 60 AD from a Roman prison, it serves as a powerful defence of the supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus Christ.

The letter was sent via Tychicus and Onesimus to address a church facing external pressures from "hollow and deceptive philosophies" that blended pagan mysticism, angel worship, and rigid legalism with Christian faith.

What prompted Paul to write a letter to the Colossians? For one thing, Onesimus was going back to Colossae. Epaphras had recently joined Paul, and no doubt his report on conditions at Colossae provided a further reason for the letter. (Col. 1:7, 8; 4:12) A certain danger threatened the Christian congregation there. The religions of the day were in the process of dissolution, and new religions were constantly emerging by fusing parts of older ones. There were heathen philosophies involving asceticism, spiritism, and idolatrous superstition, and these, combined with Jewish abstinence from foods and observance of days, may have influenced some in the congregation. Whatever the problem, it appears to have been sufficient reason for Epaphras to make the long journey to Rome to see Paul.

Upon hearing the report, Paul strongly defended accurate knowledge and clean worship by writing this letter to the Colossian congregation.

We can imagine how quickly the news of the two brothers' arrival from Rome circulated among the brothers at Colossae. With keen anticipation, they would assemble, possibly at Philemon's house, to hear the reading of Paul's letter. (Philem. 2) What refreshing truths it provided on the exact position of Christ and the need for accurate knowledge! How clearly were philosophies of men and Jewish traditions put in their place, and the peace and the word of Christ exalted!

Paul's words sharpened the Colossians' appreciation for their privilege of working whole-souled for God! And the upbuilding counsel to the Colossians on freeing themselves from the enslaving thoughts and practices of the world remains a living message for the congregation today.​—Col. 1:9-11, 17, 18; 2:8; 3:15, 16, 18-25; 4:1.

May 25 2026 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report