The book of Colossians is a book from St. Paul where he addresses an important issue at a congregation where he wasn’t the founding missionary (a man named Epaphras was). He likely wrote this book around 60 AD when he was in Ephesus. Epaphras was troubled by what was happening in his congregation and shared it with Paul. This letter is Paul writing to address the situation.
Be careful that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit based on human tradition, based on the elements of the world, rather than Christ.
Colossians 2:8 (CSB)
It was extremely vital because some were questioning the supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus. They were also “adding” a blend of Jewish practices and Gnostic ideas (which emphasized a “secret knowledge”) and asceticism to the Gospel of Jesus. This “philosophy and empty deceit” (Colossians 2:8) is completely contrary to the all-sufficient Gospel of Jesus and needed to be addressed and countered! This false teaching is called “The Colossian Heresy.”
Paul iterates the identity of Jesus as “the image of the invisible God” (Colossians 1:15) in Whom “the fullness of God was pleased to dwell” (Colossians 1:19). He also reminds them that you can’t (and mustn’t!) add to what Jesus already. Our salvation is in Jesus, not by what we do.
Paul writes his letter first with some preaching to the Colossians and then teaching them about Christian living.
It’s all about Jesus, God incarnate, who saved us! Nothing more is needed; ever! Join us for our series of this wonderful book!
