Colossians Introduction

Extreme self-denial, the invocation of angels, visionary experiences, and the scrupulous observation of religious rites characterized the practices of a factional group in the Colossian church. In his pastoral concern about this dangerous teaching, the apostle Paul wrote the church a letter, calling them to a renewed appreciation of their sovereign Lord and Redeemer and urging them to live consistently with the full implications of their relationship to Jesus.

Older commentators identified the opponents’ teaching as Gnosticism (the belief that salvation is found through hidden knowledge and that matter is evil whereas spirit is good). Some more recent commentators suggest it was a form of Jewish mysticism. Historical evidence from local folk practices, however, suggests the faction causing trouble was invoking angels as a means of warding off attacks of evil spirits. Paul’s bottom-line message to the church, then, was to hold on firmly to Christ rather than rely on angelic mediators and pseudo-spiritualistic practices.