Introduction to Introduction to ColossiansColossians

1. Authorship1. Authorship

Paul is stated as the author in Col. 1:1Paul is stated as the author in Col. 1:1 Letter is different in many ways.Letter is different in many ways.

Answers to noted differences:Answers to noted differences: Difference in style – church not founded by Difference in style – church not founded by

Paul and one he had not visitedPaul and one he had not visited Difference in subject due to heresyDifference in subject due to heresy Theological difference result of differing Theological difference result of differing

situation – differing emphases.situation – differing emphases.

Conclusion:Conclusion: PaulPaul

2. The False Teaching2. The False Teaching

Defective Christology – low view of ChristDefective Christology – low view of Christ Philosophical in naturePhilosophical in nature Jewish elementJewish element Angel worshipAngel worship Emphasis upon “elemental spirits”Emphasis upon “elemental spirits” Snobbish and exclusivisticSnobbish and exclusivistic Emphasis upon asceticismEmphasis upon asceticism

Three elements: pagan, Christian, JewishThree elements: pagan, Christian, Jewish

3. Occasion and Purpose3. Occasion and Purpose

Colossae – located in Lychus River Colossae – located in Lychus River valleyvalley

Paul did not establish church nor had he Paul did not establish church nor had he visitedvisited

Perhaps commissioned Epaphras to Perhaps commissioned Epaphras to establish church while in Ephesusestablish church while in Ephesus

Apparently came to help in prison and Apparently came to help in prison and sought advicesought advice

Paul’s primary purpose was to refute this Paul’s primary purpose was to refute this heresyheresy

Sent the letter by Tychicus and Sent the letter by Tychicus and OnesimusOnesimus

4. Theme4. Theme

The all-sufficient ChristThe all-sufficient Christ