Although the church in Colossae (city) is in the mix of several churches the Apostle Paul established in this area of what we now call Turkey/Syria, it is a church he never visited. It is believed that Epaphras established this church. He is not to be confused with Epaphroditus (Phil 2:25; 4:18), a member of the Philippian church; a church Apostle Paul did establish. Some scholars believe Epaphras was a convert of Paul. 

Paul writes Colossians to the Church of Colossae by request of Epaphras. Rev. David Guzik suggests: 

“Paul wrote because there were problems among the Christians in Colossae, but the doctrinal problem – sometimes described as “The Colossian Heresy” is difficult to precisely define. It probably was a corruption of Christianity with elements of mystical and legalistic Judaism perhaps combined with early Gnosticism.”  

It is easy to recognize that Colossians 1 is a chapter long prayer as testified by to whom Paul is giving all credit, even from prison. He is praising God for the deeds and victories of the church of Colossae. Paul wrote his letter to the Colossians sometime around AD 60. He was encouraged by reports of their faith and love. However, Epaphras was not visiting the Apostle Paul in prison for a social occasion. At the same time as Paul wrote to the Church of Colossae, Paul wrote to Philemon (the Book of Philemon) who also headed a-home different church in Colossae.  

Amazingly, another MAJOR event occurred in AD 60. There was a major earthquake in this part of Turkey. Researchers feel that this quake became the concluding detriment of Colossae. It faded into history. 

So, what was the concern of Epaphras to consult the Apostle Paul about the church in Colossae?  

We borrow this quote from https://www.gotquestions.org/Colossian-heresy.html. 

“Drawing primarily on the information in the first part of Colossians, we surmise that the Colossian heresy diminished the preeminence of Christ and the sufficiency of His sacrifice on the cross to forgive sins. Instead, this false teaching emphasized adherence to rules and regulations that are powerless to profoundly change lives. Most modern cults also diminish Christ and emphasis rituals, so the message of Colossians is timely even now in the 21st century.” 

Check the standards of the church you may attend. Are there local rules and regulations or formalities that create more of a church routine than it does honest Spirit filled worship? 

Rev. Dr. Jstark 
December, 2023 

Next article will be Colossians 2 of 4 chapters