The Epistle to the Colossians is a work for the inhabitants of Colossus, a large and wealthy Phrygian city. Consider the features of the creation and content of this religious work. We will learn what information Paul wanted to convey to people from the article.
About the Colossians
Colossi in ancient times were called the Hons. Their neighbors were the cities of Hierapolis and Laodicea. Their inhabitants believed in the Creator thanks to the apostle Paul and his disciples. Starting with Epaphras, Philemon, and his family, the holy faith spread to the townspeople and residents of the surrounding area.
First students
Trade relations between the Colossi and Ephesus contributed to the formation of similar views of the population of these cities on issues of faith. The disciple of Paul Philemon preached the gospel truths in these cities.
In this activity, Philemon was supported by a family that shared his views. Therefore, Paul calls Philemon his henchman. And his son Archippus is called a co-owner. (See: Flm. 1, 2).
Prerequisites for writing an appeal
The Epistle to the Colossians is addressed not only to the inhabitants of this city, but also to its neighbors. But at that time, faith was threatened by false teachings. And the need arose to preach to people. The second disciple Epaphras felt powerless when he tried to protect the townspeople from false religious views. And he asked the apostle Paul for support.
The meaning of the message
The danger that hung over the beliefs of the people encouraged the apostle to write the epistle. In it, he criticizes a variety of false teachings that confuse the minds of believers. This is the interpretation of Colossians. Paul says:
But no one will seduce you in verbiage, insinuating words (see: Col. 2, 4).
The apostle criticizes false doctrine, hiding behind a lie. Also, he does not accept “Krasnoslovia” and “cunning”. He's writing:
Those who are beloved, no one will seduce you with philosophy and vain flattery, according to human tradition, according to the elements of the world, and not according to Christ (see: Col. 2, 8).
Comment overview
The commentary on the Colossians indicates that Paul did not agree with the philosophies of the apostates, such as Kabbalists, Theosophists, Theurgics. He criticized such people as stargazers, magi and spiritual evocative people, who are similar to the current spiritualists.
He points out that he does not condemn people for choosing food and nutrition, but does not share their opinions regarding the holidays, which are celebrated by adherents of false teachings.
Colossians contains the basics of the doctrine of those who mediate between the Creator and other forces. Gradually, these thoughts formed the basis of a whole system of views.
No one, however, will seduce you with the humble wisdom and service of the Angels, deigned to him ... doubting from the mind of his flesh, and not holding a chapter (see: Col. 2, 18 - 19).
Satisfying their religious needs, apostates use controversial methods as a means of communicating with God. But at the same time they consider the Creator of another person.
Paul points out that the meaning of Christ’s teachings cannot be distorted in the false teachings creeping up to the Colossians. He considers such machinations a mixture of their Judaism and superstition, coming from the east. He also says that Hellenic paganism, which in some places comes into contact with the Christian religion, is harmful. But it does not always benefit them, putting Christ's faith in danger.
Important thoughts
At that time, in which the message was created, the formation of this false doctrine into the system had not yet happened. But even then it was clearly discovered that Christian truth was in danger because of apostate views.
Paul says that God cannot be considered anyone but Christ. And false teaching welcomes the appeal not to the Creator, but to his angels. Which is completely unacceptable.
About the machinations of the apostates can be found in the appeal of Theophylact, who writes:
Some unholy doctrine began to penetrate the Colossians, in which it was believed that not through the Son of God, but through the Angels, we have been brought to God.
It is indicated that this interpretation contributes to the corruption of the simple faith of the Colossians. It is littered with philosophical speculation, requiring worship not of the Creator, but of worldly elements, as if controlling the human life.
Therefore, the Epistle to the Colossians of the Apostle Paul is a warning to believers not to allow seduction and to follow the truth.
Where and when was the message written?
Until now, the question of the time and place of writing the message remains open. Some scholars believe that the apostle wrote it while visiting Rome. Others claim it was Caesarea. But the majority opinion is inclined to the first option.
Paul also wrote epistles to the Philippians and Philemon. Researchers also talk about the similarity of the Epistle to the Colossians with the Epistle to the Ephesians. Conclusions about this can be made based on the fact that in these works a common subject of study.
To summarize
The Epistle of Paul has an important purpose. He is trying to convey to the population the idea of inadmissibility to follow dubious false teachings. This brings confusion to the minds of people, leads to a split in religion. It was this man who managed to teach the inhabitants of the city bright faith in the Creator.
Researchers still can not accurately determine the time and place of writing this message. In addition to addressing the inhabitants of Colossus, the apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesians and Philippians. He was a zealous guardian of the truth that help and support must be sought directly from the Creator. Angels play a secondary role. As well as the forces of nature worshiped by the Gentiles.