The Epistle to the Colossians is a work intended for the inhabitants of Colosse, a large and rich Phrygian city. Consider the features of the creation and content of this religious work. What information Pavel wanted to convey to people, we learn from the article.
About the Colossians
Colossi were called Khons in ancient times. Their neighbors were the cities of Hierapolis and Laodicea. Their inhabitants believed in the Creator thanks to the Apostle Paul and his disciples. Starting from Epaphras, Philemon, his family, the holy faith was spread to the townspeople and the inhabitants of the surroundings.
First students
Trade relations between Colossae and Ephesus contributed to the formation of similar views of the population of these cities on matters of faith. Paul's disciple Philemon preached the gospel truths in these cities.
In this activity, Filimon was supported by a family that shared his views. Therefore, Paul calls Philemon his henchman. And his son Archippus is called a belligerent. (See: Phm. 1, 2).
Prerequisites for writing an appeal
Colossians is not addressed toonly to the residents of this city, but also to the neighbors. But at that time the faith was threatened by false teachings. And there was a need to turn to people with a sermon. The second student Epaphras felt powerless when he tried to protect the townspeople from false religious views. And he asked the Apostle Paul for support.
Meaning of the message
The danger that hung over the beliefs of the people prompted 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 the letter to the Colossians. Paul says:
Yes, no one will deceive you in verbal dispute, insinuating words (see: Col. 2, 4).
The apostle criticizes false teaching, hiding behind a lie. Also, he does not accept "red words" and "cunning words". He writes:
Those who follow, but 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).
Summary of comments
The comments on Colossians indicate that Paul did not agree with the philosophizing of apostates, such as Kabbalists, Theosophists, Theurgics. He also criticized such people as astrologers, sorcerers and spirit-callers, who are similar to today's spiritists.
He points out that he does not judge people for their choice of food and food, but does not share their opinions regarding the holidays celebrated by the adherents of false teachings.
The Epistle to the Colossians contains the basic doctrine of those who are mediators betweenCreator and other forces. Gradually, these thoughts formed the basis of a whole system of views.
Let no one seduce you with the humility of wisdom and the service of Angels that he desires… acting from the mind of his flesh, and not holding his head (see: Col. 2, 18 - 19).
In fulfilling their religious needs, apostates use controversial methods as a means to communicate with God. But at the same time, they consider another person to be the Creator.
Paul points out that one should not distort the meaning of Christ's teaching in the false teaching that crept up on the Colossians. He considers such intrigues to be a mixture of their Judaism and superstitions coming from the east. And he also says that Hellenic paganism, which in places comes into contact with the Christian religion, harms. But it does not always benefit them, putting the faith of Christ in danger.
Important thoughts
At the time when the message was created, the formation of this false teaching 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 no one can be considered God but Christ. And false doctrine welcomes the appeal not to the Creator, but to his angels. Which is completely unacceptable.
You can learn about the intrigues of the apostates from the appeal of Theophylact, who writes:
Some kind of ungodly teaching began to penetrate the Colossians, in which it was believed that not through the Son of God, but through the Angels we have a bringing to God.
It is pointed out that such an interpretation contributes to the corruption of the simple faith of the Colossians. It is littered with philosophical wisdom,demanding to worship not the Creator, but the worldly elements, as if controlling human life.
Therefore, the epistle to the Colossians of the Apostle Paul is a warning for believers not to allow deception and 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 researchers believe that the apostle wrote it while visiting Rome. Others claim that it was Caesarea. But the majority opinion leans towards 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 drawn based on the fact that these works are a common subject of study.
Summarize
The message of the apostle Paul has an important purpose. He is trying to convey to the population the idea of the inadmissibility of following dubious false teachings. This brings confusion into the minds of people, leads to a split in religion. It was this man who managed to teach the inhabitants of the city the bright faith in the Creator.
Researchers still cannot pinpoint the exact 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 should be sought directly from the Creator. Angels play a secondary role. As well as the forces of nature, which the pagans worship.
