The Gospel That Transforms Lives
Background The Christian community at Colosse emerged during a period of vigorous evangelism, linked to Paul’s ministry at Ephesus (AD 52-55), as recorded in Acts 19. Paul was assisted by several coworkers who planted numerous churches in the province of Asia. Among these were the congregations of Colosse, Laodicea, and Hierapolis, which were the fruit of Epaphras’ evangelistic efforts. Epaphras, a native of Colosse who may have become a Christian during a visit to Ephesus, was a faithful minister of Christ. As Paul’s representative, he had taught the Colossians the truth of the gospel. Epaphras had visited Paul in Rome and informed him of the state of the churches in the Lycus Valley. While much of the report was encouraging, one disquieting feature was an attractive, yet false, teaching that had recently been introduced into the congregation, which, if left unchecked, would undermine the gospel and lead the Colossians into spiritual bondage. Paul’s letter was written...