Pauline Epistle, also one of Paul’s Prison Epistles, 12th book of the New Testament.
Author: The apostle Paul and Timothy (directly named in Colossians 1:1)
Audience: Colossians is one of four Prison Epistles written by the apostle Paul during his first Roman imprisonment. This was a period of house arrest around AD 60–62. During this time, Paul also wrote Ephesians, Philippians, and Philemon. The city of Colossae was about 100 miles east of Ephesus in modern-day Turkey. Christianity may have reached this city during Paul’s mission work in Ephesus (Acts 19:10). However, Epaphras was the person noted for the major growth of the church in the city. Paul knew some of the Christians in the area (Colossians 2:1), but it was his connection with Epaphras that let him know the condition of the church (Philemon 1:23). Multiple themes are packed in the short letter of Colossians. False teachings such as Jewish legalism, blending of religions, Greek philosophy, and mysticism are decried by Paul. He mentions food, special days (Colossians 2:16), those who worshiped angels (Colossians 2:18), and ascetic practices. Paul speaks against such false teachings in this letter, affirming that Christ alone is sufficient as the basis for the believer’s faith and life.
Date: Approximately AD 60–62, during Paul’s first Roman imprisonment (Colossians 4:18).