Colossians

The Colossians had heard the gospel—though apparently not from the Apostle Paul (Col. 2:1)—and had received it. He could commend them for their faith, love, and hope (Col. 1:4-5). The seed had been planted, and brought forth fruit (Col. 1:6). Nevertheless, we find a hint of a problem in Paul’s reference to Epaphras: “As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ” (Col. 1:7). The saints at Colosse were being enticed by the allure of philosophy and ritualism. Like those of Athens, the natural man forever desires to “tell, or to hear some new thing” (Acts 17:21). However, what they were about to hear from the Apostle Paul would only confirm that which they had already heard of Epaphras. In returning to the elements of the world, they were, in fact, turning away from Christ; they were not holding the headship of Christ in all its fullness.