This letter was written to the church at Colossae in 60 AD. Paul had learnt that there were false teachers in the church at Colossae who insisted that in order to know God and have full salvation one must worship certain “spiritual rulers and authorities”. In addition, these teachers said, one must submit to special rites such as circumcision and must observe strict rules about foods and other matters.
Paul writes to oppose these teachings with the true Christian message. The heart of his reply is that Jesus Christ is able to give full salvation and that these other beliefs and practices actually lead away from him. Through Christ, God created the world and through Him He is bringing it back to Himself. Only in union with Christ is there hope of salvation for the world.
