The Book of Colossians was written by the Apostle Paul around A.D. 60–62 while he was imprisoned in Rome. Strong evidence within and outside the book supports Paul’s authorship, including his references to himself and his coworkers, its similarity to Ephesians, and its close connection to Philemon. Colossians was written to the believers in Colossae, a city in the Lycus Valley about 100 miles east of Ephesus in Asia Minor, which was once known for trade and its shiny black wool. Although Paul did not establish the church or personally visit Colossae, the church likely began through Epaphras, who was saved during Paul’s ministry in Ephesus and later returned home (Acts 19; 2:1). The church included both Gentiles and Jews, and this cultural mix was reflected in the false teaching that troubled the believers.

Colossians was written during Paul’s first Roman imprisonment and is one of the four Prison Epistles, along with Ephesians, Philemon, and Philippians. Paul appears to have written the letter after Epaphras traveled to Rome and reported about a dangerous false teaching threatening the church. This teaching combined elements of Greek speculation, Jewish legalism, and pagan mysticism, emphasizing special knowledge, Old Testament laws and ceremonies, angel worship, and a denial of Christ’s deity. Paul wrote to warn the Colossians against these teachings and encourage them to remain faithful to the true gospel of Jesus Christ. His main purpose was to emphasize the deity and supremacy of Christ.