Colossae was a city in the region of Phrygia in Asia Minor, in what is now modern-day Turkey. Though not as prominent in the biblical narrative as cities like Ephesus or Corinth, Colossae is significant because it was the recipient of Paul’s epistle to the Colossians.
The city is not directly mentioned in the Book of Acts, and it appears that Paul had not personally visited the church there. Instead, it was likely founded by Epaphras, a fellow servant and faithful minister of Christ who had learned from Paul during his time in Ephesus (Colossians 1:7–8; 4:12–13).
Paul wrote to the Colossians to encourage them in the faith and to address doctrinal errors that threatened the church. He emphasized the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ, stating, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation… and He is before all things, and in Him all things consist” (Colossians 1:15–17). Paul declared that in Christ “dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily” and that believers are “complete in Him” (Colossians 2:9–10).
Paul warned against being deceived by philosophy, traditions of men, and false worship, including legalism and mysticism. He instructed the Colossians to seek the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God (Colossians 3:1–2), and to put off the old nature and put on the new.
Paul also mentioned several individuals in his closing greetings, including Onesimus, the formerly runaway slave also mentioned in the letter to Philemon, and Archippus, whom he urged to fulfill his ministry (Colossians 4:9, 17).
Colossae represents a church that, though small and not visited by Paul, received rich doctrinal teaching and encouragement. The epistle to the Colossians remains a vital portion of Scripture, proclaiming the preeminence of Christ and the call to live in accordance with His truth.
