Colossians 1:1-2

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, 2 To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father.

We are going to spend weeks, perhaps several months studying the book of Colossians.

Before we get into interpreting the Scripture, we need some background understanding.

We need to ask several questions:

Who is writing?

Who is the recipient of the letter?

What is the history of the church Paul was writing to?

What is the situation in the city where the church is located?

What is the occasion for the letter?

The church at Colossae began during Paul’s 3-year ministry at Ephesus (Acts 19). Its founder was not Paul, who had never been there according to Colossians 2:1. “I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally.” (NIV)

The church of Colossae, most likely, was started by Epaphras, who lived in Colossae,

Colossians 4:12 “Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you…”

He apparently was saved during a visit to Ephesus, then likely started the church in Colossae when he returned home. Paul hints that Epaphras was the chief disciple maker in the church.

Colossians 1:6-7 “…since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth, 7 just as you

learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf.”

He apparently had either established or helped to establish churches in the two larger cities of Laodicea and Hierapolis. Paul, speaking of Epaphras says, in Colossians 4:13,  “For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis.”