COLOSSIANS, EPISTLE TO THE, is proved by external testimony and internal evidence to be a genuine production of the apostle Paul, and as such has been univer sally acknowledged except by a few modern critics who oppose but cannot overturn the general judgment. From the epistle itself it is plain that Paul wrote it when he was a prisoner; but whether at Home or Caesarea has been strenuously debated. While the internal evidence is perhaps evenly balanced for each place, the testimony of tradition is decided that the epistle was written at Rome. If that view be correct, its date is about 62 or 63 A.D. Another question much disputed is whether or not the church at Colossm was founded by the apostle Paul. On the negative side the chief argument is derived from Paul's declaration concerning his anxiety "for the Colossians, Laodiceans, and all who had not seen his face." From this the conclusion is drawn that the Colossians were a part of those who had not seen him. On the affirmative side it is urged: 1. In reply to the preceding argument, that Paul's language onay fairly be inter preted to mean that his anxiety was for the Colossians and Laodiceans who knew him, and for the great multitude in addition who had never seen him. 2. That as it is stated in Acts that Paul went through Phrygia twice, preaching the gospel and revisit ing the disciples, it is not probable that lie passed by Colossm and Laodicea, two of its important. cities. 3. That his friendship for many prominent Christians at Coloas.'e, the cordial relations which existed between him and the church there, and his intimate acquaintance with their affairs, almost require the supposition that he had introduced the gospel among them. Time epistle was probably written to counteract
certain false teachings and tendencies which had appeared in the church and were. as Neauder thinks, a combination of oriental theosophy and asceticism with Christianity in the effort to obtain a deeper insight into the spiritual world and a nearer approach to purity and intelligence than simple Christianity could yield. Such an effort was especially natural in Phrygia, time land of mystic rites and magical superstitions; and it is remarkable that in the 4th c. the council of Laodicea found it necessary to forbid angel worship, which had held its ground in that region. But in Paul's day the errors were only beginning to spring forth, and lie opposed them by showing that in Jesus Christ Christians have all that they require; that he Is the image of the invisible God, exalted above the angels, the creator and upholder of all things; that all Christians are complete in hint and will be presented by hint perfectly holy mid unblamable before God if they continue steadfast iu the faith; that while the prescriptions of a mere carnal asceticism are not worthy of their regard, there are high principles which should guide their con sciences, and important ditties which should govern their lives. The epistle so closely resembles that to the Ephesians, in doctrine, style, and manner, that a careful compari son of one with the other will greatly promote a correct knowledge of both.