Episode 2: Letters from prison

The letter to the church in the city of Colossae is traditionally attributed to the apostle Paul. But where and when did he write it? It’s one of the so-called “Prison Letters,” one of four letters Paul wrote from prison. But scholars disagree as to where he was imprisoned, and the answer to when depends on the where.

What is Chunks: Paul's Letter to the Colossians?

The church in the city of Colossae had recently been founded by one of the apostle Paul's colleagues; he had never met them personally. But he had heard of their faith and of some of the challenges that threatened to undermine that faith, including what seems to be the presence of false teachers who were leading them astray. Paul therefore writes to them from prison, lovingly encouraging them to realize the treasure they already have in the gospel. In so doing, he paints a magnificent and cosmic portrait of the Christ in whom they've already believed, and in whom they've been given a new and transformed nature. His words should help remind believers of every time and place that the Christ we worship is supreme. (Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture passages will be read from the New International Version.)