Colossians & Philemon

False Teachers and a Runaway Slave
Two crises in Colosse compel the Apostle Paul to write to the believers there, sharing his wisdom while in prison. First, Paul responds to false teachers who were belittling Christ, laying down rules, and boasting of secret knowledge. Then, Paul appeals to an individual believer, challenging him to imitate Christ by showing mercy to his slave who had run away. Paul’s two letters exalt Christ and affirm a truly Christian life, and they remain founda…