Colossians

Background

Much of the evidence for Paul's concept of αὶ ἀρχαὶ καὶ αἰ ἐξουσίαι is derived from the epistle to the Colossians, and the interpretation of Col. 2: 15 has been determinative in many understandings of the world of the powers. It is therefore the obvious place with which to begin the exegetical study of the NT texts. This is, however, a most difficult epistle to use in any assessment of a Pauline theme. Not only is the nature of the error that the writer opposes unclear, but the authorship of the letter and its destination are both doubtful.

On the question of authorship the arguments have been well rehearsed in the standard introductions and commentaries. I accept the epistle as from the hand of Paul. The matter of the destination, however, is of particular importance for our study. For although Colossae, one of three destinations for this letter (4: 13), was a place of little significance in itself, from the point of view of the development of Christianity in that region of Asia Minor it may have been most important. The three cities of Colossae, Laodicea and Hierapolis were set in the Lycus Valley, where Caria, Lydia and Phrygia meet. In addition, the road system created by the natural barriers made this a key intersection.