Historical context of Colossians

Who wrote Colossians, when, and to whom — and how that shapes the way we read it today.

Author

Paul

Date written

c. AD 60-62

Original audience

Church in Colossae.

Genre

Epistle

Testament

New Testament

Chapters

4

Background and setting

Counter to syncretistic Colossian heresy.

Why it matters today

Understanding the world Colossians was written into helps us read it on its own terms — and apply it faithfully to our lives now. God spoke through real people, in real history, for the lasting good of His people in every generation.

Read the overview of Colossians or jump into chapter 1.