Colossians and Philemon (Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament | ZECNT)

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“The evidence, therefore, appears to favor a syncretism with Jewish elements providing the controlling framework.” (Page 31)

“This letter that addresses a congregation challenged by a form of syncretism has significant contemporary application in a society in which the ‘virtues’ of pluralism and tolerance are exalted as most important. Instead of simply pointing out the errors of the various practices and beliefs promoted by the false teachers, Paul begins and ends with an intense focus on Christ as the foundation of the believers’ existence. As a result, one finds powerful theoretical and practical outworkings of a robust Christology.” (Page 31)

“While the false teachers encourage their followers to focus on the heavenly realm (2:18), Paul makes it clear that the center of such heavenly attention is nothing but Christ himself.” (Page 211)

“In light of the fact that the Colossian false teaching appears to contain both Jewish elements and those that do not fit comfortably within a traditional Jewish framework, it appears that some sort of syncretism lies behind this false teaching.” (Page 30)

“Equally important is the fact that while the word ‘law’ (νόμος) appears more than thirty times in Galatians, it is not used at all in Colossians. Jewish legalism should not, therefore, be considered the primary target of Paul’s discussion in this letter.” (Page 28)