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===A Jewish heresy===
In this view, the heresy is thought to reflect a teaching with a focus on Jewish covenant distinctiveness and privilege. Verses such as [[Colossians 2:11|2:11]], [[Colossians 2:16|2:16]] and [[Colossians 2:21|2:21]] suggest a Jewish legalism. Paul reminds the church in [[Colossians 3:11|3:11]] that ''{{web_verse|colossians|3|11}}''
===A gnosticizing syncretism heresy===
In this view, the heresy is thought to reflect a teaching on a special wisdom and knowledge from cosmic powers (see [[Colossians 2:10]). It may have been that the Colossians were integrating a mystery religion with Christ. Verses that point away from the kind of exclusivism that exists in Gnostic thinking support this view, such as [[Colossians 1:23|1:23]]: ''{{web_verse|colossians|1|23}}''. Other verses teaching against an elitism include [[Colossians 1:28|1:28]] and [[Colossians 3:11|3:11]].
===Paul's counter-arguments===
Paul argued against these kinds of false teaching by showing that they diminished Jesus Christ. Using the language of the heresy (words such as [[sophia]] meaning wisdom, and [[gnosis]] meaning knowledge) he reminded the Colossians that Christ is all in all ([[Colossians 3:11]]).
===Application today===