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''Synopsis:'' {{Infobox_Contents | topic_name = The "Colossian Heresy" is a term that is used to describe the false teachings that occurred in the early church of [[Colossae]], causing the [[apostle Paul]] to write his [[Epistle to the Colossians]]. The exact nature of the heresy is debated, and can only be guessed at by the content of Paul's counter arguments in his letter. Most scholars believe that the heresy was a mystical and ascetic form of Judaism that was pervading the church. Others believe the heresy was an early form of gnosticism. A few scholars in recent years have argued against the use of the term "heresy". ----__TOC__{{topics}}|* subtopics = [[Colossae]]

* [[Asceticism]] | , [[Mysticism]] | , [[Gnosticism]]| opinion_pieces = {{opinionsshort_opinions}}* [[Colossian Heresy (G.G.)]] |==Main article==}}

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_verseBible verse|colossians|3|11|lang=WEB}}''

In this view, the heresy is thought to reflect a teaching on a special wisdom and knowledge from cosmic powers ([[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_verseBible verse|colossians|1|23|lang=WEB}}''. Other verses teaching against an elitism include [[Colossians 1:28|1:28]] and [[Colossians 3:11|3:11]].

{{returnto}} [[Christianity]] -> [[Bible]] -> [[New Testament]] -> [[Epistle to the Colossians]]