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Like some of his other epistles (for example, those to Corinth), this seems to have been written in consequence of information which had been conveyed to him of the internal state of the church there by Epaphras (1:4-8). Its object was to counteract certain false teaching, sometimes referred to as the [[Colossian heresy]]. A large part of it is directed against certain speculatists who attempted to combine the doctrines of Eastern [[mysticism]] and [[asceticism]] with [[Christianity]], thereby promising believers enjoyment of a higher spiritual life and a deeper insight into the world of spirits. Paul argues against such teaching, showing that in [[Christ]] they had all things. He sets forth the majesty of his [[redemption]]. The mention of the "new moon" and "sabbath days" (2:16) shows that [[Gnostic]] ascetics were judging the body of Christ for "eating and drinking" and observing the "feasts, New Moons, and Sabbaths." In response, Paul commands the saints to "let no one judge you...but the body of Christ,", that is, the [[church]] itself.