Abstract:
In this article, the Colossian heresy will be discussed. This is, however, a very troublesome
epistle to use in any assessment of a Pauline theme, due to the uncertainty of who the author
of Colossians could have been, as well as the unclear nature of the heresy in question. The
majority of scholars are of the opinion that the false teachers in the congregation encouraged
the worshipping of angels (cf. Col 2:18). As it will transpire from the discussion, this is indeed
the case when this verse is read in an objective genitive sense. This investigative discussion will
help us to discern what part angels played in certain religious circles in the early church (for
example as mediators of revelation). The link between the ἀγγέλων in Colossians 2:18, and the
στοιχείων τοῦ κόσμου in Colossians 2:20, will also be investigated. In Colossians, Paul presents
Jesus as the crucified, cosmic Christ (see Col 1:15–20), which will help us to understand the
early Christian reaction to heresies such as this one in Colossae, and investigate the relationship
between angelology and Christology.
