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The congregation in Colosse was under the care of the former heathen Epaphras, who had founded it and been brought to the faith by the Apostle Paul. Paul did not know the Colossians personally since he never visited that place. This true and tireless servant of Christ Epaphras was moved to visit his spiritual father Paul when he was imprisoned in Rome so that he might share the burden of his suffering and also the problems of his own threatened congregation in Colosse, where preachers of false doctrines endangered the congregation with confusion. In this manner Epaphras sought also, advice and help from Paul.

Shallow rooted trees are able to attain considerable height in the middle of a wood where they are protected from storms. If these trees would stand alone in the open, where they would have to bear the full brunt of storm and weather, they would be easily uprooted. Shallow rooted trees grow quickly, but their wood is neither hard nor durable. Deep rootedness in the spiritual sense required sincerity of prayer, not to be distracted by gossip, and complete surrender to the teaching and love of Jesus, careful attention to the Word of Life in the Divine Services, the overcoming of personal shallow-mindedness and insincerity. That which is uprooted is no longer able to take strength from the earth where it formerly grew; it withers. To remain steadfast in faith it is necessary to be as the Psalmist wrote: “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth at the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in His law doth He meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” (Psalm 1:1-3)

Apostle Paul admonished the Colossians who had been misled by false doctrines to remain faithful in Christ and to permit themselves to be built in Him as they had been taught. How and by which means Christians should permit themselves to be built was explained by Paul in his Epistle to the Ephesians: “And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto a holy temple in the Lord: in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.” (Ephesians. 2:20-22)

Helping to build the temple of the Lord and the house of God is a blessed work, whilst becoming entangled in the pseudo intellectualism of this world only robs the soul of the peace, joy, strength and trust, which comes through Christ.

It is still the same today as it was in the days of the first Christians: The wisdom of man is limited whereas in Jesus Christ the fullness of godly clarity and blessings are revealed. Through Him we receive the fullness of our salvation.