The Colossian epistle addressed Christians who had come under the influence of false teaching that mixed elements of Greek philosophy with Judaism. In part this movement taught that the Colossian Christians were subject to a variety of spiritual forces that needed to be placated through veneration, asceticism, and the observance of special holy days. Paul wrote to help the members of the church in Colossae hold firmly to the truth that God had already accepted them by virtue of their union with Christ. While maturity still stood before them as a goal (1:22-23, 28), they already enjoyed “fullness in Christ” (2:10), the perfect One.