Schaff's Bible Dictionary
d. 62. It is probable that Epaphras, who is spoken of as the minister of Christ in that place. Col 1:7, came to Rome to consult Paul respecting the semi-Judaistic and semi-Oriental opinions that had been preached among the Colossians by Jews who had been tainted by Essenic Gnosticism. See Essenes. These notions would tend not only to mar the simplicity of their belief, but to obscure the glory of Christ. Col 2:8-23. To these damaging errors Paul writes a refutation.
" The Epistle to the Ephesians, written at a little later date, is very similar to it, but more full on the doctrine of the church. Both were sent from Rome by the same bearers, Tychicus and Onesimus.