Heidegger's Bible Handbook: Colossians: Occasion of the Epistle

2. The relation of Epaphras concerning the Colossians furnished the occasion.

Epaphras, the herald of the Gospel among the Colossians, furnished the occasion for writing. He, setting out for Saint Paul, who was a captive at Rome, explains to him the state of the Colossians Church, and commends their faith and constancy. He was adding the treacheries of the Pseudo-apostles, who were endeavoring to adulterate the true faith rightly delivered by Epaphras, and not a little disturbing that Church.