Paul wrote to the Colossians to counter the heretical teachings beginning to circulate amongst them. The kernel of his letter is in 1:15-20 about the salvific role of Christ and, following on that, their part in this salvation.

To help the Colossians accept his correction of their errors, Paul mentions his own sufferings 'to make up all that has still to be undergone by Christ for the sake of His Body the Church' (v.24). Thus he draws attention to the intimate union between Christ and those in whom His Spirit is alive. He explains that the Church is not yet perfect. In order to develop to the ideal of perfection, all Christians have to contribute by sharing in the sufferings of the mystical Christ. Living as authentic Christians necessarily involves suffering and pain, through which growth in union with Christ becomes perfect.

This kind of Christian living, found also in the ability to over-ride ritualistic laws by genuine concern for the needy and helpless, is what Jesus teaches when He heals the man with the withered right hand on a Sabbath day.