Dr. Kidd explains that the false teachings circulating among the Colossians included a mixture of Greek philosophy, Jewish law, and teachings about spiritual beings. It is interesting to note that the historian Josephus (37-100 AD) detected some similar elements among the Jewish sect of the Essenes during the first century, a group to which he belonged at one time. This is not to say necessarily that the Essenes themselves were spreading their teachings in Colosse, but it does give us a better understanding of the historical background of the first century.

QUESTION:

Which of the following Jewish sects held some of the same beliefs as the false teachers in Colosse?