Vs. 1 - From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,
- Paul was not forced to be an apostle by the Lord. God wanted him to be a missionary to the Gentiles. Paul responded to to God's call and was richly blessed in his doing. In like manner, God has a plan for each of us, a place He wants us to go, a job He wants us to do in His kingdom. Our availability is the thing, our willingness to answer the call is key.
Jesus tells a parable: a man asks his two sons to work in the fields. One says, "No," but then goes to work. The second says he will, but does not work. Jesus asks, "Who did the will of the father?" (See: Matt. 21:28-32) The point of the story is not that you can reject the call of the Lord, and get away with it by changing your mind. The message is: it is not what you say you'll do, but what you actually do for the Lord. What you do is based on what you believe about Jesus. (I am NOT saying that each of us is called by God to be a missionary in foreign countries like Paul.)
Timothy: When Paul writes to him, he calls Timothy "my son", "my child in the faith" (1 Tim. 1:2). Here Paul calls Timothy a Christian brother. When we are children of God (John 1:12, Rom. 8:16,17) we are spiritually related, brothers and sisters in Christ.
Note: Paul makes this announcement right at the beginning to confirm the office of apostle was bestowed upon him by the Lord, and acknowledged by the other apostles. This was to let the Colossian church know some instruction is forthcoming. He is instructing with authority. This is not just a friendly letter, but a business letter, church business.
Vs. 2 - to the saints, the faithful brothers and sisters in Christ, at Colossae. Grace and peace to you from God our Father!
- "Saints" - All Christians were looked upon as saints. Paul is addressing the Christians as saints and faithful and brethren.
- "Grace and Peace" - Grace and peace are not usually combined as a blessing in the Old Testament. The closest we see is : "Tell Aaron and his sons, 'This is the way you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: “The LORD bless you and protect you; The LORD make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; The LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace."' (Num. 6:23-26). Paul includes this combined blessing in every letter he wrote. Also, in the OT it seems 'grace' is stated as a request to a higher power, such as a king. We seldom see grace being bestowed upon others.
- Paul is offering them: (1) not the grace of salvation, but grace upon grace - the Holy Spirit living in control of the life, living by faith; and (2) the peace of Christ - (See: John 14:27) - Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Your heart must not be troubled or fearful.
Colossae was built along a river in Phrygia near the town of Laodicea. Which does not help at all. (Well, Laodicea was called upon by Jesus in the book of Revelation - Rev. 3:14-22). Colossae was about 10 miles from Laodicea. Laodicea was about 10 miles from Colossae. Again, that clears it all up. The area is now part of what we know as southwestern Turkey. Turkey is a large country on the eastern edge of the Mediterranian and Aegean Seas, with the Black Sea to its north. Turkey also borders Iraq.
Colossae may have been destroyed by an earthquake during the reign of Nero, about 59-63 A.D. Apparently the town was never rebuilt after the earthquake, but another town was built nearby. We can guess the letter from Paul was sent to the Colossians before the earthquake since it is not mentioned.
The church in Colossae was probably founded by Epaphras, who was one of Paul's co-workers. Paul may never have been there (there is no mention of Colossae listed in any of Paul's journeys recorded in Acts).
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