It was normal and typical to begin a letter by identifying who the author was and who were the recipients, that is the format in these two opening verses of this epistle. The opening verses are exceptional because Paul writes that he had never personally been to the church of Colossae and Paul did not know personally most of the people in that church (Colossians 1:7 “As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellow servant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ”; Colossians 2:1 “For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;”), in fact Paul was serving time in jail (Colossians 4:18 “The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen”).

Noticeably, the opening two verses are practical for it contains challenges and encouragement for us.

PROPOSITION: OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD IS THE REASON WHY GOD GIVES US HIS INSPIRED WORDS

Paul was moved to write a letter to the Colossians church which he had never visited.

First, God give His inspired Word to Paul because of the...

I – RELATIONSHIP OF PAUL WITH GOD – v.1a-c

A. The Sent, Paul as an Apostle – v.1a

Colossians 1:1a "Paul, an apostle"

Paul is an apostle. The word αποστολος, apostle, signifies one sent, an envoy or messenger.

Here, the Apostle Paul establishes his own relationship with God.

Requirements of being an apostle:

1. Called specifically by Jesus Christ – Acts 9:15

Acts 9:15 “But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings and the children of Israel:”

2. Taught specifically from Jesus Christ – Galatians 1:11-12

Galatians 1:11-12 “But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.”

3. Seen personally the resurrected Christ – I Corinthians 9:1

I Corinthians 9:1 "Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Are not ye my work in the Lord?"

4. Performed the apostolic signs, wonders and miracles. – II Corinthians 12:11-12

II Corinthians 12:11-12 “I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing. ¹²Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.”

In identifying himself as an “an apostle,” Paul is establishing his full apostolic authority in writing this letter as one called by God, and as one commissioned by God, to set forth God’s truth concerning His Son. The word “apostle” is particularly restrained to the messengers of the everlasting Gospel, sent immediately from God himself. Paul had not been one of the original twelve, but his appointment and authorization was just as sanctioned by God as any of the other apostles. He had been singled out and sent out by Jesus Christ. He may not have seen the Colossians, but he certainly had seen Jesus Christ so he met all the prerequisites of an apostle (I Corinthians 9:1 “Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Are not ye my work in the Lord?”; I Corinthians 15:8-9 “And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. 9 For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.”); Acts 9:3-8, 15 “And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: 4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. 7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. 8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. 15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:”).

B. The Source of Paul’s Apostleship – v.1b

Colossians 1:1b “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ”

Paul was called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ. Romans 1:1 “Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,”

The genitive “of Jesus Christ” indicates that Jesus Christ was the source of his apostleship and the object of his apostleship. Jesus Christ personally gave Paul the Gospel (Galatians 1:11-12 “But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. 12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.”) and it was Paul job to communicate the Gospel. Paul was an authorized spokesman for God.

Since Paul spent time with Jesus Christ, and was personally taught by Jesus Christ, hence, Paul could testify as to who Christ really is. Paul had every right to address every question pertaining to Jesus Christ and had every right to address problems in Christ’s churches, for his apostleship had been fully authorized by Jesus Christ.

C. The Sovereign will of Paul’s Apostleship – v.1c

Colossians 1:1c “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God”

When Paul calls himself an apostle by the will of God, it is signifying that Paul had derived his commission from an express volition or purpose of the Almighty. To convince the Colossians that all the things contained in this epistle were dictated by the Spirit of God, and therefore were at once infallibly true, and deeply important, the apostle Paul begins with assuring the brethren in Colossians both that he was an apostle of Jesus Christ, and that he was made such by the will of God the Father, an honour which none of the false teachers could claim.

The words “by the will of God” [in Greek is dia (G1223)] that is “through,” (I Corinthians 1:1, “Paul called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God”).

The designation as an apostle “by the will of God” mentioned in 1 Corinthians 1:1 “Paul called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God,”; 2 Corinthians 1:1 “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God,”; Ephesians 1:1 “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God,”; 2 Timothy 1:1 “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God,”; Now, with regards to the fuller titular distinction where Paul wished to enforce his apostolic authority is in Galatians 1:1 “Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)”. Then shortest to whom Paul writes in familiarity: simply “Paul” is found in 1 Thessalonians 1:1 “Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus.” and 2 Thessalonians 1:1 “Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus:”.

Paul did not picked a career for his apostleship was a calling God ordained.

Powerful men of God are not powerful men of God because of their aspiration, education, manipulation, nomination or usurpation; powerful men of God are powerful men of God because of God’s sanctification. God is the one who calls, who justifies and gives gifts as it pleases Him, not as it pleases us (I Corinthians 12:18 “But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.”). God has eternal plan for Paul.

Paul become an apostle because Paul freely obeyed God’s calling and God’s will for his life. Even though it would be years before Paul came to faith in Christ, Paul believed he was called from his mother’s womb by God’s grace to be an apostle (Galatians 1:15-16 “But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, 16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:”).

Secondly, God gives His inspired Word because of the...

II – RELATIONSHIP OF TIMOTHY TO EVERYONE – v.1d

Colossians 1:1d “and Timotheus our brother,”

Here, the Apostle Paul establishes Timothy’s relationship to everyone.

The Greek text literally reads “Paul…and Timothy the brother.” Paul is particularizing Timothy as “the brother.”

Some Commentators who wrestle with the inclusion of Timothy in the opening salutation, because after verse 9, Paul writes in the singular, not the plural. Though Timothy is here joined in the salutation, yet he has never been understood as having any part in composing this epistle. Timothy has been considered as the amanuensis or scribe of the apostle Paul. It was not Paul and Timothy who were writing the letter, it was clearly Paul who was writing the letter (Colossians 2:1, 4 “For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; 4 And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.”; Colossians 4:3-4, 7, 8, 10, 18 “Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: 4 That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. 7 All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord: 8 Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts; 10 Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;) 18 The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen. Written from Rome to the Colossians by Tychicus and Onesimus.”). It was Paul only the writer, but Paul mentioned the name of Timothy because Paul wants to establish Timothy’s relationship to the brethren in the church of Colossians.

The mention of Timotheus in the other epistles of the captivity like in Philippians 1:1 “Paul and Timotheus,”; Philemon 1:1 “Paul…and Timothy our brother,” and the omission of the name Timotheus in epistle to the Ephesians (Ephesians 1:1“Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:”), mark the difference in character between the two epistles. In a special Epistle like the Epistle to the Colossians, Timotheus would be joined with Paul as usual. On the other hand, in a general Epistle to the churches of Asia, the apostle alone could rightly speak.

Timotheus was with Paul when writing in Rome. (2 Corinthians 1:1 “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother”; Philippians 1:1 “Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ;”). Timothy had been Paul's companion in his first tour through Phrygia, where Colosse was. Therefore, the Colossians Epistle associated Timothy with Paul in their affections, and the Apostle Paul joins Timothy with himself in the opening address. In 1 Corinthians, Philippians, and Philemon, Paul passes to the singular; but here in 2 Corinthians 1:3; I Thessalonians and 2 Thessalonians, Paul continues in the plural. Probably, Timothy may have transcribed the letter. Neither, Paul had seen the Colossian church (Colossians 2:1); but had seen, during their tour through Phrygia, individual Colossians namely Epaphras, Philemon, Archippus, and Apphia (Philemon 1:2) - who, when converted, brought the Gospel to their native city.

Notice again the words “and Timotheus our brother“ Timothy's early piety, his excellent gifts, his approved faithfulness, and his affectionate labours in the gospel with the apostle Paul, well known to most people, if not to all, to the Gentile churches, considering him highly respected, Paul allowed Timothy to join in writing several of the letters which Paul addressed to these various churches: not, however, to add anything to Paul’s own authority as an Apostle, but rather to add to Timothy's influence; for which purposely to establish Timothy relationship particularly to the Colossians, hence, Paul calls Timothy here his brother, rather than his son.

A. The contrast of Timothy with Paul’s Apostolic Authority

Paul establishes Timothy relationship with everyone, in order to show the contrast of Paul's apostolic authority with Timothy

Timothy was Paul’s son in the faith. Timothy was very loyal to Paul and to Pauline instruction. Most churches knew of Paul’s special relationship with Timothy as co labourers of God, as a faithful companion in his missionary journeys. And because of the doctrinal attack against Jesus Christ, Paul wanted to establish that Timothy was authorized in a way no other was, to address and deal with the matter but contrast to the authority that Paul has as an apostle.

It is evident, from the manner in which Paul mentions Timothy here, that Paul did not regard Timothy as “an apostle,” and did not wish the church at Colosse to consider Timothy as an apostle. It is not “Paul and Timotheus, apostles of Jesus Christ,” but “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, and Timotheus our brother.” Paul is careful never to apply the term “apostle” to Timothy in (Philippians 1:1 "Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ:". Notice also 1 Thessalonians 1:1 “Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians”; 2 Thessalonians 1:1 “Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians”. If he had regarded Timothy as an apostle, or as having apostolic authority, it is not easy to have in mind why Paul should not have referred to Timothy as apostle in these letters to the churches.

B. The confidence in Timothy supports Paul’s letter

Paul establishes Timothy relationship with everyone, in order to support the letter of Paul because Timothy is a man whom everyone knew and loved and esteemed.

There was a particular reason why Timothy should be associated with Paul in writing this epistle (verse 1). Timothy was a native of the region where the church was situated and Timothy was well-known in Derbe, Lystra and Iconium (Acts 16:1-3 “Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek: ²Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium. ³Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.”). These cities were about 200 miles east of Colossae. Timothy had been with Paul when he preached there, and was doubtless well known to the church there (Acts 16:6 “Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,”).

Timothy was in Ephesus with Paul on his third missionary journey (Acts 19:1, 22 “And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, 22 So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season.”) and it may be at this time that Epaphras came and met Paul and Timothy and then Epaphras went back to Colossae and Epaphras founded the church of Colossians, based on Pauline teaching (Acts 19:10 “And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.”; Colossians 1:7 “As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellow servant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ”; Colossians 4:12 “Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.”). Timothy may have even gone to Colossae, so people knew him well while Paul was in Ephesus.

Timothy must have been known by the Colossians, so Paul included him. By including Timothy’s name, the people would recognize one from their region who they fully supported and respected. Paul uses the influence and people’s respect, love and esteem to Timothy in order to support the letter of Paul to Colossians.

C. The Companionship which is unique that Timothy held with Paul

Paul establishes Timothy relationship with everyone, in order to show others the uniqueness of the status that Timothy held with the Apostle Paul.

Although many friends and fellow servants had a good relationship with Paul, including Epaphras, none would equal the status of Timothy as Paul’s “the brother.” Two of Paul’s final letters was personally written to Timothy. Paul turned his whole apostolic teachings over to Timothy and encourage him to keep teaching others (II Timothy 2:2 “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.”).

The Apostle Paul wanted everybody to know that Timothy was his key righthand man. Just as Jesus Christ chosen Paul to be a very unique apostle, likewise Paul chosen Timothy to be a very unique brother.

D. The Conditioning as preparation for Paul’s departure

Paul establishes Timothy relationship with everyone, in order to prepare for possible Pauline departure.

While in jail, Paul sensed that God might use this imprisonment to give him an open doors to minister to speak the mystery of Christ, but Paul did not know for sure (Colossians 4:2-4 “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; 3 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: 4 That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.”). Possibly, there was a chance for Timothy could be executed.

By naming Timothy as “our brother,” Paul is pointing out that in case something happened to him, his son in the faith, he picked Timothy would be next in line to contact in regard to his teaching concerning Jesus Christ. Apparently, Timothy was the heir of Paul’s ministry.

Thirdly, God gives His inspired Word because of the...

III – RELATIONSHIP OF THE COLOSSIANS TO PAUL’S LETTER – v.2a-b

A. The saints in Colossae – v.2a

Colossians 1:2a “To the saints”

Here, Paul establishes the Colossians relationship to his letter, so Paul is writing to the saints in Colossae.

Considering the distance, Colossae was located about 100 miles east of Ephesus, and 10-12 miles from Laodicea and Hierapolis (Colossians 4:13 “For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.”). Interestingly, the Apostle Paul did not write an inspired letter to the church in Hierapolis or Laodicea, these were much more impressive cities than Colossae, however, Paul did write an inspired letter to the church of Colossae, which from a numerical perspective, Colossae was least impressive than those of Laodicea and Hierapolis but when it comes from a spiritual perspective, Colossae had the most potential.

The letter was written for the “saint,” that is to the consecrated believers of Colossae, those who had been set apart by God. The letter was written “to the holy” or “saints”. They might receive this appellation of holy, on the account of their strong attachment to the purity of the Christian faith.

This first term “saints” expresses their union with God. The word “saints” refers to their position as having been saved. Even though these Colossians were unstable in their doctrine and unspiritual in their lives, they were still the saints of God.

B. The spiritual in Colossae – v.2b

Colossians 1:2b “and faithful brethren”

Here, Paul establishes the Colossians relationship to his letter, so Paul is writing to the spiritual in Colossae.

Some suggest the terms “saints” and “faithful brethren” refer to the same thing; believers in Christ. However, the context would certainly support the interpretation that “saints” refers to position and “faithful” refers to practice. Paul not only writes to the consecrated “saints” people of God but also to the loyal “faithful” brethren in Christ who are at Colossae. As the word “saints” expresses their union with God, the word “brethren” expresses their union with their fellow Christians. These recipients of this letter, might receive this appellation of holy, not only on account of their strong attachment to the purity of the Christian faith, but likewise as a spiritual, faithful believers they separated from the rest of the world.

All true Christians are brethren one to another. Faithfulness runs through every character and relation of the Christian life.

It is the faithfulness that will enable a believer in Christ to understand the Word of God and not by philosophy or intellectualism. The deeper things of the Word of God will never be understood by the Carnal Christians. The diet of Carnal Christians will always consist of “elementary teaching” because they were not able to bear “solid food” (I Corinthians 3:1-2 “And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. ²I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.“; Hebrews 5:14 “But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”; Hebrews 6:1 “Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,”).

Fourthly, God gives His inspired Word because of the…

IV – RELATIONSHIP OF THE COLOSSIANS TO GOD – v.2c

Colossians 1:2c “in Christ which are at Colosse:”

Next, Paul establishes the Colossians relationship to God.

The words “at Colossae” indicate that believers live in the world and the words “in Christ” indicate that these believers forever live in the heavenlies. In fact, Believers have two spheres of life, the earthly and the heavenly. When a person is in Christ, it does not mean a change of physical location; it does mean a change of spiritual condition.

Some commentaries said that instead of “at Colosse,” ABC, and many other excellent manuscripts, with both the Syriac, Coptic, Slavonic, Origen, Gregory Nyssen, Amphilochus, Theodoret, Damascenus, Theophylact, and others, read “in Colassa,”; and this is most probably the true reading. This city perished by an earthquake, a short time after the date of this epistle of Paul to the Colossians, this is according to the testimony of Eusebius. That which at present is supposed to occupy the site of this ancient city is called Konos.

Paul does not write expressly to the 'church', but to the genuine Christians constituting the church. Paul wishes specially to recommend or praise those Christians for church unity, so Paul perhaps addresses 'the church' as in (Romans 1:7 “To all that be in Rome,…called to be saints:”; Ephesians 1:1 “to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:”; Philippians 1:1 “to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi,”).

Now, let us take a loot at the last phrase of verse 2 it says, “Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” The Bible makes it clear that the source of grace that enables a sinner to have a peaceful relationship with God is God the Father.

Regarding the subject of salvation by God’s grace, it is God’s choice that no one will perish, It is the Lord’s will that not any one should perish (II Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”) and it is the will of God our Savior that all men will be saved (I Timothy 2:4 “Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.”), that is why the grace of God appeared unto all men (Titus 2:11 “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,”) therefore, it is the will of the Father that anyone will come to the Son (John 6:44 “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.”). It is man’s free will, if he chose not to come to God in order to be saved (John 5:40 “And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.”).

The doctrine of Jesus Christ of Colossians is at the ultimate level, and Paul always put the Christology in proper theological perspective to God the Father. Will you respond to the grace of God today for salvation? Anyone can come to the Father through His Son Jesus Christ. Will you give Jesus Christ the preeminence in your life that He deserves?

In verse 2 Paul said, "Grace be unto you and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."

Notice the words “Grace be unto you.” Paul, also writes in Romans 1:7 “To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

We noticed that Paul generally opens his addresses to the churches much in the same form of benediction, for we all drink of the same fountain of life, this is noticed in I Corinthians 1:3 “Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.”; II Corinthians 1:2 “Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.”

The ending clause “and the Lord Jesus Christ” is omitted by many Manuscripts., several versions, and some of the fathers in faith. The said clause “and the Lord Jesus Christ” has left out of the text, on sufficient evidence. Supported by 'Aleph (') A C G g. Omitted by B Delta f, Vulgate. The best manuscript was shown here so that the salutation in verse 2 should run simply “from God the Father.” Could it have been in Paul’s mind, in connection with his special desire to give emphasis to the true Godhead of Christ, that is why in this Epistle to the Colossians, we can see that Paul is naturally reluctant to use in this case any phrase, but by his customary style of writing, Paul might even seem to distinguish Christ’s divine nature from the God head. Certainly, we notice that in the true reading of Colossians 2:2, Christ is called “the mystery of God, and of the Father,” KJV; or “God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself,” NASB; “God's mystery, which is Christ” ESV; this is a unique and remarkable expression, which marks a preparation for the full understanding of the teaching of our Lord when He said, “he that hath seen me hath seen the Father” (John 14:9).

Again, in verse 2 Paul said “Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ”

Friends, would you please come to Christ and you too, will experience the grace of God that gives you peace with God (Romans 5:1“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:”) and the peace of God (Philippians 4:7 “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”).

The book of Colossians teaches that our relationship with God the Father is contingent upon our relationship with Jesus Christ.