Slides: Paul's Letter to Colossian Christians

Paul’s Letter to Colossian Christians

Colossians 1:1-2

Open Greeting

1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,

2 To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father.

 Who is writing the letter?

•Paul: old Saul is in the past; he is now Paul

•an apostle: sent on a mission to speak as a resurrection eyewitness, to make disciples in new places, and to define doctrine

•of Christ Jesus: Paul is sent by Messiah Jesus and speaks on Jesus’ authority. He does not change the gospel of Christ.

•by the will of God: God’s will is for Paul to speak and for us to accept gospel truth.

•and Timothy our brother: prisoner Paul spoke; Timothy wrote it down accurately.

Who is receiving the letter?

To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae

•saints: every Christian, set apart as holy

•faithful: faith-filled, devoted, loyal

•brothers [and sisters]: siblings of Paul, loving members of one family, cherished children of Father God

•in Christ: positioned in Jesus’ person, life, death, resurrection, and reign

•at Colossae: positioned in a ho-hum, mid-size town, living the Christ-life there

What is the blessing?

Grace to you and peace from God our Father.

grace: unearned favor, not just forgiveness and new start, but daily favor and supply

to you: any believer reading this letter

peace: wellbeing and healthy relationship with God, with others, and within. Peace comes in knowing God’s grace is sufficient.

from God our Father: strong, loving Abba