Overview
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Written around AD 62 or 63, Colossians is a prison epistle along with Ephesians Philippians and Philemon. Tychicus carried the Ephesian and Colossian letters along with Onesimus (Colossians 4.7-9).

Geography of Colosse
Located overlooking the Lycus river valley in central Asia Minor and was about 100 miles East of Ephesus. Colosse was in declension as a town about the time of writing.

Epaphras was probably the founding member of the assembly. He came to visit Paul in prison and according to Philemon became imprisoned with him. He gave Paul the report of the conditions and the progress of the believers. This caused Paul to write the epistle.

Error they faced was a mixture of Judaism (Jewish Law) Gnosticism (claim for special knowledge) and asceticism (severe self-discipline).

Colossians chapter 1, 1-8

Outline of the epistle

Chapter 1 – Intercession and the Exaltation of the Lord Jesus
Chapter 2 – Correction of errors being propagated
Chapter 3 – Exhortations
Chapter 4 – Salutations

Introduction, verses 1 – 2

Paul begins by stating his credentials as an apostle of the risen Christ. As such he was distinct from the 12 who were apostles of the Lamb Revelation 21.14. His apostleship was to the gentiles while Peter was the apostle of the circumcision ( Jews) Galatians 2.8. Paul was the last apostle in this sense according to 1 Corinthians 15.8. Note there are those like Barnabas described as apostles of the church but not in the same sense or with the same authority as the 12 or Paul! Paul was made an apostle as a direct result of the active will of of God in his life.

Next he speaks about his associate in the work Timothy who was a younger believer and likely converted under Paul’s preaching. Described as “the brother” Timothy was no doubt exemplary of all that a brother should be. Paul now turns to the addressees, whom he calls saints, which is simply sanctified ones or those made holy through the work of Christ. They are also faithful brethren which may simply be underlining their position as those who have placed faith in the Lord jesus or else is emphasising their trustworthiness and reliability. The customary greetings are offered, with grace to experience as Divine help and peace to enjoy in fellowship with Divine persons.

Appreciation, verses 3 – 8

Paul writes, “We give thanks” and so ought we. There is thanksgiving in every chapter of this letter either by example or exhortation. In chapter 1 verses 3 and 12 it is Who we give thanks to. In chapter 2 verse 7 how we abound in thanksgiving. In chapter 3 verses 15 and 17 thanksgiving is to govern our attitude of heart and life. In chapter 4 verse 2 thanksgiving is a necessary ingredient in every prayer. Are we a people filled with gratitude to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ? This title is used six times in the New Testament and emphasises the unique relationship in which God has been made known to us today. What Epaphras told Paul about the Colossians exercised him to be consistently surrounding them with his prayers. Epaphras had spoken of their Faith in the heavenly Person of Jesus Christ, their love towards a heavenly people the other believers, and their hope which was reserved in heaven itself where it could not be assailed. Hendriksen in his commentary says, “Christian hope is not mere wishing. It is a fervent yearning confident expectation and patient waiting for the fulfilment of God’s promises. A full Christ-centered assurance that these promises will be realised.” This hope strengthens faith and stimulates love as these graces interact with each other. This hope he says is reserved for you, kept safe and secure in the very place to which they were destined.

Note that the word of the truth of the gospel came to them before (verse 5) the errors propagated by men. The veracity and reliability of the gospel is underlined. This gospel which goes out into all the world is effectual in every place it reaches. The gospel had been fruitful amongst the Colossians both in conversion and also in producing their character by forming the graces to which Paul has already referred.

It was through Epaphras that they had learned the gospel truths. He had preached and instructed them being instrumental in laying the foundation of the assembly at Colosse and also at Hierapolis and Laodicea. Epaphras was a fellow servant a faithful minister and chapter 4.12 tells us he was one of them (a Colossian) a servant of Christ who had a great zeal and laboured fervently in prayer for them.Paul reveals that Epaphras had made evident through his expressive words their Spirit filled love. What a man of God Epaphras was!

Lessons Learned:

Be thankful for the gospel
For Christian graces
• Faith
• Love
• Hope
For other believers

Next Time:  Intercession for Christian growth and development