Jesus, Over All

Because the epistle to the Colossians points heavily to the sovereignty and supremacy of Christ, it remains as relevant for the modern church, as it was for the first century believers in Colossae.

1 Greetings

Even though Paul had never seen the Colossian believers in-person, he had developed a deep affection for the young church, which was evident by the tone set at the beginning of the epistle:

Colossians 1:1-8

Paul started by not only identifying himself as the author, but he presented his qualifications, as an apostle of Jesus Christ.

In general terms, the word “apostle” literally means “one sent on a mission.”

However, the biblical requirements for an apostle were far more stringent:

• The individual had to have been specifically called to the position by Jesus.
• They had to exhibit miraculous powers given them by the Holy Spirit
• They had to have seen the resurrected Christ.

Paul most likely felt the need to present his qualifications as an apostle, because the Colossians had never personally seen him. But the most important qualification, was that he was an apostle “by the will of God,”.

That of course is in complete opposition, to the proliferation of self-appointed apostles in the church today.

Paul the acknowledged Timothy’s contribution to the epistle, which was most likely because as Paul’s assistant, and Paul’s chronic, severe eye condition, it has been assumed that Timothy wrote down, that which Paul dictated.

But both from these opening remarks, as well as seen in other epistles, the deep bond between the two men was evident.

Paul didn’t have any problem sharing his ministry with Timothy, as he understood that ministry is about more than one individual.

In addition, Paul referred to Timothy as “brother” which shows that Paul didn’t see himself as being on other level from Timothy, that they were both one of God’s children.

Paul, then spoke of the Colossians as being “saints and faithful brethren in Christ”.

Next, he referred to the Colossian believers as “saints” which comes from the same root as the word “sanctified” which means to be set apart.

That same attitude is presented in one of Peter’s epistles:

1 Peter 2:9

Paul then offered a customary greeting of his, by desiring God’s grace and peace for the Colossians.

As a matter of fact, Paul mentioned grace and peace so frequently, that many bible expositors refer to them as the “Siamese Twins” of the New Testament.

While Paul frequently spoke of grace and peace, he always did so in that order, since one cannot experience God’s peace, until they’ve experienced His grace through salvation.

2 Thanksgiving

Colossians 1:3-8

While Paul often gave thanks for the believers in churches he wrote to, what makes Colossians stand out, is the fact that he’d never seen them. It shows Paul’s heart of love for the entirety of the body of Christ.

The giving of thanks for them, was obviously part of his prayers for them, which is a wonderful example of how the church should be.

Not only did he show his love for the Colossian believers, but he then spoke of how they themselves should great love for fellow believers.

Paul stated the reason they displayed such love, was because they had the hope of heaven:

Colossians 1:5

Paul would later write to the young pastor Titus, that Jesus us the believer’s blessed hope:

Titus 2:13

The Colossians are a great example for all believers, as they came to that understanding, and spiritual growth, by receiving God’s Word.

Paul stressed that point in verse 6, as he mentioned that the Colossians had been preached (and therefore received) the same Gospel which had been preached throughout the world.

This points to how it was the same message Jesus had brought, and then which was passed on by the apostles.

This shows importance of adhering to the “truth of the gospel” as mentioned in verse 5.

And in verse 6, the result of such behavior is that fruit is borne and continues to grow:

Colossians 1:6b-c

In verse 7, Paul commends Epaphras who had faithfully taught and lead the young church.

He had proven to be a “faithful minister”.

The word minister means “one who serves” so it shows how Epaphras was a trustworthy servant.

In verse 8, Paul shows how Epaphras had not only brought him a good report about the state of the Colossian church, but also brought back the report of their love to Paul.

It’s a sentiment we see from the following Old Testament passage:

Psalm 133:1