Introduction to the Book of Colossians: Colossians 1:1-2
“1) Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, 2)To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father.” Colossians 1:1-2
We now start a study of the Book of Colossians. For those new to my writing, I write a Daily Bible Commentary for spiritual enrichment, growth and challenge. Let me share a brief personal background.
I became a Christian in 1973. I am a graduate of Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, am ordained in the Evangelical Free Church of America and have served as a pastor, mission leader and evangelist since 1977. I have traveled and ministered extensively nationally, internationally and interdenominationally. I am the Cofounder of a mission agency called “GoServ Global” and am currently serving my forth term as a Representative in the Iowa State Legislature. I love Jesus and am Spirit filled. I am very dependent on the work of the Holy Spirit in and through my life.
I love Bible study and work hard to be biblically sound in my teaching. I am very interested in practical theology that can be applied to daily living and avoid theological arguments that do little to edify or feed revival and awakening. I try to be both informative and motivational in my writing.
When we tackle an entire book, I try to do a verse by verse study and let the text determine the subject matter and the teaching content. I avoid imposing my meaning or views on the text, but rather seek to discover what God was saying to the original recipients of the letter. I would rather be biblically accurate than politically correct.
If the text differs from my personal opinion or moral bias, I defer to the authority of the Bible and invite God to change me and my views to line up with His Word. I invite you to have the same courage. Every Christian should strive to live out a solid biblical world view. With that brief background, let’s roll up our sleeves and tackle the book of Colossians.
Most scholars believe the book of Colossians was written by the Apostle Paul while a prisoner in Rome around AD 62. He sent it to the believers in the city of Colossae by the hand of Tychicus. (See Colossians 4:7-8) He may have delivered the small book of Philemon while on this same journey.
Colossae was an important city of Phrygia in Asia Minor located about 60 miles east of Ephesus. There is no record that Paul personally visited the city of Colossae, but he received ample news about this thriving church from Epaphras. (See Colossians 1:3-8)
Many consider the book of Colossians to be a companion book to Ephesians. They cover some of the same content, but the book of Colossians focuses much more on the works, Lordship and Deity of Jesus Christ. (See Colossians 2:9) This book is essential in any study of Christology. (The study of Jesus Christ)
The opening two verses of this book are very typical of the Apostle Paul. He points out that he was an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God. The word “apostle” means both “set apart” and “sent out.” Paul had a strong calling, unction and mandate on his life.
The immediate recipients of this letter were the “saints and faithful brethren in Christ at Colossae.” (Vs 2) The word “saint” can be applied to every born-again believer. It means “a holy, sanctified or consecrated one.” Some have noted that “you are either a saint or an aint.” You are either a born-again Christian through personal faith in Jesus Christ or you are a non-Christian. There is no middle ground.
Get ready for a very informative and challenging study. I encourage you to read this post each day with your Bible open. Ask the Holy Spirit to use the book of Colossians in your life. This book is packed with truth, meaning and insight. It will call for deep application in your life. Be ready to grow and change. You cannot sincerely study this book and remain the same.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
