Paul wrote this letter to the church at Colossae. The church had been planted by Epaphras and Paul had never met them (Col 2:1). Paul wrote to warn the church against being led into false religious practice. Paul introduced himself with his title of an apostle in order to establish his authority but reminded them he was an apostle of Jesus Christ based on the will of God, not his own merit. Timothy is introduced as a co-author although most of the letter is written in the singular. Timothy may have been introduced because he worked closely with Paul and would continue Paul’s ministry in that area. Timothy was not an apostle, he was just a brother in Christ. Paul addressed the church as saints, that are set apart in Christ, but also as faithful brothers. They were a faithful church which suggests that Paul’s counsel was not to correct but to warn. Paul wished his readers grace and peace from God our Father. As believers, we have received the saving grace of God. But it is also possible that we do not live with the peace of God. Paul’s desire was that all believers live abiding in our Father’s grace and peace.

Verses 3—8 are one continuous sentence in Greek which can make it a little difficult to follow in English. Paul’s focus was that they were always giving thanks. They gave thanks to God whenever he prayed for them. Paul prayed for all the churches, even those he didn’t personally plant. He prayed for the church at Colossae because he had heard about their faith in Christ Jesus. Not only had they believed the gospel to be true but they had also demonstrated their faith by their love for their fellow believers. Their faith had grown from their hope laid up in heaven. They loved because they had a proper eternal perspective that played out in their daily lives. They were faithful because they had been well taught from the word of truth which bore fruit in their lives as it does worldwide when it is heard and obeyed. They had the privilege of hearing the gospel from one of their own, Epaphras, who was a faithful minister of Jesus Christ to their benefit. He was also the one who gave Paul the good report of their faithfulness.

Compare yourself to the church at Colossae. Would you fit in there? If Paul were writing to you, would he commend your faith and love based on your hope laid up in heaven? Today you’ve read the word of truth. Will it bear fruit in your life as you consider the good example this church is to us?