I am studying the letter from Paul the apostle to the Colossians in Asia Minor. This is a fanatastic unfolding of the greatest Mystery of all. And now it is no more mystery. Yet were many that were peddling fake mysteries in their pagan religions. This letter makes it clear that they are nothing in comparison to the Mystery that is CHRIST our LORD.

All secrets and mysteries are enticing but the wrong because the Mystery of Christ is for all to hear and understand. It is now no mystery but must be shouted from the roof tops and needs to flood the internet.

Light dispells the darkness that is in secrets and hidden places. Christ is the Light.

COLOSSIANS 1:1

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

(a) Paul. The author of the letter to the Colossians was the Apostle Paul. Paul wrote this letter while in a Roman prison (Col. 4:18), probably around A.D. 60/61. This letter, along with the letter to the Ephesians, was carried by Tychicus (Col. 4:7).

(b) An apostle; see entry for 1 Cor. 1:1.

(c) By the will of God. Paul was called into apostolic ministry by the Holy Spirit (Acts 13:2).

(d) Timothy was Paul’s spiritual son and co-worker. See entry for 1 Timothy 1:2.

COLOSSIANS 1:2

To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father.

(a) Colossae was a town in the Lycus Valley located some nine miles to the east of Laodicea. There is no record that Paul ever visited this town, and Paul acknowledges that the Colossians had not heard the gospel from him but Epaphras (Col. 1:7).

(b) Grace to you and peace. The apostle of grace began all of his letters with this gracious salutation. See entry for Rom. 1:7.

COLOSSIANS 1:3

We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,

(a) We give thanks. Gratitude is the language of faith (Col. 3:17).

Paul’s gratitude for the Colossians, whom he had never met (Col. 2:1), is reminiscent of his gratitude for the church he planted at Thessalonica. Although he may not have gone there, his message had been carried to Colossae and he felt a fatherly affection for the church. See entry for 1 Thessalonians 1:2.

(b) Our Lord Jesus Christ. Paul introduces the Lord Jesus Christ at the start of all his letters, and he encourages his readers to confess Jesus as Lord (Rom. 10:9, Php. 2:12). True preachers reveal Jesus as Lord of all. Jesus is not merely a teacher or historical figure. He is the exalted Son of God and his Name is above all names (Php. 2:9). Before the cross, Jesus was known as the Christ or anointed one. But after the cross, Jesus is the Lord or kyrios or “the One who is supreme above all.”

COLOSSIANS 1:6

which has come to you, just as in all the world also it is constantly bearing fruit and increasing, even as it has been doing in you also since the day you heard of it and understood the grace of God in truth;

(a) In all the world. The Christians of the early church bore witness to the great fruitfulness of the gospel (Acts 12:24, 13:49, 19:10). By the time Paul wrote to the Colossians, the gospel was bearing fruit all over the world.

(b) The grace of God refers to the goodwill, lovingkindness, and favor of God that is freely given to us so that we may partake in his divine life. See entry for Grace of God