GREETINGS (COL 1: 1, 2)

GREETINGS (COL 1: 1, 2):

Paul introduces himself along with Timothy to confirm the authorship of the letter of Colossians. Paul doesn’t just introduce himself but says that he is an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God. The twelve disciples who were close and always with Jesus were mostly recognized as Apostles. Paul hadn’t been close with Jesus physically but once he had been encountered by the Lord Jesus Christ and accepted Him as the savior and Lord of his life, Paul become so much close to Jesus, being always with Him spiritually with all his emotions and intellect. Paul acknowledge his title as an apostle of Christ Jesus not just because of his feelings and thoughts but also by the grace of God, who had willed him to be a bonded servant of God. Paul doesn’t just write the letter alone to Colossians but along with Timothy who was known to them, thereby Paul tells about him that he is their brother.

After introducing the authorship, Paul makes it clear about the recipients, the people to whom he writes the letter. Paul writes that the letter from Paul and Timothy is to the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae. The letter is not to all the Colossians or even the believers who believe for some benefits or because of their genealogy, but the letter was written to those at Colossae who are sanctified with the genuine heart and who is truthful in putting their best efforts to keep the commandments of God and follow the footsteps of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The greeting is a more usual one of Paul who writes that grace to them and peace from God their father. Grace is undeniably an essential factor for the person to know and enjoy the inheritance as well as privileges of God the Father, which alone could furnish real peace in the heart and mind.

Stimulations for Self-Reflection:

1.      Who is (are) the author (s) of Colossians?

2.      How Paul introduces himself? Why?

3.      How Paul introduces Timothy? Why?

4.      To whom does the letter been written?

5.      Who could be those saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae?

6.      How does Paul greet them? Why?

7.      How we can really give a hearty and good greeting to our fellow brothers?