Colossians 1:1-2 - Saints and God's faithful

Speculation, intellectualism and asceticism were three key characteristics of the heresy that the Colossians encountered. The speculation propagated were in relations to creation. To them intermediate angels were involved in the act of creation. Then, they also disseminated a brand of wisdom, claiming advance knowledge, a kind of philosophy devoid of sound reasoning. Furthermore, the heretics also promulgated human effort by encouraging strict and rigid disciplines to curb the physical appetite.

When told by Epaphras about the condition in Colossae, Paul wrote this letter of Colossians to correct those wrong ideas, to prevent the faith of the believers from being destroyed. Paul had to begin in a way that would endear himself to them. He began by declaring his apostleship. This calls attention to the authority that was attached to his commission. He was an apostle by the will of God, not so much because he had the merit to wear that title, but rather a privilege that was given to him because of God’s unmerited grace poured over his life. He was called to be an apostle to the Gentiles when he was on his way to Damascus, on his mission to persecute Christians. The phrase “an apostle by the will of God” was Paul’s renunciation of any personal worth to hold that position, but for the grace of God.

Timothy was mentioned in his introduction in this letter because he was most likely the scribe that Paul dictated to. The apostle treated Timothy as a co-equal. Hence, he called him brother. The adjective “our” shows how Paul also regarded the believers in Colossae. Together with Timothy they were his brothers. Besides, he said they were also saints. This word “saints” does not indicate the level of their holiness. It merely tells us that they were people who had set themselves apart unto Christ. Paul also called them “faithful brethren”. This word “faithful” suggests that among the believers in Colossae there must have been those who weren't keeping their faith in Christ.

In his greeting to the Colossians, Paul combined the two most meaningful experiences that everyone, including us, would need. The first is grace. This is God’s purposeful action on behalf of humanity. By grace He had opened a way through Christ that men can be reconciled and have fellowship with Him. The second is peace. This word suggests more than just the absence of restlessness. It includes the sense of total well-being of the whole person. Paul explicitly tells us that God the Father is the source of both the grace and peace. How much every one of us needs the grace and peace of God the Father!

Like the Colossians, the church today is also thrown into deep confusion by some speculative theology, false intellectualism and asceticism. Hence, this letter is very applicable to us today. There is a necessity for the church today to hold truth in tension. Are we truly faithfully set apart to Christ? Every one of us needs to walk in the integrity of the truth. So as we take some time to meditate on Colossians, let’s be prepared for God to gloriously transform us for His glory!