Colossians 1:2

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

'TO THE SAINTS' -Every Christian is. saint for every Christian has been set apart by the blood of Christ (1 Corinthians 1:2; Acts 20:28; Hebrews 10:29; Revelation 1:5).

Points to Note:

1. 'It did not denote. special group which possessed eminent virtues, nor did it refer to such as had passed from earth to heaven.' (Erdman p. 36)

2. The thought crosses my mind, if religious bodies can't even properly define such. clear biblical term. Then why would anyone place confidence in what they teach on other subjects?

3. When God calls Christians "saints", it should remind us that we have been set apart and freed from an unworthy way of living (Colossians 1:12-14), and from. fate worse than death. But along with such. great deliverance, comes. great responsibility. Christians are called upon to glorify God (1 Peter 2:9). And to live the type of life that would bring honor to Him (Matthew 5:16).

4. Instead of being merely afraid of hell (which is too self-centered, i.e. what might happen to me). The Christian should always have. healthy fear of letting God down, of doing something that would bring dishonor to the Divine family. Of doing something that would bring pain and grief to God, regardless of of whether we felt pained at the moment.

'AND FAITHFUL' -4103. pistos pis-tos'; from 3982; objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful: -believe(-ing, -r), faithful(-ly), sure, true.

'BRETHREN' -

Points to Note:

1. In view of the errors which faced this congregation and which face every congregation. You cannot over-emphasize the importance of Christians who believe and trust completely in what God has said.

2. Carefully note that God isn't impressed with "skeptical brethren", "agnostic brethren", "I only believe in myself-brethren", "I can't trust God enough-brethren", or the ever popular, "I put my trust in science, human wisdom, psychology and technology, rather than God and the Bible-brethren".

3. True children of God are those to place their full confidence in the Word of God (Matthew 4:4; Romans 1:16; Hebrews 10:36).

4. "Brotherhood" is based on. trust or conviction in. common faith. Thus fellowship is inherently tied to doctrine, i.e. what must be believed (2 John 1:9).

5. "Faithful" can also mean "reliable, dependable" (2 Timothy 2:2).

'IN CHRIST JESUS' -Which means that baptism stands between one and being "a faithful brother". For baptism stands between one and being "in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:26).

'THAT ARE AT COLOSSAE' -Carefully note that the Christian is "in Christ" no matter where on this earth he precisely lives. Barclay notes, 'He lives in this world whose duties he does not treat lightly; but above and beyond that he lives in Christ...That is why outward circumstances make little difference to the Christian; his peace and his joy are not dependent on them. That is why he will do any job with all his heart. It may be menial, unpleasant, painful, it may be far less distinguished than he might expect to have; its rewards may be small and its praise non-existent; nevertheless the Christian will do it diligently, uncomplainingly and cheerfully, for he is in Christ and does all things as to the Lord.' (pp. 104-105) (Ephesians 6:5)

Point to Note:

'They were "disciples", for they were learning of Christ (Acts 11:26). They were "saints", for they belonged to God. They were "brethren", for they were in one spiritual brotherhood. They were "believers", for they shared one common faith. They were "Christians", for they found in Christ the sum and substance of their lives. There are messages here for all who bear these names. They are "disciples": they must seek fuller knowledge. They are "saints": they must be pure. They are "brethren": they must show their love. They are "believers": they must "live by faith". They are "Christians": they must center their lives in Christ.' (Erdman p. 37)

'GRACE TO YOU AND PEACE FROM GOD OUR FATHER' -'The only instance in which the name of the Father stands in the opening benediction of an epistle without the addition "and Jesus Christ".' (Vincent p. 462)

Bruce adds, 'It is difficult to say why the words "and the Lord Jesus Christ" are absent from the salutation in Colossians. In any case, all that these words could convey is set forth in detail in the celebration of the person and work of Christ later in the letter (cf. vv. 13-20).' (p. 39)

Points to Note:

1. God wants Christians to know exactly where they stand before Him. He wants them to be confident and He wants them to enjoy their relationship with Him. The message to these Christians is "God's favor" to you, i.e. God approves of you. Now what more encouraging message could you ever hear than that? And what motivation to resist error!

2. God wants Christians to have "peace" in their lives. Peace with Him and peace with each other (Ephesians 4:1).

3. 'The biblical concept of peace has to do with wholeness, particularly with reference to relationships...' [Note:. Word Biblical Commentary. Peter T. O'Brien p. 6.]

4. Again, this is. very encouraging message. To some congregations God said, 'I have this against you..' (Revelation 2:20). The Colossians heard from God, 'We are on the same side, we are united, we have fellowship and harmony.'

5. God doesn't dispense "grace and peace" in some mysterious fashion. Rather, God's favor and peace are available to anyone who meets His conditions for salvation (Ephesians 2:14). And let us always remember that grace is conditional (Titus 2:11).

6. Though this letter was sent to the church in Colossae, it was likewise to be heeded by the other congregations in the area (Colossians 4:16).

PAUL'S GRATITUDE FOR THE COLOSSIANS: