Paul's Intro & Theme (1:3-2:5): Part One Series

Paul's Intro & Theme (1:3-2:5): Part One

Introduction:

Colossians 1:3-2:5 is Paul's long introduction to before he moves on to the heart of his letter. He wants this young church to know that his letter is an outflow of the ministry God has given him.

The introduction can be broken down in to three sections. Paul's message is "this is how I am thanking God for you" (1:3-8), "this is how I am praying for you (1:9-23), and "this is what I am doing for you" (1:24-2:5). These three actions lay the foundation for one of the main points of the letter. Paul wants the Colossians to grow to maturity in Christ. He tells the Colossians that he is thankful that God founded their church (1:3-8), that he wants them to thank God for his great salvation (1:9-20) and to appreciate where they fit into it (1:21-23). He also wants them to see his role in ministry to them and God's overall plan (1:24-2:5).

In 2:6 we read the transitional word "therefore" which indicates that Paul is going to build on the foundation of what he has written before through out the letter. It says:

Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him... (ESV)

His mention of "Christ" looks back to 1:15-20 where he tells them that it is in Christ where they have true maturity. It looks back to 2:2 where he tells them that Christ is "the mystery of God." Christ is God's eternal secret plan for creating and redeeming the world and Paul wants them to keep this in mind throughout the letter. If you know JESUS you know enough.

Let's look at Paul's Intro and Theme.

1. How Paul is Thanking God for the Colossians

Colossians 1:3-8 (ESV)

3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, 5 because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, 6 which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth, 7 just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf 8 and has made known to us your love in the Spirit.

Paul addresses the Colossians as "saints and faithful brothers in Christ" and wish hope and peace upon them (1:2) because he knows that God has already amongst them. And he thanks God for this.

This theme of thanksgiving will be important throughout the letter:

Colossians 2:7 (ESV)

"...rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving."

Colossians 3:15 (ESV)

"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful."

Colossians 3:16 (ESV)

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."

Colossians 3:17 (ESV)

"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

Colossians 4:2 (ESV)

"Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving."

Paul's introductory thanksgivings is not an "asides" but are an important part of theme in the letter.

Paul's beginning with thanksgiving and prayer also emphasizes that what is worked for should first be prayed for. It tells us much about Paul's view of grace and the gospel. The gospel is almost personified here as it is spoken of as at work in the world. But, it works through those who are commissioned to proclaim it. And where truth is recognized and obeyed, it bears fruit.

There are all kinds of "religious experiences" in the world, but Paul lets the Colossians know that those experiences that are of God will exalt Christ.

Colossians 1:3 (ESV)

"We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you..."

Paul's use of the word "always" refers to the regularity and consistency with which he prays for them. It doesn't mean that he spent every waking moment thanking God and praying for them, but during his regular times of prayer, he mentioned them to God and interceded for them. He probably kept regular Jewish prayer times, morning, noon, and evening.

This teaches us the power of consistent prayer. Having a prayer list is a good thing. God, in His Sovereignty, has chosen to work through the act of prayer to bring about His Will in the world. Your prayers matter.