Colossians 1:1-2 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother, To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 

‘An apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God.’ An apostle by the will of God. No man had anything to do with the calling and training of Paul. The Greek word apostolos means a delegate, one sent with the full power of attorney to act in the place of another, the sender remaining behind to back up the one sent. In the case of the apostles, it meant that God sent them to do what He, Himself would do if He went. It is translated apostle 78 times; messenger twice (2Cor. 8:23; Php. 2:25); and once he that is sent (John 13:16).

‘Timotheus’ – this is Timothy who was converted by Paul on his first trip (Acts 14:6-7 with 1Tim. 1:2). Part Jew and Greek, uncircumcised, but a good Christian (Acts 16:1-3). A miracle worker like Paul (1Cor. 16:10). Paul’s companion from here on (2:19; Acts 16:1-3; 17:14-15; 18:5; 19:22; 20:4; Rom. 16:21; 1Cor. 4:17). On a mission (Heb. 13:23). It is believed by some that he was Paul’s scribe in writing Hebrews and Galatians. He had the gifts of the Spirit (1Tim. 4:14; 2Tim. 1:6). He was a great student of Scripture (2Tim. 1:5; 2:15; 3:15).

‘Saints’ are those that are born again and will most definitely be faithful. All saved people are called saints in the Word of God (Acts 9:13, 32, 41; 26:10; Rom. 1:7; 1Cor. 1:2; 6:1-2; 2Cor. 1:1; Eph. 1:1; Php. 1:1; Col. 1:2; 2Thess. 1:10; Jude 1:3; Rev. 5:8; 13:7, 10; 17:6), not sinners as most claim to justify sinful behaviour. Even though all saints were born in sin and had to come to Christ, repent and be justified in Him to qualify for this appellation. There are also no grounds for making people saints after death.

‘Colosse’ – A city of Phrygia just a few miles from Laodicea. Both cities disappeared so completely that only in recent times have the sites been discovered. Eusebius states that Colosse perished in an earthquake a short time after the writing of this epistle.

‘Grace be unto you’ – best greeting ever! Blessing another person with grace – that which Christ accomplished on the cross (redemption and healing) through which we are reconciled with the Father whereby He then has access to us to protect and provide for us.

‘God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ’ – Another clear reference to two separate and distinct persons (1Jn. 5:7). One is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ and the other is the Son of the Father (2Jn. 1:3; John 3:16).