What does Colossians 1:1 mean?

Explanation

Colossians 1:1 serves as the opening greeting of the epistle from Paul to the church at Colossae.

In this verse, Paul introduces himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ, a messenger sent with a specific purpose and authority.

His apostleship is not self-assumed but rather comes by the will of God, implying that his authority and mission are divine in origin.

The inclusion of Timothy (Timotheus) as "our brother" suggests a close association and partnership in the ministry as well as an intent to give his greeting and message additional endorsement.

Historical Context

The epistle to the Colossians is traditionally believed to have been written by the Apostle Paul while he was imprisoned, possibly in Rome, around AD 60 - 62.

The letter was addressed to the believers in Colossae, an ancient city in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey).

The city was a significant crossroad of trade, and thus it was exposed to a variety of cultural influences, including different religious beliefs.

The letter's purpose was to address certain heresies that threatened to distort the Gospel message within the young Christian church.

Theological Insights

The wording of Colossians 1:1 carries several theological implications.

By emphasizing his role as an apostle "by the will of God," Paul establishes the divine authority behind his message, a key point in Christian theology where the authority of the leaders is often rooted in a divine calling rather than human selection.

It sets the stage for the teachings that follow, being not just advice, but instruction with the weight of divine truth.

Additionally, the inclusion of Timothy connects to the concept of unity and fellowship in the body of Christ, establishing a common brotherhood among believers.

Practical Applications

The verse can be applied in daily life admonishing individuals to acknowledge their roles and responsibilities as ordained or set by a higher calling.

It teaches humility in leadership, recognizing authority as God-given rather than self-made.

For believers, it also suggests the importance of respecting those in leadership who have been placed in such positions by divine will, as well as working in partnership with others in the faith community.

Cross-References

• 2 Corinthians 1:1 - "Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia:"
• Ephesians 1:1 - "Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:"
• 1 Timothy 1:1 - "Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;"
• Romans 1:1 - "Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,"

Language Study

In the original Greek:

• "Paul" is Paulos, simply transliterated from the Greek name.
• "Apostle" is apostolos, meaning one who is sent forth or a messenger.
• "Jesus Christ" translates as Iesous Christos, the Greek form of the Hebrew Yeshua (Jesus) which means "God saves", and Christos meaning "Anointed One" (the Messiah).
• "Will of God" uses the Greek thelēma, referring to God's desire or volition.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In Greco-Roman culture, an "apostle" (apostolos) would often refer to an envoy or ambassador with a mandate from a ruling authority.

The idea of a divine calling in other religious traditions exists as well, such as the Islamic concept of prophets (Nabi) or the Hindu concept of avatars who are divine incarnations sent for a specific purpose.

Scientific Perspectives

This verse does not directly engage with scientific perspectives; however, the concept of "will" and volition as discussed in this passage can intersect with studies in neuroscience and psychology regarding the decision-making process and the source of human motivations, whether they are biologically determined, divine, or a mix of influences.

Commentaries

Various commentaries offer insights into the significance of Paul asserting his apostleship at the beginning of the letter:

• The MacArthur Study Bible notes that Paul stresses the divine will behind his apostleship to establish the authoritative nature of his teachings.
• The Pulpit Commentary emphasizes Paul's usage of "by the will of God" as an indication of his role and duty being divinely mandated.
• Matthew Henry’s Commentary highlights the idea that Paul’s introduction, which links him with Timothy as "our brother," showcases Christian humility and the practice of noting oneself as in league with fellow believers.
• The Expositor's Bible Commentary suggests that this self-referencing to apostleship focuses on the truth that the apostolic message is not human in origin, but sent and endorsed by God Himself.