A note from our Pastor:

“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.”

Colossians 1:1-2

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

Our study verses this week contain the Apostle Paul’s opening salutation to the believers at Colossae. The Apostle opened most of his letters with a warm welcome. He offered prayers of grace and peace for those reading the letter. The letter to those at Colossae opens with love and concern.

The first verse of this chapter takes a standard form for the Apostle. This verse is a very close match to the opening of both Ephesians and Philippians. Of note, the opening verse tells the reader that Timothy was with the Apostle. The Apostle is the author but Timothy was ministering with him.

The second verse deserves some careful attention. The Apostle refers to those who will be reading this letter by two titles, saints and brethren. In Acts 11:26, we are told that believers were first called Christians in Antioch. The title was given by non-believers and was not adopted by disciples. Rather, in the early days of the New Testament, four terms were used: saints, brethren, faithful, and believers. The Apostle in his salutation uses three of these terms.

Saints indicated a relationship to God. The term was not meant to imply they were less sinful. Instead, the term saint indicated being set apart. Calling one another saints recognized that God had chosen a people and they were giving glory to God. Brethren referenced their relationship to one another. It speaks to believers being in the family of God. It calls upon each one to love and to sacrifice for the good of others. The term believers and faithful points to their discipleship walk. It calls forth their belief in God and Jesus Christ. These terms meant so much more than the derisive term given by non-believers.

Today, disciples have widely accepted the term Christian. Certainly, in modern terms, the meaning has changed a bit and encompasses more. But as followers of Jesus Christ, we should be careful about the terms we use. Christian has an outward-facing meaning. It tells the world which group you belong in. Perhaps we should instead use terms that signify our relationship to God and to one another.

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah