A note from our Pastor:

“We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,”

Colossians 1:3

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

The opening verses of the letters of the Apostle Paul are made up of a combination of three things. He often expresses his authority as an Apostle called of Jesus Christ. He provides an assessment of the spiritual state of the audience receiving the letter. And he expresses his love and prayers for the saints. Our study verse this week, being a part of the opening verses of this letter, includes the third element.

This particular letter is an interesting one because most scholars agree that the Apostle never physically visited the congregation at Colossae. Thus, his writing, is not to a group of people he knew personally. Rather, it is to a group who he has heard witness of and desires to support in the name of Jesus Christ.

With that in mind he begins our study verse with a statement of thanks. Put into context, this is a powerful statement. This group at Colossae were the fruition of his efforts to train other ministers and to spread the gospel in the region among the gentiles. He, and Timothy, must have been tremendously thankful for those congregations that had arisen where the Apostle had not directly worked.

Then the verse continues with the form in which that thanksgiving is taking place. The Apostle says that he and Timothy were always praying for the believers at Colossae. First, their prayers were of thanksgiving for a group of believers who were glorifying God. In the subsequent verses the Apostle is going to explain other items for which he is praying on their behalf.

Our study verse might seem simple. It may appear as only an opening greeting from the Apostle. However, it has great depth of meaning. What a blessing it must have been to reflect on this congregation and to write to them in love and support.

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah