In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—
Summary: Paul leads us into a review of what it means to love as God loves us.
Continue reading “Colossians 1:6b – What’s Under the Line?”Colossians 1:5b-6a – The Devil and the Details
… and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel that has come to you.
Summary: Paul has a lot to say about the Gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ. Sometimes it is hard to sort out the gift from the wrapping paper.
Continue reading “Colossians 1:5b-6a – The Devil and the Details”Colossians 1:5a – A Different Kind of Real
… the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven …
Summary: Paul’s discussion about the source of “faith and love” causes us to wonder about this place called heaven.
Continue reading “Colossians 1:5a – A Different Kind of Real”Colossians 1:4b – Something to Think About
… and of the love you have for all God’s people—
Summary: Love changes us. The love God has for us opens our eyes to how God wants us to love others.
Continue reading “Colossians 1:4b – Something to Think About”Colossians 1:4a – Because He Is
… because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus …
Summary: Trying to define faith can challenge our sensibilities.
Continue reading “Colossians 1:4a – Because He Is”Colossians 1:3 – Thankfulness
We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, …
Summary: Loneliness is a horrible affliction. Paul reminds us to be thankful that we are not alone in the world as Christians.
Continue reading “Colossians 1:3 – Thankfulness”Colossians 1:2b – Grace and Peace
Grace and peace to you from God our Father.
Summary: It is easy to dismiss Paul’s words in this passage as a “Christian greeting,” but it is much, much more than that.
Continue reading “Colossians 1:2b – Grace and Peace”Colossians 1:2a – What Epaphras Knew
To God’s holy people in Colossae, the faithful brothers and sisters in Christ:
Summary: Assuming Paul had never been to Colossae, we are left to wonder how Paul came to write this letter.
Continue reading “Colossians 1:2a – What Epaphras Knew”Colossians 1:1d – Paul’s Spiritual Son
… and Timothy our brother …
Summary: Paul includes Timothy as a co-author of this letter.
Continue reading “Colossians 1:1d – Paul’s Spiritual Son”Colossians 1:1c – When People Listen
… by the will of God,
Summary: It is one thing to claim to be an apostle; it is another to actually be one. Paul was the real deal.
Continue reading “Colossians 1:1c – When People Listen”