“This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and from our brother Timothy. We are writing to God’s holy people in the city of Colosse, who are faithful brothers and sisters in Christ. May God our Father give you grace and peace.”
Colossians 1:1-2 NLT
This introduction to Colossians is also an introduction to Paul and Timothy. For many, this letter would be the first time any had a form of direct contact with either of the the pair. Instead they had leaned from their coworker, Epaphras. One might think that this might make Paul’s address to that church timid or stand-off ish, but Paul, true to form, takes another bold approach to his introduction. He starts with declaring Gods truth about his relationship to the fledgling church. He is an apostle who has been sent. He prays for them and needs them to listen to him in a confusing time. For modern Christians, this should grab our attention. We have a tendency to ramp up to boldness. We want to give time for our “qualifications” to sink in, so that we will not offend or be offended. But Paul does the opposite. He lets gospel affirm his identity and he rests in that to make his case. I wonder how many desperate Christians might need another believer to speak boldly in a time of confusion. I wonder how many’s lives might be saved by those given a passion for bringing the gospel, leaning on it as they share a strong word of encouragement or admonishment. We ought to follow Paula me Timothy as they follow Christ.
JOSH McGARY. COM 