Colossians 1:1 kjv

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother,

Colossians 1:1 nkjv

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,

Colossians 1:1 niv

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,

Colossians 1:1 esv

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,

Colossians 1:1 nlt

This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and from our brother Timothy.

Colossians 1 verses

Colossians 1 1 Meaning

Colossians 1:1 introduces the author and his companion, establishing the divine authority and legitimacy of the letter's sender. Paul identifies himself as an apostle, a divinely commissioned envoy of Christ Jesus, whose appointment is entirely "through the will of God," thereby rooting his ministry and the forthcoming message in God's sovereign purpose. Timothy is included as a co-sender, indicating unity in ministry, though Paul's unique apostolic authority is paramount. This foundational verse sets the tone for the theological weight and authority of the entire epistle, emphasizing that the teachings contained within originate from God's own design for the church in Colossae.

Colossians 1 1 Context

Colossians chapter 1 begins, as is typical for Pauline epistles, with a salutation that identifies the sender and recipient, alongside a greeting. This verse functions as the authoritative header for the entire letter. Colossae was a smaller, less prominent city in Asia Minor, a part of modern-day Turkey. The church there was likely not founded by Paul himself (Col 2:1), but perhaps by Epaphras (Col 1:7). The epistle addresses the unique challenges posed by what is often referred to as the "Colossian heresy," a blend of Gnostic-like philosophy, ascetic practices, angel worship, and adherence to Old Testament ceremonial laws (Col 2:8, 16-23), all of which diminished the preeminence and all-sufficiency of Christ. Before directly addressing these theological errors, Paul first establishes his divinely sanctioned authority, reinforcing that his teaching holds the weight of God's own will. This grounding in divine authority would have been crucial for the Colossian believers to trust the sound doctrine Paul was about to convey in light of the speculative and potentially deceptive teachings they were encountering.

Colossians 1 1 Word analysis

• Paul (Παῦλος - Paulos):

  • Significance: Formerly Saul of Tarsus, known as a persecutor of the church. His change of name and primary focus from Judaism to the gospel underscore his profound transformation. This identifies him to the Gentile world.
  • Meaning: "Small" or "humble," often seen in light of his self-perception (e.g., "least of the apostles," 1 Cor 15:9; "least of all saints," Eph 3:8).

• an apostle (ἀπόστολος - apostolos):

  • Significance: More than a mere messenger; it implies being "sent forth with authority" as a representative. For Paul, it signifies a direct commissioning by the risen Christ, giving his words divine authority, crucial for establishing the foundation of Christian truth against false teachings.
  • Context: In the New Testament, specifically referring to one of the select group personally chosen and sent by Jesus Christ with a specific divine commission.

• of Christ Jesus (Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ - Christou Iēsou):

  • Significance: Not just "an apostle," but an apostle belonging to and sent by Christ Jesus. This highlights the source of Paul's authority and the ultimate focus of his message. Christ is both the commissioning agent and the very subject of his preaching.

• through (διὰ - dia):

  • Significance: A preposition indicating the agency or instrument by which something occurs. It emphasizes that Paul's apostleship is not a result of human will, merit, or self-proclamation, but solely by means of a higher power.

• the will (θελήματος - thelēmatos):

  • Significance: Refers to the deliberate, sovereign intention, purpose, or design. It confirms that Paul's role is not accidental or self-achieved, but divinely ordained and purposeful.
  • Original Language: The genitive case here shows "will of God."

• of God (Θεοῦ - Theou):

  • Significance: Identifies the ultimate source of authority. This reinforces the divine origin of Paul's call, giving indisputable weight to his message and arguments. It aligns his human activity with divine intention.

• and Timothy (καὶ Τιμόθεος - kai Timotheos):

  • Significance: Timothy is included as a co-sender, signifying a shared bond in ministry and agreement with the letter's content. He was Paul's close spiritual son and trusted fellow laborer (Phil 2:19-22; 1 Tim 1:2). While present in the salutation, it's Paul's singular apostolic authority that remains the primary foundation of the letter's teaching. His inclusion suggests unity and the communal aspect of Christian ministry, though not equaling Paul's specific apostolic authority.

Words-group analysis

• Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God: This is the core declaration of Paul's identity and authority. It directly counters any potential doubts about his standing or the legitimacy of his message. It firmly anchors his apostolic ministry in divine initiative, rather than human ambition or sectarian affiliation, making his subsequent teachings authoritative. This formula recurs frequently in Paul's letters, demonstrating a consistent emphasis on the divine origin of his unique commission.
• Paul... and Timothy: While Paul is the primary author and an apostle, the inclusion of Timothy shows a relational aspect and joint sending of the letter. It emphasizes partnership in ministry and shared purpose in spreading the gospel, yet clearly distinguishes the singular "apostle" from the accompanying co-laborer.

Colossians 1 1 Bonus section

The format of this opening salutation (sender + title + addressee + greeting) was a common literary convention in ancient Greco-Roman letter writing. However, Paul consistently adapted this convention to imbue it with theological significance, particularly in defining his apostleship. Unlike typical human senders who state their social standing, Paul consistently grounds his authority in God's will and Christ's commission. This firm declaration of divine commissioning at the outset was not merely a formality but a theological declaration intended to underscore the truth and binding nature of the subsequent doctrinal instruction and exhortations, especially when countering prevailing spiritual challenges and false doctrines in a church community. This opening identity of Paul is therefore integral to the letter's rhetorical and theological effectiveness.

Colossians 1 1 Commentary

Colossians 1:1 serves as a critical entry point to the letter, immediately establishing Paul's divine authorization. This seemingly simple salutation carries immense theological weight. By asserting his apostleship as "through the will of God," Paul preemptively addresses any potential challenges to his authority or the veracity of his message, which would be especially pertinent given the deceptive teachings at Colossae. His authority is not self-appointed or humanly derived, but a direct consequence of God's sovereign plan. Timothy's inclusion shows unity in fellowship and purpose, but Paul remains the primary figure speaking with divine accreditation. This strong beginning lays the groundwork for the robust Christology that defines the rest of the epistle, signaling that the ensuing teachings about Christ's supremacy are not mere philosophical arguments but divinely revealed truths transmitted through God's chosen apostle.