The Place to Be #62

Colossians 1:1  Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, 2 To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father.

We can see the close connection in Paul's heart and mind between this letter and the two before it: Philippians and Colossians, as well as I Timothy, but some of the things we find here.  First, Timothy was with Paul at this writing, helping to keep communication going while Paul was in prison. Second, Paul uses the order of Christ Jesus, indicating he once again is going to focus on the deity of Christ. Thirdly, Paul has great affection, appreciation, and association towards this church. He identifies them as "saints" - those who have been redeemed and are having their lives changed, and "faithful" - they have not strayed away from the faith.  In typical form he wishes for them what he did for all true believers: Grace: the God-given ability to do in Christ what we cannot do on our own, and Peace: the God-given assurance that all will be well no matter the circumstance.  This salutation draws in the reader to see what important things Paul has to say - and they are very important.