THE EPISTLE OF ST. PAUL TO THE COLOSSIANS
Colossa was a city of Phrygia, near Laodicea. It does not appear that St. Paul had preached there himself, but that the Colossians were converted by Epaphras, a disciple of the Apostles. However, as St. Paul was the great Apostle of the Gentiles, he wrote this Epistle to the Colossians when he was in prison, and about the same time that he wrote to the Ephesians and Philippians. The exhortations and doctrine it contains are similar to that which is set forth in his Epistle to the Ephesians.
Colossians Chapter 1
He gives thanks for the grace bestowed upon the Colossians and prays for them. Christ is the head of the church and the peacemaker through his blood. Paul is his minister.
1:1. Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the will of God, and Timothy, a brother:
1:2. To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ Jesus who are at Colossa.
1:3. Grace be to you and peace, from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you.
1:4. Hearing your faith in Christ Jesus and the love which you have towards all the saints.
1:5. For the hope that is laid up for you in heaven, which you have heard in the word of the truth of the gospel,
1:6. Which is come unto you, as also it is in the whole world and bringeth forth fruit and groweth, even as it doth in you, since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth.