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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Colossians 1:1–2. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
I.The inscription of this epistle is much the same with the rest; only it is observable that,
1.He calls himself an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God. An apostle is a prime-minister in the kingdom of Christ, immediately called by Christ, and extraordinarily qualified; his work was peculiarly to plant the Christian church, and confirm the Christian doctrine. He attributes this not to his own merit, strength, or sufficiency; but to the free grace and good-will of God. He thought himself engaged to do his utmost, as an apostle, because he was made so by the will of God.
2.He joins Timothy in commission with himself, which is another instance of his humility; and, though he elsewhere calls him his son (Ti2 2:1), yet here he calls him his brother, which is an example to the elder and more eminent ministers to look upon the younger and more obscure as their brethren, and to treat them accordingly with kindness and respect.
3.He calls the Christians at Colosse saints, and faithful brethren in Christ. As all good ministers, so all good Christians, are brethren one to another, who stand in a near relation and owe a mutual love. Towards God they must be saints, consecrated to his honour and sanctified by his grace, bearing his image and aiming at his glory. And in both these, as saints to God and as brethren to one another, they must be faithful. Faithfulness runs through every character and relation of the Christian life, and is the crown and glory of them all.
II.The apostolical benediction is the same as usual:
Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. He wishes them grace and peace, the free favour of God and all the blessed fruits of it; every kind of spiritual blessings, and that from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ; jointly from both, and distinctly from each; as in the former epistle.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
"Paul an Apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God."
It were well also to say, what from considering this Epistle we have found to be its occasion and subject. What then is it? They used to approach God through angels; they held many Jewish and Grecian observances. These things then he is correcting. Wherefore in the very outset he says, "Through the will of God." So here again he hath used the expression "through." "And Timothy the brother," he saith; of course then he too was an Apostle, and probably also known to them. "To the saints which are at Colossae." This was a city of Phrygia, as is plain from Laodicea's being near to it. "And faithful brethren in Christ." Whence, saith he art thou made a saint? Tell me. Whence art thou called faithful? Is it not because thou wert sanctified through death? Is it not because thou hast faith in Christ? Whence art thou made a brother? for neither in deed, nor in word, nor in achievement didst thou show thyself faithful. Tell me, whence is it that thou hast been entrusted with so great mysteries? Is it not because of Christ?
"Grace to you and peace from God our Father." Whence cometh grace to you? Whence peace? "From God," saith he, "our Father." Although he useth not in this place the name of Christ.
I will ask those who speak disparagingly of the Spirit, Whence is God the Father of servants? Who wrought these mighty achievements? Who made thee a saint? Who faithful? Who a son of God? He who made thee worthy to be trusted, the same is also the cause of thy being entrusted with all.
For we are called faithful, not only because we have faith, but also because we are entrusted of God with mysteries which not even angels knew before us. However, to Paul it was indifferent whether or not to put it thus.
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Summary
Colossians 1:1 serves as the foundational opening of Paul's letter to the church in Colossae, immediately establishing the author's identity and the divine source of his apostolic authority. This salutation, a standard epistolary convention of the ancient world, is infused with theological significance, asserting that Paul's commission as an apostle of Jesus Christ is not self-appointed but is directly "by the will of God." The inclusion of Timothy, identified as "our brother," highlights the collaborative nature of early Christian ministry and the communal endorsement of the letter's profound message.
Context
Literary Context
Colossians 1:1 functions as the formal salutation, initiating Paul's epistle to the believers in Colossae. As the very first verse, it sets the authoritative tone for the entire letter, immediately identifying the primary author, Paul, and his co-sender, Timothy. This opening is typical of Pauline epistles, often followed by a greeting of grace and peace, and then a thanksgiving or prayer. The assertion of Paul's divine apostleship in this verse is crucial, as the letter will subsequently address significant theological challenges and false teachings that threatened the Colossian church. By establishing his God-given authority from the outset, Paul lays the groundwork for the weighty theological arguments and pastoral exhortations that follow, particularly concerning the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ against syncretistic philosophies.
Historical & Cultural Context
In the Greco-Roman world, letters typically began with a clear identification of the sender(s) and recipient(s), followed by a greeting. Paul consistently adapted this convention, transforming a secular practice into a theological statement. His emphasis on being an "apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God" was not merely a formality but a strategic assertion of his legitimate authority, especially important given that he had not personally founded the church in Colossae (likely founded by Epaphras, as mentioned in Colossians 1:7). The city of Colossae itself was situated in Phrygia, a region known for its syncretistic religious practices and philosophical currents, which had begun to infiltrate the Christian community, leading to the "Colossian heresy." Paul's strong opening underscored that his message was not merely human wisdom but divinely revealed truth, essential for combating the emerging errors. The inclusion of Timothy, a trusted younger colleague and fellow laborer, was also a common practice, signifying his presence, endorsement, and shared commitment to the Gospel message.
Key Themes
This opening verse introduces several foundational themes that resonate throughout the Colossian epistle and Paul's broader theology. First, it powerfully establishes Apostolic Authority, emphasizing that Paul's ministry is not of human origin but a direct commission from God, a recurring theme in his letters (e.g., Galatians 1:1). Second, the phrase "by the will of God" highlights Divine Sovereignty and Purpose, underscoring that Paul's calling and the very message he delivers are part of God's overarching plan for humanity's redemption through Christ. This concept reinforces the divine origin of the Gospel itself. Third, the inclusion of Timothy introduces the theme of Partnership in Ministry and Christian Fellowship. It demonstrates that even divinely appointed apostles operated within a community of believers, relying on co-laborers and affirming the communal nature of spreading the Gospel, a principle vital for the health and growth of the church, as Paul often teaches (e.g., 1 Corinthians 12).
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
Derived from a verb meaning "to send forth," an apóstolos is a delegate, an ambassador, or one sent with a specific commission and full authority to represent the sender. Paul consistently uses this title to underscore that his ministry and the Gospel he proclaims are not of his own devising but are a divine commission, carrying the full weight and authority of the one who sent him—Jesus Christ.
This term denotes a determination, purpose, or decree, actively referring to choice or abstractly to volition. When applied to God, as here, it signifies God's sovereign intent and deliberate purpose. Paul's apostleship is not accidental or self-initiated but is a direct outcome of God's deliberate, sovereign choice, emphasizing the divine initiation and purpose behind his entire ministry.
This refers to the supreme Divinity, the ultimate source of all authority and power. By stating his apostleship is "by the will of God," Paul grounds his authority in the ultimate divine being, making his message transcendent and universally binding, not merely a human opinion or philosophical construct.
Verse Breakdown
"Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ"
This phrase immediately identifies the primary author and asserts his divinely appointed office. Paul's identity is inextricably linked to his role as an "apostle," a specially commissioned messenger. The genitive "of Jesus Christ" indicates both the source of his apostleship (Christ appointed him) and the content of his message (he preaches Christ). It signifies that his authority is derived directly from Christ Himself.
"by the will of God"
This crucial clause clarifies the ultimate origin of Paul's apostleship. It is not by human election, personal ambition, or ecclesiastical appointment alone, but by the sovereign, deliberate purpose and decree of God. This emphasizes the divine legitimacy and supernatural nature of his calling, lending ultimate authority to his subsequent teachings.
"and Timotheus [our] brother"
The inclusion of Timothy signifies a joint salutation, though Paul remains the primary author. Timothy is identified as "brother," highlighting his spiritual kinship with Paul and the Colossian believers, as well as his trusted status as a fellow laborer in the Gospel. His presence implies endorsement and shared concern for the recipients, reflecting the collaborative and familial nature of the early Christian community.
Literary Devices
The opening of Colossians 1:1 employs several key literary devices. The primary device is Epistolary Convention, as it follows the standard ancient letter format of sender identification. However, Paul transforms this convention into a profound theological statement. The phrase "an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God" serves as a powerful Statement of Authority, a rhetorical strategy to establish the divine legitimacy and weight of the message that follows. This is reinforced by the use of Divine Sanction, where Paul explicitly links his calling to the "will of God," elevating his human role to a divinely ordained mission. Finally, the inclusion of Timothy highlights Partnership and Solidarity, demonstrating that the letter is sent with the collective endorsement and shared concern of key figures in the early church, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose with the recipients.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Colossians 1:1 lays a critical theological foundation by asserting the divine origin and authority of apostolic ministry. Paul's self-identification as an "apostle... by the will of God" underscores the principle that true spiritual authority flows from God's sovereign purpose, not human merit or ambition. This divine commissioning ensures the integrity and truthfulness of the Gospel message, particularly vital when addressing the emerging heresies in Colossae that diminished Christ's supremacy. Furthermore, the inclusion of Timothy highlights the New Testament emphasis on partnership and community in fulfilling God's mission, demonstrating that even those with unique callings operate within the body of Christ, co-laboring for the spread of the Gospel and mutual edification. This verse thus speaks to both the divine source of revelation and the communal nature of its proclamation.
Reflection and Application
Colossians 1:1 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, reminding us that our ultimate identity and purpose are rooted in God's sovereign will. Just as Paul was an apostle "by the will of God," every Christian is called to live out their faith within God's divine plan, whether in vocational ministry, family life, or professional endeavors. This verse challenges us to discern and align with God's will for our lives, understanding that our true effectiveness comes not from self-promotion or human striving, but from operating under divine authority and guidance. It encourages a posture of humility and dependence, recognizing that our gifts and callings are God-given. Moreover, the inclusion of Timothy serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of partnership and community in the Christian journey. We are not called to serve in isolation but to co-labor with fellow believers, supporting, encouraging, and affirming one another as we collectively seek to fulfill God's purposes in the world. This fosters unity and strengthens the body of Christ, allowing for a more robust and impactful witness.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why does Paul emphasize his apostleship so strongly in his opening salutations?
Paul's emphasis on his apostleship, particularly that it is "by the will of God," serves several crucial purposes. First, it establishes his divine authority. Unlike self-proclaimed teachers, Paul's commission came directly from the resurrected Christ (as recounted in Acts 9:1-19), making his message not merely human opinion but divinely revealed truth. This was essential for the legitimacy of his teachings, especially when addressing false doctrines, as he does throughout the letter to the Colossians. Second, it highlights the supernatural origin of the Gospel itself, underscoring that the message he delivers is part of God's sovereign plan, not a human invention. Third, it combats any potential challenges to his authority from those who might question his credentials, especially in churches he did not personally found, like Colossae. By asserting his divine appointment from the outset, Paul ensures that his audience understands the weight and truthfulness of the profound theological truths he is about to share, particularly the supremacy of Christ over all things, a central theme of the epistle (e.g., Colossians 1:15-20).
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Colossians 1:1, while a standard epistolary opening, is deeply Christ-centered in its implications. Paul's apostleship is explicitly "of Jesus Christ," meaning his authority and mission flow directly from the resurrected Lord. This points to Christ as the ultimate source of all spiritual authority and the one who commissions His servants for ministry. Paul's calling "by the will of God" further underscores that God's sovereign will is perfectly expressed and fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The entire divine plan of redemption, from creation to consummation, is centered on Christ, as beautifully articulated later in the letter (e.g., Colossians 1:15-20). Paul, as Christ's ambassador, is merely an instrument through whom God's will concerning Christ is revealed. The inclusion of Timothy, a fellow "brother," also foreshadows the corporate nature of Christ's body, the Church, where diverse members are united in purpose under Christ's headship (e.g., Ephesians 4:15-16). Thus, this opening verse not only establishes Paul's credentials but implicitly directs the reader's gaze to Christ as the divine authority, the embodiment of God's will, and the head of the community of faith, setting the stage for the letter's profound exposition of His supremacy.