Colossians 1:1

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Paul {G3972}, an apostle {G652} of Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547} by {G1223} the will {G2307} of God {G2316}, and {G2532} Timotheus {G5095} our brother {G80},

Complete Jewish Bible

From: Sha’ul, by God’s will an emissary of the Messiah Yeshua, and brother Timothy

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### 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](/colossians/1-7 "Colossians 1:7 - Epaphras' Ministry")). 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](/galatians/1-1 "Galatians 1:1 - Paul's Divine Appointment")). 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](/1_corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12 - Gifts of the Spirit")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **apostle (Greek, _apóstolos'_):** 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.
* **will (Greek, _thélēma'_):** 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.
* **God (Greek, _theós'_):** 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.

* [Romans 1:1](/romans/1-1 "Romans 1:1 - Paul's Apostolic Calling")
* [1 Corinthians 1:1](/1_corinthians/1-1 "1 Corinthians 1:1 - Paul's Divine Appointment")
* [2 Corinthians 1:1](/2_corinthians/1-1 "2 Corinthians 1:1 - Paul and Timothy's Joint Salutation")

### 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
* **How does understanding Paul's divine appointment "by the will of God" impact how you receive the teachings in this letter and other biblical texts?**
* **In what areas of your life are you seeking to discern and align with "the will of God," and what practical steps can you take to do so?**
* **How does the inclusion of Timothy in this salutation encourage you regarding partnership and community in your own spiritual journey or ministry?**

### FAQ

**Why does Paul emphasize his apostleship so strongly in his opening salutations?**

Answer: 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](/acts/9-1-19 "Acts 9:1-19 - Saul's Conversion")), 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](/colossians/1-15-20 "Colossians 1:15-20 - The Supremacy of Christ")).

### 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](/colossians/1-15-20 "Colossians 1:15-20 - The Preeminence of Christ")). 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](/ephesians/4-15-16 "Ephesians 4:15-16 - Christ as the Head of the Church")). 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.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Corinthians 1:1

¶ Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy [our] brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia:

1 Corinthians 1:1

¶ Paul, called [to be] an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes [our] brother,

Philemon 1:1

¶ Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy [our] brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer,

1 Thessalonians 1:1

¶ Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians [which is] in God the Father and [in] the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace [be] unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Philippians 1:1

¶ Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:

Romans 1:1

¶ Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called [to be] an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

1 Thessalonians 3:2

And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith: