'Col 1:1-14

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Col 1:1-2:5 THE TRUE VIEW OF CHRIST

Paul’s prayer for the Colossians (Col 1:1-14)

The chief cause of Paul’s thanksgiving is that the Colossians have accepted the gospel and come into union with Jesus Christ (Col 1:1-3).

This gospel, which they heard originally from Epaphras, is not just another of the many new religions of the day. It is the universal gospel that is preached everywhere and changes the lives of people of all nations and cultures. It proves its power in the new attitude of love that believers show to one another and to others (Col 1:4-8).

Paul prays that in addition to having love, the Colossians will increase in knowledge. This knowledge is not like the theorizing of the Gnostics, which leads only to feelings of superiority and selfsatisfaction. It is a personal and practical knowledge of God and his will, which will produce a healthy spiritual life of fruitfulness for God. Right behaviour will only be possible as they have right knowledge (Col 1:9-10).

The power to live such a life with patience and joy comes from God alone. Through Christ he has saved them from the powers of evil and made them fit to share the good things that he has prepared for them in his kingdom (Col 1:11-14).