Dear Brethren,

INTRODUCTION TO THE EPISTLE TO THE COLOSSIANS

1. Colossians is often called a “twin” to Ephesians
2. Some reasons to do this:

a) There is a lot of similarity
b) The doctrines are similarly taught

3. But there are also dissimilarities

a) Colossians was not founded by the Apostle Paul
b) Paul dealt with problems that were not mentioned in Ephesians
c) The problems were brought to him by Epaphroditus, who was pastoring the Church
d) He must have approached Paul to help deal with the church problems

4. Our approach

a) We will study Colossians on its own merit
b) Let us learn how to be a skilful pastor from the Apostle Paul
c) Problems must be addressed or they will affect the Church adversely
d) Let us seek to grow in wisdom and skill in pastoring out churches

MEDITATION
1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,
2 To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are in Colosse:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Colossians 1:1-2

OBSERVATION AND INTERPRETATION

1. Paul introduced himself forthrightly

a) He was called an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ
b) His appointment as an apostle was valid
c) He was made an apostle by the Will of God

2. Paul would not have qualified to become an Apostle if the “means test” was applied strictly.

a) He was not one of the original disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ
b) He had not been a Disciple from the beginning as the Original Apostles
c) Nevertheless, by a decretive will of God, Paul became an Apostle
d) He was simply noted as “an apostle” Acts 14:14

3. Writing an Epistle to the Colossians

a) His manner of writing

i) Gracious and kind
ii) Humble and friendly

b) He regarded the Colossians as

i) Brethren
ii) Saints

iii) This reflected Paul’s spirit of love

APPLICATION TO LIFE AND MINISTRY

Let us be challenged to emulate the spirit of the Apostle Paul.

Prayerfully,
Pastor Charles Tan