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An Outstanding Servant Of God

Text: Colossians 1:1

Paul identified himself as an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ as he began his epistle to the Colossian Church.

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

Colossians 1:1

1. “An apostle of Jesus Christ”

a) Paul chose this formal way of introducing himself to the Colossians.

b) This is understandable for the following reasons:-

i) He writes to identify himself to the Colossians who may not know him personally.

ii) He was an apostle of the Lord Jesus and thus represented Him.

iii) It was well known that apostles carried with them authority from the Lord.

iv) His letter would therefore have carry great significance.

2. “By the will of God”

a) Paul made a strong declaration here.

b) His apostleship was determined by the will of God.

c) It was the Lord’s Divine prerogative to appoint him to be an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ.

d) God’s name was invoked for good measure.

e) His apostleship was not:-

i) From men.

ii) Nor was it determined by self-will.

3. “And Timothy our brother”

a) Paul did not introduce Timothy as his son.

b) This was in line with the formal line he had taken.

c) To introduce Timothy as his son would require a certain depth of intimacy of relationship.

d) The formal way would be to introduce Timothy as a “brother”.

i) A normal way of addressing a fellow-believer in Christ.

ii) Timothy was to be seen as closely associated with the apostle Paul.

iii) The use of the word “brother” would indicate much affection for him.