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The Recipients

Text: Colossians 1:2

Paul was quick to apply theology even as he wrote to the Colossians. Theology and life were closely intertwined as far as he was concerned.

“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 1:2

1. Addressing the Colossians

a) They were called “saints”.

i) Literally “holy ones”.

ii) Another way of expressing it would be “sanctified ones”.

iii) Believers are called “saints” only because of their faith in Christ Jesus.

iv) Through His redemptive work believers may be called “saints”.

b) They are also called “faithful brethren”.

i) They are called “brethren” in the same way Timothy is called “brother”.

ii) Believers are made sons of God through faith in Christ (John 1:12).

iii) All children of God are therefore “brethren”.

iv) This word may be used generically (and thus women would be included when this term is used).

v) The word “faithful” may be seen as Paul’s commendation of the brethren.
(It is used as an adjective here.)

2. Location of the Colossian believers

a) Spiritually they are “saints and faithful brethren” in Christ.

b) Geographically the Colossians are in Colosse.

3. Grace and peace

a) These are normally associated with God the Father.

b) Paul deliberately and correctly associated “grace and peace” with the Lord Jesus Christ too.

4. An important use of the Conjunction

a) The common conjunction “and” (Greek “kai”) is used as a co-ordinate conjunction.

b) This is sometimes called “the paratactic kai” to suggest that God and the Lord Jesus Christ are equally involved in granting “grace and peace”.