Read Colossians 1:1-2

It would be easy to skim over Paul’s greeting to this church as unimportant “fluff” intended to give a soft opening for his letter. One could also glance over these verses as less important “spiritual” talk from Paul to the church. We would be remiss to take either approach today.

Looking more closely at this greeting, we can identify several important key ideas.

First, Paul identifies himself as “an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God”. Paul was writing to the Colossians from an authority granted by God when he was blinded on the Damascus Road and subsequently called to serve by the Holy Spirit. Paul was a highly educated man, a member of the Pharisees, and an exemplary Jew. Paul (known previously as Saul from Tarsus) was traveling to Damascus to persecute Christians when God met Him on the road and brought about His conversion and calling for Jesus Christ.

“This man (Paul) is my chosen instrument to proclaim My name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for My name.” Acts 9:15-16 NIV

Paul was no ordinary man, and this letter carried the weight of his calling and position.

Secondly, Paul identifies the Colossians as “…God’s Holy people at Colossae, faithful brothers and sisters in Christ…” The word “holy” literally means “set apart from” or “different” from the world. These faithful believers are not alone, rather they are unified “in Christ”. Here, it is possible that Paul was using exalted language in order to edify and encourage this church from the opening of the letter. For Paul, these were faithful Christ-followers, called and set apart to spread the Gospel message to the world who were being attacked and led astray be heretical false teachers.

Lastly, Paul wishes “Grace and peace to you from God our Father” upon this church. This may seem to just be “spiritual talk” but both grace and peace carry significant meaning in the original languages. “Grace” comes from Greek word “charis” which carries the idea of “unmerited favor” which is granted by God and cannot be earned and is completely undeserved. “Peace” comes from the Hebrew word “shalom” which carries the idea of a sense of well-bring that springs from the presence of God. For Paul, grace precedes peace. We must experience the grace of God (God’s work in us) before we can experience the peace of God (our relationship with Him).

Theologian Kent Hughes makes the observation…

“Among the tragedies of our time is humanity’s pursuit of personal peace apart from God’s enabling grace. That pursuit takes many forms: material, intellectual, social, even religious; but they all end in futility. When sinners find peace through God’s grace, that is beautiful, that is a cause for rejoicing!”

In Paul’s hands, “grace and peace to you” became an important and meaningful Christian greeting.

Questions to consider:
How does knowing Paul’s background, conversion, and calling add importance to this letter to the Colossians?
In what ways would this greeting be encouraging to the Colossian believers in their current situation?
Ask God today to help you to experience His peace through His grace extended to your heart.