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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/colossians/1.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/colossians/1.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/colossians/1.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and from our brother Timothy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/colossians/1.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/colossians/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/colossians/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by <i>the</i> will of God, and Timothy the brother,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/colossians/1.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus <i>our</i> brother,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/colossians/1.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/colossians/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/colossians/1.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/colossians/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/colossians/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/colossians/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Paul, an apostle (special messenger, personally chosen representative) of Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed) by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/colossians/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will, and Timothy our brother:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/colossians/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God&#8217s will, and Timothy our brother: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/colossians/1.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, and Timothy our brother,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/colossians/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />From Paul, chosen by God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and from Timothy, who is also a follower. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/colossians/1.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, and Timothy our brother,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/colossians/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God's will, and from our brother Timothy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/colossians/1.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />From Paul, who by God's will is an apostle of Christ Jesus, and from our brother Timothy--<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/colossians/1.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />From: Paul, an apostle of the Messiah Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/colossians/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/colossians/1.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/colossians/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, and Timothy our brother,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/colossians/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/colossians/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Paul, an Apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God--and Timothy our brother:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/colossians/1.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, and Timothy our brother, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/colossians/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Timotheus the brother,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/colossians/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by <i>the</i> will of God, and Timothy the brother,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/colossians/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Timotheus the brother,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/colossians/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Paul, sent of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy the brother,<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/colossians/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the will of God, and Timothy, a brother, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/colossians/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Paul, an Apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy, a brother,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/colossians/1.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/colossians/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/colossians/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />PAUL, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Ti-mo’the-us our brother,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/colossians/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />Paul, an Apostle of Yeshua The Messiah by the will of God, and brother Timotheus,<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/colossians/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />PAUL, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the will of God, I and Timothy my brother,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/colossians/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />Paul, the apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and brother Timothy,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/colossians/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />PAUL, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy a brother,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/colossians/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />Paul an apostle of Jesus Christ by the divine appointment, and Timothy our brother,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/colossians/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Paul, an Apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God--and Timothy our brother:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/colossians/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, and Timothy, the brother,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/colossians/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br /><bld>Paul</bld> an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the will of God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/colossians/1-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7q-K-qsfihQ?start=0" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/colossians/1.htm">Greetings from Paul and Timothy</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">1</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/3972.htm" title="3972: Paulos (N-NMS) -- Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle.">Paul,</a> <a href="/greek/652.htm" title="652: apostolos (N-NMS) -- From apostello; a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ.">an apostle</a> <a href="/greek/5547.htm" title="5547: Christou (N-GMS) -- Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.">of Christ</a> <a href="/greek/2424.htm" title="2424: Iēsou (N-GMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.">Jesus</a> <a href="/greek/1223.htm" title="1223: dia (Prep) -- A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.">by</a> <a href="/greek/2307.htm" title="2307: thelēmatos (N-GNS) -- An act of will, will; plur: wishes, desires. From the prolonged form of ethelo; a determination, i.e. choice or inclination.">the will</a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">of God,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/5095.htm" title="5095: Timotheos (N-NMS) -- Timothy, a Christian of Lystra, helper of Paul. From time and theos; dear to God; Timotheus, a Christian.">Timothy</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">our</a> <a href="/greek/80.htm" title="80: adelphos (N-NMS) -- A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.">brother,</a> </span> <span class="reftext">2</span>To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace and peace to you from God our Father.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/9-15.htm">Acts 9:15</a></span><br />“Go!” said the Lord. “This man is My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings, and before the people of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/1-1.htm">Galatians 1:1</a></span><br />Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-1.htm">1 Corinthians 1:1</a></span><br />Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/1-1.htm">2 Corinthians 1:1</a></span><br />Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God in Corinth, together with all the saints throughout Achaia:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/1-1.htm">Ephesians 1:1</a></span><br />Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/1-1.htm">Philippians 1:1</a></span><br />Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/1-1.htm">1 Timothy 1:1</a></span><br />Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/1-1.htm">2 Timothy 1:1</a></span><br />Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, according to the promise of life in Christ Jesus,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/titus/1-1.htm">Titus 1:1</a></span><br />Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/1-1.htm">Romans 1:1</a></span><br />Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, and set apart for the gospel of God—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/1-1.htm">1 Thessalonians 1:1</a></span><br />Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace and peace to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_thessalonians/1-1.htm">2 Thessalonians 1:1</a></span><br />Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philemon/1-1.htm">Philemon 1:1</a></span><br />Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved fellow worker,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/13-2.htm">Acts 13:2</a></span><br />While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/22-21.htm">Acts 22:21</a></span><br />Then He said to me, ‘Go! I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2"> Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother,</p><p class="hdg">an.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/1-1.htm">Romans 1:1</a></b></br> Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called <i>to be</i> an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/1-1.htm">1 Corinthians 1:1</a></b></br> Paul, called <i>to be</i> an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes <i>our</i> brother,</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_corinthians/1-1.htm">2 Corinthians 1:1</a></b></br> Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy <i>our</i> brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia:</p><p class="hdg">Timotheus.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/philippians/1-1.htm">Philippians 1:1</a></b></br> Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_thessalonians/1-1.htm">1 Thessalonians 1:1</a></b></br> Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians <i>which is</i> in God the Father and <i>in</i> the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace <i>be</i> unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_thessalonians/1-1.htm">2 Thessalonians 1:1</a></b></br> Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/philippians/2-25.htm">Apostle</a> <a href="/philippians/4-23.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/philippians/4-22.htm">God's</a> <a href="/philippians/4-23.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/philippians/1-1.htm">Paul</a> <a href="/philippians/3-14.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/philippians/2-19.htm">Timotheus</a> <a href="/philippians/2-22.htm">Timothy</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_timothy/1-1.htm">Apostle</a> <a href="/colossians/1-2.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/colossians/1-4.htm">God's</a> <a href="/colossians/1-2.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/colossians/1-23.htm">Paul</a> <a href="/colossians/1-25.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/1-1.htm">Timotheus</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/1-1.htm">Timothy</a><div class="vheading2">Colossians 1</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/colossians/1-1.htm">After salutation Paul thanks God for the Colossians' faith;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/colossians/1-7.htm">confirms the doctrine of Epaphras;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/colossians/1-9.htm">prays further for their increase in grace;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/colossians/1-14.htm">describes the supremacy of Christ;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/colossians/1-21.htm">encourages them to receive Jesus Christ, and commends his own ministry.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/colossians/1.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/colossians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/colossians/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus</b><br>Paul identifies himself as an apostle, a term meaning "one who is sent." This designation underscores his authority and mission to spread the gospel. Paul's apostleship was unique as he was not one of the original twelve disciples but was called directly by Christ (<a href="/acts/9-3.htm">Acts 9:3-6</a>). His role as an apostle is affirmed in several of his letters (<a href="/romans/1.htm">Romans 1:1</a>, <a href="/1_corinthians/1.htm">1 Corinthians 1:1</a>). The title "of Christ Jesus" emphasizes that his authority and mission are derived from Jesus Himself, not from human appointment.<p><b>by the will of God</b><br>Paul's apostleship is not self-appointed but is by divine calling. This phrase highlights the sovereignty of God in choosing Paul for this role, despite his past as a persecutor of Christians (<a href="/galatians/1-13.htm">Galatians 1:13-16</a>). It reflects the biblical theme of God's will being paramount in the lives of believers (<a href="/ephesians/1-11.htm">Ephesians 1:11</a>). This divine appointment assures the Colossians of the legitimacy and authority of Paul's message.<p><b>and Timothy our brother</b><br>Timothy is mentioned as a co-sender of the letter, indicating his close partnership with Paul in ministry. Timothy was a trusted companion and protégé of Paul, often accompanying him on missionary journeys (<a href="/acts/16.htm">Acts 16:1-3</a>). Referring to Timothy as "our brother" emphasizes the familial relationship among believers, a common theme in Paul's writings (<a href="/1_thessalonians/3-2.htm">1 Thessalonians 3:2</a>). This inclusion also serves to validate Timothy's role and presence in the early church, as seen in other epistles (<a href="/philippians/1.htm">Philippians 1:1</a>, <a href="/2_corinthians/1.htm">2 Corinthians 1:1</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a></b><br>The author of the letter, an apostle of Christ Jesus. Formerly known as Saul, he was a persecutor of Christians before his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus. He became one of the most influential apostles, spreading the Gospel to the Gentiles.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/timothy.htm">Timothy</a></b><br>A close companion and co-worker of Paul. Timothy is mentioned as "our brother," indicating his role in the early church and his partnership in ministry with Paul.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/c/colossae.htm">Colossae</a></b><br>The city to which this letter is addressed. It was a small city in the Roman province of Asia, known for its diverse population and religious practices.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/a/apostle.htm">Apostle</a></b><br>A term used to describe someone who is sent out with a message. In the New Testament, it specifically refers to those chosen by Christ to spread the Gospel.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/c/christ_jesus.htm">Christ Jesus</a></b><br>The central figure of Christianity, the Messiah, and the Son of God. Paul identifies himself as an apostle of Christ Jesus, emphasizing his divine calling and authority.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_calling.htm">Divine Calling</a></b><br>Paul’s apostleship is by the will of God, reminding us that our callings and purposes are divinely appointed. We should seek to understand and fulfill God’s will in our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/partnership_in_ministry.htm">Partnership in Ministry</a></b><br>The mention of Timothy highlights the importance of working together in ministry. We are called to support and encourage one another in our spiritual journeys.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/authority_of_scripture.htm">Authority of Scripture</a></b><br>Paul’s role as an apostle underscores the authority of his writings. As believers, we should regard the teachings of the apostles as foundational to our faith.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/identity_in_christ.htm">Identity in Christ</a></b><br>Paul identifies himself in relation to Christ Jesus, setting an example for us to find our identity and purpose in our relationship with Christ.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_colossians_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Colossians 1</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_colossians_1_truly_by_paul.htm">Colossians 1 – How certain is the traditional attribution to Paul, and if it’s pseudonymous, does that raise doubts about its authority? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_is_the_author_of_colossians.htm">Who is the author of Colossians?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'joy_of_the_lord'_mean.htm">What defines Pauline Theology in Christian doctrine?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_st._jean_baptiste_day.htm">Who is the author of Philippians?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/colossians/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(1) <span class= "bld">Timotheus our brother.</span>--Except in the mention of Timotheus (as in the other Epistles of the captivity; see <a href="/philippians/1-1.htm" title="Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:">Philippians 1:1</a>; <a href="/philemon/1-1.htm" title="Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellow laborer,">Philemon 1:1</a>), the salutation is almost verbally coincident with the opening of the Epistle to the Ephesians (where see Note). The mention of Timotheus here, and the omission of his name there, mark the difference in character between the two Epistles. In a special Epistle like this Timotheus would be joined with St. Paul as usual. In a general Epistle to the churches of Asia, the Apostle alone could rightly speak.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/colossians/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 1.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Paul, apostle of Christ Jesus through God's will, and Timothy the brother</span> (<a href="/ephesians/1-1.htm">Ephesians 1:1</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/1-1.htm">2 Corinthians 1:1</a>). The apostle designates himself by his <span class="accented">office</span>, as always, except in the Macedonian Epistles and the letter of private friendship to Philemon. Timothy shares also in the greeting of the Epistle to Philemon, probably a leading member of the Colossian Church (comp. <a href="/colossians/4-9.htm">Colossians 4:9, 17</a> with <a href="/philemon/1-2.htm">Philemon 1:2, 10-12</a>). During St. Paul's long residence at Ephesus Timothy was with him (<a href="/acts/19-22.htm">Acts 19:22</a>), and there, probably, Philemon had come under his influence (see Introduction, § 2), and made Timothy's acquaintance. There was, therefore, at least one link of acquaintance between "Timothy the brother" and "the saints in Colossae" (comp. <a href="/philippians/1-1.htm">Philippians 1:1</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/1-1.htm">2 Corinthians 1:1</a>; 1 and <a href="/2_thessalonians/1-1.htm">2 Thessalonians 1:1</a>, where his name appears in the same way). The honourable prominence thus given to Timothy marked him out for future leadership in the Church (<a href="/1_timothy/1-3.htm">1 Timothy 1:3, 18</a>; <a href="/2_timothy/2-2.htm">2 Timothy 2:2</a>; <a href="/2_timothy/4-2.htm">2 Timothy 4:2, 5, 6</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/colossians/1-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">Paul,</span><br /><span class="grk">Παῦλος</span> <span class="translit">(Paulos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3972.htm">Strong's 3972: </a> </span><span class="str2">Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">an apostle</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀπόστολος</span> <span class="translit">(apostolos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_652.htm">Strong's 652: </a> </span><span class="str2">From apostello; a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Christ</span><br /><span class="grk">Χριστοῦ</span> <span class="translit">(Christou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5547.htm">Strong's 5547: </a> </span><span class="str2">Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Jesus</span><br /><span class="grk">Ἰησοῦ</span> <span class="translit">(Iēsou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2424.htm">Strong's 2424: </a> </span><span class="str2">Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">by</span><br /><span class="grk">διὰ</span> <span class="translit">(dia)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1223.htm">Strong's 1223: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[the] will</span><br /><span class="grk">θελήματος</span> <span class="translit">(thelēmatos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2307.htm">Strong's 2307: </a> </span><span class="str2">An act of will, will; plur: wishes, desires. From the prolonged form of ethelo; a determination, i.e. choice or inclination.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of God,</span><br /><span class="grk">Θεοῦ</span> <span class="translit">(Theou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> </span><span class="str2">A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">Timothy</span><br /><span class="grk">Τιμόθεος</span> <span class="translit">(Timotheos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5095.htm">Strong's 5095: </a> </span><span class="str2">Timothy, a Christian of Lystra, helper of Paul. From time and theos; dear to God; Timotheus, a Christian.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[our]</span><br /><span class="grk">ὁ</span> <span class="translit">(ho)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">brother,</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀδελφὸς</span> <span class="translit">(adelphos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_80.htm">Strong's 80: </a> </span><span class="str2">A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/colossians/1-1.htm">Colossians 1:1 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/colossians/1-1.htm">Colossians 1:1 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/colossians/1-1.htm">Colossians 1:1 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/colossians/1-1.htm">Colossians 1:1 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/colossians/1-1.htm">Colossians 1:1 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/colossians/1-1.htm">Colossians 1:1 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/colossians/1-1.htm">Colossians 1:1 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/colossians/1-1.htm">Colossians 1:1 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/colossians/1-1.htm">Colossians 1:1 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/colossians/1-1.htm">Colossians 1:1 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/colossians/1-1.htm">NT Letters: Colossians 1:1 Paul an apostle of Christ Jesus through (Coloss. Col Co) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/philippians/4-23.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Philippians 4:23"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Philippians 4:23" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/colossians/1-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Colossians 1:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Colossians 1:2" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>