Read & explore together
Greetings from Paul and Timothy
These opening words show who is writing, who is being addressed, and the greeting offered. In two verses, the letter begins with identity, relationship, and a blessing centred on God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Understanding the passage
The setting of these words
This passage opens the letter by naming Paul and Timothy at the start. Paul is described as an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, Timothy is called our brother, and the readers at Colossae receive grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. [Colossians 1:1, Colossians 1:2]
Colossians 1:1–2Main takeaway
These verses open the letter by identifying the senders and recipients and by speaking grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Follow the letter’s teaching
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01Paul is named firstThe letter starts by naming Paul and describing him as “an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God”.
Explanation
The letter starts by naming Paul and describing him as “an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God”. This gives Paul’s role and states that it is through God’s will. The opening immediately connects Paul’s identity and work with Christ Jesus and with God. [Colossians 1:1]
02Timothy is included in the greetingPaul is not the only person named. The greeting also includes “Timothy our brother”. In this verse, Timothy is presented alongside Paul and is described with a family relationship term, “our brother”.
Explanation
Paul is not the only person named. The greeting also includes “Timothy our brother”. In this verse, Timothy is presented alongside Paul and is described with a family relationship term, “our brother”. The opening therefore comes from Paul and also acknowledges Timothy. [Colossians 1:1]
03The readers at ColossaeThe letter is addressed “to the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae”. These words identify the recipients and locate them at Colossae.
Explanation
The letter is addressed “to the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae”. These words identify the recipients and locate them at Colossae. The verse also describes them with several terms together, including “saints”, “faithful brothers”, and “in Christ”. [Colossians 1:2]
04Grace and peace from God and the Lord Jesus ChristAfter naming the readers, the greeting says, “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Explanation
After naming the readers, the greeting says, “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” The passage clearly states both the blessing spoken over the readers and its source. The opening ends by directing attention to God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. [Colossians 1:2]
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01What does Paul say about how he is an apostle?
Look for the exact phrase that explains Paul’s role and quote the words given in the verse. [Colossians 1:1]
02How is Timothy described in this greeting?
Notice the exact term used for Timothy and answer from the wording of the verse. [Colossians 1:1]
03What blessing is given to the believers at Colossae, and where does it come from?
Read the greeting carefully and identify both the blessing and the named source in the verse. [Colossians 1:2]
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Colossians 1:1–2
1Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, and Timothy our brother,
2to the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.