Colossians 1. This letter to Christians in the town of Colossae (in modern Turkey) was one of several written by the Apostle Paul while he was imprisoned in Rome (“the prison epistles”). Paul wrote to correct misunderstandings, especially as they related to mixing various religious beliefs.

Colossians 1 is one of my favorite chapters of Scripture and three sections stand out to me:

This church had received the good news of the gospel, and it was bearing fruit and increasing among you (1:6). Paul was committed to prayer for the church, and he noted that we have not ceased to pray for you (1:9). What does Paul pray for this church? Does he pray for their physical protection? Does he pray for their healing? Does he pray for their financial situation and their business success? No.

Let’s look at what he prays for them:

We have been asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 
so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: 
– bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 
– being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; 
– giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light (1:9-12).

Paul asks God to grant the Colossians spiritual knowledge and understanding – so that they can walk in God’s ways. This understanding will result in good works, bearing fruit, strength, endurance, patience, joy, and gratefulness. What a fantastic thing to pray for other Christians! Could we consider adopting this prayer – for ourselves, our children, our small group, our friends, and our church?

Secondly, this is my favorite statement in all scripture that summarizes what happens when someone comes to Christ: He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins (1:13-14). Salvation results in an immediate change of position for us, our souls are delivered and transferred to the kingdom of God, and this is an important piece of theology to understand.

Finally, Paul’s teaching in Colossians 1:15-20 on the supremacy of Christ is one of the most succinct affirmations of the identity of Christ in the whole Bible.

There are many significant statements in this first chapter of Colossians! What stood out to you?