To begin our study of Colossians, we're going to look at some of the context. First up, the author: Paul.
The Apostle Paul wrote the book of Colossians either along with Timothy or in the company of Timothy. Many scholars—without the presence of reasonable doubt—claim that the epistle was not written by Paul.
“The authorship of this letter has been the subject of considerable discussion. Until the last century, no serious question about Pauline authorship seems to have been raised. Even then, questions were raised only by a minority of scholars.”[1]There were no compelling arguments for any authorship other than Paul in regard to external evidences.
In regard to internal evidence, there are many similarities to other epistles written by Paul. The apostle Paul made repeated reference to himself in the book because the theological content of the book came to us in the form of an apostolic letter. Paul wrote that he always thanked God the Father for the Colossians when he prayed for them because he heard of the faith they had in Christ and the love they had for all the saints (1:3). Paul had probably never visited this church because he states he had “heard” of their faith and love (1:4). Paul tells the Colossians from the day he heard of their faith, he had not ceased to pray for them, asking that they may attain spiritual wisdom and understanding, to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord.
Paul expands for the Colossians the doctrine of the deity of Jesus Christ. Of this doctrine he tells them that, “[he], Paul, became a minister” (1:22). Paul tells the Colossians that he rejoices in his sufferings because they build up the church and bring to light the mystery of God (1:24-27). He tells them that Christ is the One proclaimed by Timothy and him and that he toils and struggles with all the energy of Christ and for the sake of Christ in order to bring to light the wisdom of Christ (1:28-29). Paul wants them to know how great a struggle he had for them in order that their hearts may be encouraged. Although he is absent in body, he is with them in spirit (2:1-5). At the close of the letter, Paul tells the Colossians that Tychicus will tell them about all his activities and will encourage them (4:7-9). Paul sends greetings to the Colossians from all the brothers who are either fellow prisoners or are with him during his imprisonment. He ends the letter by saying he has wrote this greeting with his own hand and grace will be with them (4:18).
Not only is Paul's authorship written all over this letter, but his heart is contained in its pages, as well. Paul's heart for his brothers and sisters in Christ is convicting, to say the least. How often are we fervently thankful for the people we spread the gospel with? We're often more inclined to complain about our co-heirs rather than thank God for them. May Paul's heart for the Colossians serve to refine our own.
[1] Carson, Moo Morris An Introduction to the New Testament (Zondervan Publishing House, 1992) p. 331
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