As we open the letter to the Colossians, we encounter the church at Colossae and three servants of God.
Paul identifies himself as an apostle of Christ Jesus, not by his own authority or ambition, but by the will of God. He gives God the glory for his calling. Paul does not see himself as some super-apostle who works alone and by his own will. He rests upon the authority and will of God, and includes his fellow servant Timothy in his greeting.
Timothy is no slouch himself. The Bible tells us that Timothy was raised in the Scriptures by his mother and grandmother, who were women of sincere faith (2 Timothy 1:5; 3:15). He would go on to serve faithfully alongside Paul in the ministry of the gospel. Paul includes him in addressing the Colossian church.
Paul then addresses the Colossians, who are no strangers to the gospel. Not only have they heard of the hope of the gospel, but that hope has given birth to a love for the saints. They may physically be in Colossae, but spiritually they are in Christ. Paul has heard of their faith in Christ and their love for the saints, both springing from the hope laid up for them in heaven. This is the fruit Paul sees not only among them, but throughout the world as the gospel spreads.
Christian hope is not merely wishing for a better future. God is not a genie from whom we demand things. Our faith rests upon a real hope in a personal God, producing real action and real love that builds up the church.
Epaphras had taught the Colossians this gospel, and Paul is not intimidated by that fact, but encouraged. He honors his fellow worker, calling him a beloved fellow servant and a faithful minister of Christ.
As we grow in Christ, let us grow in action, courage, humility, and in honoring one another. God’s love builds us up, and the gospel of His grace gives us a hope that bears the fruit of love.
-steve