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I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face (Colossians 2:1, ESV).
Paul had not visited Colossae when he wrote the Letter to the Colossians.
Upon receiving a letter from someone they didn’t know, perhaps the Colossians thought, “We’ve heard of this man; what does he want?” To make this question more personal, if the Apostle Paul had written a letter or email to us, what would he have said?
Let’s assume this letter answers the question, “What would the Apostle Paul say to someone he had never met?”
We have a perspective of history, knowing the importance of the Apostle Paul, whereas the Colossians probably didn’t know much about him. And, today, having this letter included in the canon of the Bible, we should read it carefully while thinking. . .
Someone I never met, perhaps the most important writer in Christian history, has something to say to me in the Letter to the Colossians!
Paul opens his letter with prayer. . .
We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven (1:3-5a).
Typically, when we say that we will pray for someone, we don’t. Christians concluding a conversation with, “I’ll pray for you,” seems like saying, “Let’s get together for coffee sometime.” These statements, while expressing cordiality, have no follow-through intended, as we don’t pray, and we never schedule coffee.
But Paul doubles down on prayer by stating twice in chapter 1 that he is praying for us.
And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, 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 (1:9-10a).
When someone we don’t know keeps insisting on praying for us, we are more willing to listen to what he has to say. And Paul has a lot to say to us in his Letter to the Colossians.
Paul tells us about Christ. . .
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church (1:15-18a).
Then Paul teaches us about our identity in Christ. . .
Having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead (2:12).
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory (3:1-4).
Now we know the answer to the question of what Paul would say to someone that he had never met. Two things: “Who is Christ?” and “What is our relationship with Christ?”
Nothing is more important than these two questions.
Paul concludes the Letter to the Colossians with a comment about grace — as what we have in Christ comes only through grace.
I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you (4:18).
In Christ by grace — the Letter to the Colossians!