Paul sent this letter to the church in Colosse, with the letter to the church of Ephesus, and to the letter for Philemon, who attended the church at Colosse. Paul sent these letters with Tychicus and Onesimus because Paul was in chains for the gospel in Rome. Paul started his letter, letting them know that Timothy was with him. He then shared they gave thanks for them because they heard about their faith which they learned from Epaphras who told them about their love in the Spirit. Many believe Epaphras started the church in Colosse, and that Paul had never been there. After his thanksgiving, Paul went into his prayer for them, that their knowledge of God's will for their lives will grow through all spiritual wisdom. He encouraged them to live a life worthy of the Lord Jesus, and that they may please the Lord as they grow in their faith. It is through Christ that believers in Him have strength, endurance, patience, thanksgiving, redemption, and forgiveness of sins. Then verses 15-20 give what may have been an ancient church hymn about the "supremacy and sole sufficiency of Jesus Christ." Paul then reminded them of how they used to be, alienated and enemies of God, BUT NOW...reconciled due to Christ's death, and holy, without blemish and free from accusation - all because of Jesus. Paul ended this with verse 23 as a reminder that we need to continue in our faith. We are to stand firm in the hope of the gospel, of which Paul is a servant.
