The Author of the letter is Paul the apostle of Christ Jesus. (v1). The Recipients were the Christians in Colossae (v2), a small town about 80 miles inland from Ephesus in the province of Asia (today western Turkey).

The church was founded through the preaching of Epaphras (1v7; 4 v12-13) The main problem and reason for this letter was that some professing Christians were mixing their Christian faith with two things:-

a.       A misinterpretation of the Old Testament Law

b.       Greek philosophy regarding materials things and knowledge.

The Greeting was fairly normal for Paul, emphasising his God given role and authority (v1), who the believers in Colossae are (v2a) and his desire for them to experience grace and peace from God(v2b).

Paul speaks about what is the core of the Christian Life (v2) using one of his favourite descriptions for a Christian – “in Christ”.  This expression emphasises that Christianity is primarily about a living relationship with Christ. That relationship began through the Holy Spirit entering them and joining them to the death and resurrection of Christ. (see Col. 2 v11-12).

Being in Christ brings total fullness and completion, there is no need for any experience outside of Christ (see Col. 2 v9-10; Phil. 3 v7-9). Do you have such a fulfilling and living relationship with Christ? Pray about this.