Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Colossians 1:1
What does Colossians 1:1 mean?
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Colossians 1:1
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What's easily missed is that Paul isn't just stating his credentials; he's intentionally distinguishing his unique apostolic authority from Timothy's role as a "brother." By specifying "Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God," he underscores that his apostleship is divinely appointed and authoritative, not something earned or inherited, setting the stage for the weighty instructions that follow.
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul, writing to the church in Colossae, begins by asserting his authority as an apostle, directly appointed by God, and includes Timothy as a fellow laborer. This opening immediately establishes the letter's importance and sets the tone for the profound theological truths that will follow, addressing potential challenges to apostolic authority and grounding the message in divine commission.
Ever wondered why Paul emphasizes his apostleship right at the start of his letters? It wasn't just a title; it was his mandate.
Paul begins with "Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God." This opening is crucial.
God's Sovereign Choice
Paul wasn't an apostle by popular vote or self-appointment. He stresses that his apostleship came directly from God's will. This means his message wasn't just his own opinion; it carried divine authority. This was especially important because some challenged his apostleship, and he needed to establish the legitimacy of his message from the outset. He was sent directly by Christ, not by human leaders.
Purposeful Authority
This divine commission gave his words weight and ensured the churches would listen. When Paul wrote, especially to churches he hadn't personally founded like Colossae, this declaration of his God-given authority was essential for the acceptance and impact of his teaching. It's a reminder that true spiritual leadership is always rooted in God's call and purpose.
Why does Paul include Timothy in this greeting, and why call him 'brother' and not 'apostle'?
Paul adds, 'and Timothy our brother.' This seemingly small detail is significant.
A Fellow Worker
Timothy was a key associate, a trusted companion, and a fellow laborer in the Gospel. The term 'brother' highlights their close relationship in Christ, a bond of shared faith and mission. He was known to the Colossians, likely having ministered there with Paul previously. Including him lent warmth and credibility to the letter, signaling unity.
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Distinct Roles
Crucially, Paul carefully distinguishes Timothy's role from his own. By calling him 'brother' and not 'apostle,' Paul makes it clear that Timothy, while highly valued and respected, did not possess the same unique apostolic authority. This distinction was important to avoid confusion about who held the primary apostolic commission and authority for the message delivered in the letter.
Understand the original words
apostolos · Greek Noun
One who is sent with a commission or delegated authority as a representative of another. In the New Testament, it refers to those specifically chosen and commissioned by Jesus Christ to preach the gospel and establish the church.
Paul's apostolic authority and his relationship with Timothy are foundational to this letter, written during a period of imprisonment that allowed him to focus on theological instruction for churches he had not personally founded.
c. AD 47-48
Paul's Second Missionary Journey Begins
Paul, accompanied by Silas and Barnabas, embarks on his second missionary journey. During this journey, Paul visits Derbe and Lystra, where he encounters Timothy and recruits him for his ministry.
c. AD 48-52
Timothy Joins Paul's Ministry
Timothy becomes a close companion and fellow worker of Paul, traveling with him through Asia Minor and to Corinth. He is well-known to the churches in this region, including those in Phrygia like Colossae.
c. AD 57-62— this verse
Paul's Imprisonment in Rome
Paul is imprisoned in Rome, a period during which he writes several epistles, including Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. These 'Prison Epistles' often reflect his unique circumstances and his ongoing concern for the churches.
c. AD 60-62
Epistle to the Colossians Written
While imprisoned in Rome, Paul dictates or writes the Epistle to the Colossians, likely with Timothy present. He sends it to the church in Colossae, a city in Phrygia, through Epaphras, who was instrumental in founding that church.
This verse also begins with Paul identifying himself as an apostle 'by the will of God,' establishing his divine authority for writing to the church.
Galatians 1:1Paul asserts his apostleship 'not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father,' echoing the emphasis in Colossians on his commission being divinely ordained.
Ephesians 1:1Similar to Colossians, Paul introduces himself as an 'apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God' in Ephesians, highlighting the consistent theme of his apostleship's divine origin across his letters.
Romans 1:1Paul declares himself a 'servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God,' underscoring the intentionality and purpose behind his apostleship.
1 Timothy 1:1Paul again identifies himself as an 'apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our Savior,' reinforcing that his authority and message stem directly from God's will and directive.
gillColossians 1:1: "Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother,"
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ,.... The apostle puts his name to this epistle, by which he was known in the Gentile world, as he usually does in all his epistles; and styles himself "an apostle", as he was, having seen Christ in person, and received his commission, doctrine, and qualifications immediately from him, with a power of doing miracles to confirm the truth of his mission. This he chose…
henryColossians 1:1-8: "Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother,"
1:1-8 All true Christians are brethren one to another. Faithfulness runs through every character and relation of the Christian life. Faith, hope, and love, are the three principal graces in the Christian life, and proper matter for prayer and thanksgiving. The more we fix our hopes on the reward in the other world, the more free shall we be in doing good with our earthly treasure. It was treasure…
What's easily missed is that Paul isn't just stating his credentials; he's intentionally distinguishing his unique apostolic authority from Timothy's role as a "brother." By specifying "Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God," he underscores that his apostleship is divinely appointed and authoritative, not something earned or inherited, setting the stage for the weighty instructions that follow.
Paul, writing to the church in Colossae, begins by asserting his authority as an apostle, directly appointed by God, and includes Timothy as a fellow laborer. This opening immediately establishes the letter's importance and sets the tone for the profound theological truths that will follow, addressing potential challenges to apostolic authority and grounding the message in divine commission.
Paul, writing to the church in Colossae, begins by asserting his authority as an apostle, directly appointed by God, and includes Timothy as a fellow laborer. This opening immediately establishes the letter's importance and sets the tone for the profound theological truths that will follow, addressing potential challenges to apostolic authority and grounding the message in divine commission.
"Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother," — What's easily missed is that Paul isn't just stating his credentials; he's intentionally distinguishing his unique apostolic authority from Timothy's role as a "brother." By specifying "Paul, an apos…
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Last reviewed October 2026