| We could study almost every word in these first few verses, especially verses 1 and 2. Where was Paul writing from? He was in prison in Rome. This is one of his last letters, as he was near the end of his life and service for Christ. Was he about 60 years of age? Was he converted in his early thirties? Was he about 40 when he had started on his first missionary journey? He had spent at least 4 or 5 years in prison, yet what a tremendous ministry he had, both in prison and out. He calls himself an apostle, meaning a missionary, a sent messenger, in this case a special messenger of Jesus Christ. That is the highest service of all. Paul adds the phrase 'by the will of God'. Paul was not self-appointed or merely sent out by a group. He was first called by Jesus Christ and then commended to this ministry by the church at Antioch. How had Paul discovered God's will? By asking to be told. That was his first response to Christ as told in Acts 9:6 and it was also his continuing attitude throughout his life of service. There could be a strong reminder to each of us here in these words. Do we want to know God's will? Ask and you will receive. Who was Timothy? He was Paul's younger partner. His name is linked with Paul's in a number of the epistles. Paul had great confidence in him and used him frequently as his own messenger to churches. How does Paul describe the Colossian Christians? He calls them saints and faithful brethren. As believers in Christ, they were set apart unto God. That is the meaning of the word saint. But they were also faithful in their service for Christ. This was a great compliment Paul could say about them. What do these two words 'saints' and 'faithful' have to say to us today? | 
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