January 25, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – Colossians Chapter 1

¹ Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother,

² To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

³ We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,

⁴ Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints,

⁵ For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;

⁶ Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:

⁷ As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ;

⁸ Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.

⁹ For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

¹⁰ That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

¹¹ Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

¹² Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:

¹³ Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

¹⁴ In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

¹⁵ Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:

¹⁶ For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

¹⁷ And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

¹⁸ And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

¹⁹ For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;

²⁰ And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

²¹ And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled

²² In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:

²³ If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;

²⁴ Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church:

²⁵ Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;

²⁶ Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:

²⁷ To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

²⁸ Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

²⁹ Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

King James Version. Public Domain

Commentary

Introduction

The Epistle to the Colossians begins with a heartfelt greeting and an expression of the Apostle Paul’s gratitude. Together with Timothy, Paul addresses the believers in Colossae. He commends their faith in Jesus Christ and their love for the saints. In this chapter, Paul highlights the central role of Jesus Christ as Creator, Redeemer, and head of the church. Christ stands above all and is the link between God and creation. Paul emphasizes redemption through Christ and discusses his own apostolic ministry, through which he proclaims the Gospel and strengthens the church in faith.

Commentary

Verses 1–8: Thanksgiving and Intercession for the Church
Paul begins with a prayer of gratitude for the faith, love, and hope of the Colossians. He particularly praises their love in the Spirit, which has been conveyed to them through the Gospel. This spiritual fruit is a sign of their strong foundation in Christ. Epaphras, a faithful minister, has reported to Paul about the state of the church, leading to prayers for further spiritual growth.

Verses 9–14: Prayer for Spiritual Wisdom and Strengthening
Paul prays that the Colossians may be filled with spiritual wisdom and understanding to lead lives worthy of the Lord, bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God. He emphasizes that Christ has delivered them from the domain of darkness and transferred them to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom they have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Verses 15–20: Christ – The Center of Creation and Redemption
This section is a significant Christological confession. Christ is the image of the invisible God and the firstborn over all creation. All things visible and invisible were created through Him and for Him. He holds all creation together and is the head of the church. Through His sacrificial death on the cross, Christ has established peace and reconciliation between God and creation. These verses underscore the omnipotence and omnipresence of Christ.

Verses 21–23: Reconciliation with God
Paul reminds the Colossians that they were once alienated from God due to their sinful nature. However, through the death of Jesus, they have been reconciled and presented holy and blameless before God. This reconciliation, however, calls for steadfastness in faith and unwavering trust in the Gospel.

Verses 24–29: Paul’s Ministry for the Gospel
Paul speaks about his joy in suffering for the church. He views his sufferings as a contribution to the body of Christ, the church. His mission is to reveal the “mystery of God,” which is Christ in them, the hope of glory. Paul emphasizes that he works with all his might to bring every person to maturity in Christ. This demonstrates his dedication and missionary zeal.

Summary

Colossians Chapter 1 presents Jesus Christ as the center of creation and redemption. Paul begins with gratitude for the Colossians’ faith and love. He prays that they may grow in spiritual wisdom and live lives that honor God. Christ is described as the Creator of all things, the image of God, and the head of the church. Through His death, He has established reconciliation and peace. Paul encourages the believers to remain steadfast in faith and to align their lives with Christ. He also discusses his own ministry and responsibility to proclaim the Gospel and strengthen the believers in their faith.

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | Steps to Christ
Chapter 1—God’s Love for Man
Read online here

Commentary

Introduction:

The first chapter of the book The Way to Christ powerfully depicts God’s immeasurable love for humanity. It shows how this love is made visible through nature, revelation, and especially through the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. God is described as the source of life, joy, and truth, whose actions are always directed towards blessing and redeeming humanity. Even in a world marked by sin, His love remains visible, whether through the beauty of creation or through the redemptive work of Jesus, which clearly reveals God’s nature and His plan for salvation.

Commentary:

Chapter 1 offers a profound reflection on God’s love, which is evident throughout creation and in the redemption through Christ. A central theme is that God continues to love humanity despite their sin and strives to reconcile them with Himself. The depiction of nature as an expression of God’s care is particularly moving: every sunbeam, every flower petal, and every bird’s song is interpreted as a testimony to His immeasurable love. This reminds us that God’s care is not abstract, but tangible in every facet of life.

The chapter also addresses the dark reality of sin, which destroyed the world’s original state of perfection and freedom from suffering. Interestingly, the suffering that entered the world through sin is not portrayed as meaningless or arbitrary but as a tool that, within God’s salvation plan, serves an educational and restorative purpose. This perspective invites us to seek God’s intent even in difficult moments and to recognize that He does not abandon His children, even in suffering.

Another highlight of the chapter is the description of Jesus Christ as the perfect revelation of God’s love. Christ assumed human nature to show the world the true nature of God and to provide the way for human salvation. The chapter emphasizes that Jesus was not only a teacher or prophet but the living embodiment of divine love. His acts of healing, kindness to the weak, and willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice on the cross demonstrate the depth of God’s compassion and selflessness.

At the same time, an important misconception is addressed: Jesus’ sacrifice was not meant to move God to love or forgive humanity, but it was the result of His pre-existing love for humanity. John 3:16 is highlighted here as a central theme: God gave His Son because He loved the world. This truth not only forms the foundation of the Christian faith but also serves as a call for readers to be transformed by this love.

The chapter is not only a theological discourse but also an invitation to personal reflection. It encourages readers to contemplate the depth and breadth of God’s love and to respond by turning to Him in trust and gratitude. Particularly striking is the depiction of how, through Christ, people can become “children of God” — a calling that carries both dignity and a special responsibility.

Overall, Chapter 1 serves as an encouraging and inspiring introduction, connecting the reader to the central message of the Christian faith: God’s love is infinite, it seeks us, and it desires to draw us to Himself, regardless of our faults and weaknesses. This love is the path to true joy, peace, and hope.

Summary:

Chapter 1 of The Way to Christ describes God’s immeasurable love for humanity, which is revealed through nature, revelation, and the life of Jesus Christ. Creation reflects God’s care, and even the suffering that came into the world through sin is understood as part of His salvation plan. Through Jesus’ life and sacrifice, God’s nature is made visible — a nature full of compassion, selflessness, and a will to redeem. Christ not only revealed God’s love but also made it possible, through His death on the cross, for people to become “children of God.” The chapter invites readers to reflect on this love and find in a personal relationship with God the hope, joy, and salvation He offers.

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