Bible Strands
Colossians 1:1
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul and Timothy write to the church in Colossae, with Paul introducing himself as an apostle whose commission comes directly from God. The letter immediately addresses the recipients as saints and faithful brothers in Christ.
The words — ἀπόστολος (apostolos) literally means "one sent forth," and διὰ θελήματος θεοῦ (dia thelēmatos theou) translates to "through the will of God." These terms ground Paul’s authority in divine appointment rather than human selection.
The thread — Paul uses a nearly identical opening in 2 Corinthians 1:1 and Philemon 1:1, though 1 Corinthians 1:1 differs by adding "called" and naming Sosthenes instead of Timothy. This pattern establishes his consistent claim to apostolic authority across his letters.
Why it lands — The text asserts that apostolic authority originates from God’s will, not human endorsement. Readers must recognize that Christian leadership and message derive their legitimacy from divine commission.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother,
Cross-references
- 2 Corinthians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God in Corinth, together with all the saints throughout Achaia:
- 1 Corinthians 1:1 Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes,
- Philemon 1:1 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved fellow worker,
- Romans 1:1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, and set apart for the gospel of God—
- Philippians 1:1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:
- 1 Thessalonians 1:1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace and peace to you.
- Ephesians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus:
- 1 Thessalonians 3:2 We sent Timothy, our brother and fellow worker for God in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith,
- 2 Thessalonians 1:1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: