Col 1:3 | MHM | STEP | Paul's Thanksgiving for the Colossians In this section, Paul begins the main part of his letter with thanks to God for what he has heard about the Colossian believers. Even though Paul has never met them in person, he is encouraged by reports about their faith, love, and hope. He also appreciates the work of their minister, Epaphras, and the fruitfulness of the gospel among them. v. 3 : Paul says he always thanks God when he prays for the Colossian Christians. He thanks God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:3 ). Paul reminds us that we pray to God as both Christ’s Father and our Father, just as Jesus said, I ascend to my Father and your Father, and to my God and your God (John 20:17 ).

‏ Colossians 1:3

Paul's Thanksgiving for the Colossians

In this section, Paul begins the main part of his letter with thanks to God for what he has heard about the Colossian believers. Even though Paul has never met them in person, he is encouraged by reports about their faith, love, and hope. He also appreciates the work of their minister, Epaphras, and the fruitfulness of the gospel among them.

v. 3: Paul says he always thanks God when he prays for the Colossian Christians. He thanks God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:3 ^a). Paul reminds us that we pray to God as both Christ’s Father and our Father, just as Jesus said, I ascend to my Father and your Father, and to my God and your God (John 20:17 ^b).