Jun. 15, 2025

Colossians is one of the deepest, most theological books of the New Testament, yet at the same time, it reflects a pastor's heart of compassion and concern for his people. The Apostle Paul was not pastor of the church at Colosse; he did not begin the church, nor had he ever visited it.  Still, he had a deep concern for the brothers in Christ at Colosse.  They were in danger of being led into false teaching by a sect called "gnosticism." the main issue about gnosticism was that it denied the full deity of Christ.  So, although Paul was not able to be with the believers of Colosse in person, he wants them to know that he is struggling with all his energy on their behalf that they might be filled "with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding." Undoubtedly, Paul struggled in unceasing prayer for them.  Even though he was a prisoner in Rome, that did not keep him from praying for them.  He could also write letters.  And he had the blessing of partners in ministry who also were "wrestling in prayer for you." Paul encouraged them, "So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness."