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Verse

Colossians 1:3

ESV We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,
NIV We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,
NASB We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,
CSB We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,
NLT We always pray for you, and we give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
KJV We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,
NKJV We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,

What does Colossians 1:3 mean?

Paul's letter opens immediately with gratitude. Paul was a man of prayer, often opening his letters with similar thanks (Philippians 1:3). He calls God "the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." This belief will be mentioned again later, when Paul addresses false teachings regarding the identity of Christ. Paul presents Jesus as equal with God the Father, yet distinguishes between Father and Son as well.

Paul focuses his prayer on all of the believers in Colossae. He rejoices at the knowledge of a vibrant group of believers thriving apart from his leadership. Though Paul had helped start several churches, there would have been many others which began through the efforts of others. In this case, the church in Colossae started under the ministry of Epaphras (Colossians 1:7). The success of a church in Colossae would have encouraged Paul. This was a sign that the gospel was spreading among the Gentiles, beyond his own direct influence, and into many other regions as well.

Paul's use of "we" is a reference to himself and his co-author, Timothy (Colossians 1:1).
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