Colossians 1

Colossians 1 begins by addressing the readers as holy and faithful brothers and sisters in Christ. Paul, the writer of this letter, gives thanks for their faith and love in Christ, and shares that he and his fellow workers pray for them to gain wisdom and understanding, to walk worthy of the Lord, and to bear good fruit. Paul then goes on to expound on the majesty of Christ, asserting Him as the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation, and the head of His body, the church. Through Christ, all things were created, and He holds them all together. He then speaks specifically of Christ's redemptive work, noting how He reconciled us to God through His death on the cross. Lastly, Paul explains his own ministry, sharing how he has labored and struggled for the sake of the gospel, and he encourages the Colossians to continue in the faith they have received, steadfast and firm, not moving away from the hope held out in the gospel.