“Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother,”
My Notes
What Does Colossians 1:1 Mean?
"Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother." Paul opens Colossians with his standard self-identification: apostle by divine will, not human appointment. But he adds Timothy — not as a co-apostle but as "our brother." The pairing establishes both authority (Paul's apostleship) and community (Timothy's brotherhood).
The phrase "by the will of God" (dia thelematos theou) anchors Paul's authority in God's choice, not his own ambition. He didn't volunteer for apostleship. He was appointed. The authority isn't earned or self-claimed — it's received from God's specific will.
Timothy's inclusion as "our brother" creates a familial rather than hierarchical relationship with the Colossians. Paul is the apostle (authority). Timothy is the brother (family). Both designations are present in the opening: the letter comes with apostolic authority and fraternal warmth.
Reflection Questions
- 1.Is your authority sourced in God's will or your own ambition?
- 2.How does family language (brother, sister) change the dynamics of a community compared to institutional language?
- 3.Why does Paul pair apostolic authority with fraternal warmth?
- 4.What would your leadership look like if it combined divine appointment with genuine brotherhood?
Devotional
Paul: apostle by God's will. Timothy: our brother. Authority and family in the same sentence. The letter arrives with both credentials and connection.
The 'by the will of God' is Paul's most important credential — and it's not his. The will that made him an apostle is God's, not Paul's. He didn't apply for the position. He didn't campaign for the title. God willed it. Paul received it. The authority isn't self-generated. It's derivative — flowing from God's will to Paul's role.
Timothy's designation as 'brother' — not 'assistant' or 'secretary' or 'associate minister' — places him in family language. Paul's team relationships aren't hierarchical. Timothy is a brother. The Colossians are saints and faithful brethren (verse 2). The whole community operates on family terms rather than corporate terms.
The letter opening models healthy spiritual leadership: authority from God (not self-appointed) and relationship through family (not through institutional hierarchy). Paul leads because God appointed him. He connects because brotherhood defines the community.
What's the source of your authority — God's appointment or your own ambition? And what language describes your relationships — family or hierarchy? Paul gives us both in his first verse: divine authority and human brotherhood. Both are needed. Neither alone is sufficient.
Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ,.... The apostle puts his name to this epistle, by which he was known in the Gentile…
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ - See the notes. at Rom 1:1 By the will of God - Notes, 1Co 1:1. And Timotheus our…
Paul, an apostle - by the will of God - As the word αποστολος, apostle, signifies one sent, an envoy or messenger, any…
I. The inscription of this epistle is much the same with the rest; only it is observable that, 1. He calls himself an…
Col 1:1-2. Greeting
1. Paul Paulos. See Act 13:9. The Apostle probably bore, from infancy, both the two names,…
Cross References
Related passages throughout Scripture