At Colossae

Read Colossians 1:1-8

1. "At Colossae..." "Faithful brethren..." This passage gives us insight into the daily surroundings and the human relationships of the Christians in Colossae. They were under immense pressure to conform to the way of life of the vast majority of people in a city noted for its idolatry, its paganism, and its loose morality. Followers of Jesus went about their daily tasks worried about making a living, but also facing the hostility of their idol-woshipping neighbors. They also had to endure the suspicions of those who did not believe it possible both to acknowledge Jesus as Lord and to be loyal to Caesar. As "brethren" they had to take special care of one another. The Roman world could be very harsh on outsiders; there was no safety net, no Social Security. The Christians had to learn to depend upon one another.

2. "In Christ..." "saints..." The passage also emphasizes the unseen world in which they also lived. Although they lived and worked in one world, they also inhabited another. In fact, they were to take that other world with them into their everyday experience. Even as they dealt with the pressures of the day, they were to draw on the strength and grace of Jesus Christ. They were "saints," which means that they were "set apart for the purposes of God."













To what extent are we citizens of another country? As we go about the business of our lives, do we remember that we are also citizens of the Kingdom of God?


Prayer: Lord God, thank You for Jesus, and for the peace that He can bring, even in a troubled world. May I live in hope and learn to cast all of my cares upon Him. Amen.