Sent By God’s Gracious Design—Colossians 1:1-2
“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the holy and faithful brothers in Christ at Colosse: Grace and peace to you from God our Father” (Colossians 1:1-2)
One of the things that impresses me about the apostle Paul is that he was focused on his mission and this continually fueled passion his entire life. In just about every one of his letters to the church, Paul opens with this idea of being sent as an apostle by God’s will...
“Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God” (Romans 1:1).
“Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God...” (I Corinthians 1:1a).
“Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father...” (Galatians 1:1a).
(For a full list: Romans 1:1; 1 Corinthians 1:1; 2 Corinthians 1:1; Galatians 1:1; Ephesians 1:1; Colossians 1:1; I Timothy 1:1; 2 Timothy 1:1; Titus 1:1).