Articles
Encouragement
The Apostle Paul obviously had a loving and close relationship with the churches he and his fellow preachers established in the First Century. It seems some of the most notable was his letters to the Philippians, Ephesians, and the Colossians. These letters were some of those he wrote while in prison. How personal and encouraging are of the words Paul sent to them. What wonderful letters we now have to read and learn from today. Please consider with me some of Paul's words to the church at Colossae. It seems Paul had not visited them, but his close fellow worker, Epaphras, was a primary teacher who had established a faithful church there. (Colossians 1:7,8)
The church there seems to have been made up of both Jews and Gentiles, as was the case in much of Asia Minor.
As this letter begins, we see how personal and loving his feelings were.
"We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love which you have for all the saints; because of the hope laid up for you in heaven, of which you previously heard in the word of truth, the gospel, which has come to you, just as in all the world also it is constantly bearing fruit and increasing, even as it has been doing in your also since the day you heard of it and understood the grace of God in truth, just as you learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow bond-servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf, and he also informed us of your love in the Spirit." (Colossians 1:3-8)
Notice the personal encouragement he provides in chapter two:
"For I want you to know how great a struggle I have on your behalf, and for those who are at Laodicea, and for all those who have not personally seen my face, that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God's mystery, that is, Christ Himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. " (Colossians 2:1-3)
We see more words of encouragement and exhortation a bit later in chapter three:
"And so, to those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. And beyond all these things PUT ON LOVE, WHICH IS THE PREFECT BOND OF UNITY." (Colossians 3:12-14)
Paul ends this beautiful letter with a special request; that the letter be read to the Laodiceans and to give words of encouragement to another fellow worker for the gospel:
"And when this letter is read among you, have it read in the church of the Laodiceans; and you, for your part read my letter that is coming from Laodicea; And say to Archippus, "Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it." (Colossians 4:16,17)
What a wonderful blessing we have that God has preserved His Word for us today. Paul contributed so much for us in the New Testament through the letters he wrote the churches as well as to individuals. His dedication and hard work are so important to provide God's teachings for us. The Colossian letter is just one of those we have in our hands today. We need to be ever thankful for the wonderful Bible and the many blessings He has given us. Another great expression of God's love and care for His people.
Ross
