What role does God's will play in Paul's calling in Colossians 1:1? Text Under the Microscope “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,” (Colossians 1:1) Weight of the Words “by the will of God” - Declares divine initiative: Paul did not volunteer; God appointed. - Underscores sovereignty: God’s purpose, not human preference, sets ministry in motion (cf. Romans 9:16). - Highlights grace: the persecutor became a preacher purely because God willed it (Acts 9:15). - Provides certainty: if God willed the call, no opposition can nullify it (Isaiah 14:27). God’s Will Shaped Paul’s Past - Damascus Road encounter (Acts 9:3–6) reveals God’s unmistakable intervention. - Galatians 1:15–16: “But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by His grace, was pleased…”—Paul traces his call back to God’s prenatal purpose. - 1 Timothy 1:13–14: former blasphemer shown mercy; God’s will overrides past sin. God’s Will Defines Paul’s Present Authority - “Apostle” means “sent one”; authority rests on the Sender. - 1 Corinthians 1:1 and Ephesians 1:1 repeat the phrase “by the will of God,” reinforcing that every epistle carries divine backing. - Therefore the Colossians can trust Paul’s teaching about Christ’s supremacy; it is not opinion but revelation. Scripture Echoes • Acts 22:14: “The God of our fathers has appointed you to know His will.” • Romans 1:5: apostleship received “to bring about the obedience of faith.” • 2 Timothy 1:1: “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, according to the promise of life.” Together these verses form a chorus: God wills, God calls, God empowers. Encouragement for Today - Ministry is discovered, not invented; seek God’s will rather than self-promotion. - Divine calling carries divine enabling; what God starts, He sustains (Philippians 1:6). - Confidence in Scripture grows when we remember its human authors wrote under God’s directive. |
    |