Colossians 1:2 To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be to you, and peace… I. THEIR CHARACTER. Holy persons. The idea is derived from the sacred vessels of the temple, which might not be appropriated to common uses. In a more general sense, saints are those who are eminent for piety, not all who are flattered or derided as such. One who is truly a saint — 1. Acknowledges that he was once a lost and undone sinner, and who daily brings his sins for pardon and his graces for increase to the throne of grace. 2. Has a new heart and a right spirit. He is a new creature — loving what God loves, and hating what He hates. 3. Is zealous for the cause of his Divine Master. Where there are no spiritual actions there is no spiritual life. The chief motives are fortitude and the constraining love of Christ. 4. Grows in grace. II. THEIR RELATION TO EACH OTHER. 1. There are three kinds of brotherhood — natural, such as that between Esau and Jacob; national, such as existed among the Jews; spiritual, by adoption and grace. The last is the strongest, purest, and most enduring. 2. Of this Christ is the Elder Brother, and as He is not ashamed to own this relationship should we be either in regard to Himself or the poorest member of the family? 3. Love should spring out of this relationship. This is most natural! Christ has made love the badge of Christian discipleship; it is "good and pleasant for brethren to dwell together in unity." 4. Its distinguishing attribute is fidelity. Be thou faithful in defending your brother when defamed, in admonishing him when in the wrong, in helping him in difficulty, in comforting him in trouble. A false brother is worse than an open foe. III. THEIR SITUATION IN THE WORLD. 1. Christians in the midst of heathens, and exposed to temptation and persecution. 2. Believers surrounded by heretics — their faith exposed to subtle undermining and bold attack. 3. Few as against many. Churches are often thus situated, but if they retain their holiness and faithfulness become more than conquerors. (T. Watson, B. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. |
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