Colossians 1:1-14

The book of Acts ends with Paul under house arrest in Rome (28:30-31)

But Paul made the best out of that situation
He turned the 'house' into

1. A house church (reaching many guests for Christ)
2. A publishing house (writing many letters to churches)
--Colossians
--Philemon
--Ephesians
--Philippians
--Laodiceans (4:16)
--Etc.

INTRODUCTION (1:1-2)

WHO: Paul & Timothy (4:18 was proof to combat fake letters, 2 thes. 2:2, 3:17)
WHAT: Letters/Epistles
WHERE: Written in Rome while under house arrest (Colossians 4:3+18)
WHEN: Almost certainly in the very early 60's
WHY: To encourage, correct, teach, update
HOW: Sent with Tychicus & Onesimus

QUALITIES OF THE COLOSSE CHURCH (1:3-8)

1. Faith in Christ
2. Love for the saints
3. Hope in heaven

Their founder: Epaphras
1. Probably from Colosse
2. Probably converted by Paul's teaching near Ephesus (Acts 19:10)
3. Went back to Colosse and spread the Gospel
4. Left to work with Paul (Colossians 4:12-13)
5. Prayer warrior for the church

PAUL'S PRAYER FOR THE CHURCH (1:9-14)

1. That they be filled with knowledge (along with wisdom and understanding)
2. That they live a life worthy of the Lord, pleasing to Him in every way
3. That they be strengthened with power for endurance and patience
4. That they be joyful and thankful for their salvation

* Each of these items was in jeopardy due to some false teachings in the area