Colossians 1:2
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.
Original Language Analysis
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἁγίοις
To the saints
G40
ἁγίοις
To the saints
Strong's:
G40
Word #:
4 of 21
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀδελφοῖς
brethren
G80
ἀδελφοῖς
brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
7 of 21
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
χάρις
Grace
G5485
χάρις
Grace
Strong's:
G5485
Word #:
10 of 21
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἰρήνη
peace
G1515
εἰρήνη
peace
Strong's:
G1515
Word #:
13 of 21
peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
14 of 21
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
θεοῦ
God
G2316
θεοῦ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
15 of 21
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
πατρὸς
Father
G3962
πατρὸς
Father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
16 of 21
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
18 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Κυρίου
the Lord
G2962
Κυρίου
the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
19 of 21
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
Cross References
2 Peter 1:2Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,Ephesians 1:1Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:Romans 1:7To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.1 Corinthians 1:2Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both their's and our's:Revelation 1:4John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;Galatians 1:3Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,1 Peter 1:2Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.Psalms 16:3But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight.Ephesians 6:21But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things:1 Corinthians 4:17For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.
Historical Context
The Colossian heresy combined Jewish legalism, Greek philosophy, and proto-Gnostic mysticism, teaching that Christ alone was insufficient for spiritual maturity. This syncretistic mixture required angel worship, visionary experiences, and ascetic practices as supplements to faith. Paul's greeting establishes equality before addressing these false mediators.
Questions for Reflection
- How does your identity as a "saint in Christ" affect daily self-perception and decision-making?
- Where do you seek peace beyond Christ—in circumstances, achievements, or experiences?
- What does it mean practically that grace and peace flow equally from Father and Son?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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. The double designation hagiois kai pistois adelphois (ἁγίοις καὶ πιστοῖς ἀδελφοῖς, "holy ones and faithful brothers") emphasizes both positional sanctity and practical faithfulness. "Saints" denotes not earned holiness but God's setting apart of believers through union with Christ—directly countering any teaching of spiritual elitism through secret knowledge.
The phrase en Christō (ἐν Χριστῷ, "in Christ") appears repeatedly in Colossians as Paul's fundamental answer to heresy: all spiritual fullness resides in Christ, requiring no mystical additions. The greeting pairs charis (χάρις, "grace") with eirēnē (εἰρήνη, "peace"), Greek and Hebrew blessings united. Crucially, both emanate equally "from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ," placing Christ on identical divine footing with the Father.