Episode 63: Grace and peace

We do not live in a peaceful world; it is therefore appropriate to pray for peace, for God’s shalom. As we saw back at the beginning of our study, Paul begins his letter by wishing “grace and peace” for the Colossians. Now, in chapter 3, Paul echoes his earlier language, teaching the Colossians to live in a way that embodies shalom in their relationships with one another.

What is Chunks: Paul's Letter to the Colossians?

The church in the city of Colossae had recently been founded by one of the apostle Paul's colleagues; he had never met them personally. But he had heard of their faith and of some of the challenges that threatened to undermine that faith, including what seems to be the presence of false teachers who were leading them astray. Paul therefore writes to them from prison, lovingly encouraging them to realize the treasure they already have in the gospel. In so doing, he paints a magnificent and cosmic portrait of the Christ in whom they've already believed, and in whom they've been given a new and transformed nature. His words should help remind believers of every time and place that the Christ we worship is supreme. (Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture passages will be read from the New International Version.)