Devine Scripture

Colossians 1:2

What does Colossians 1:2 mean?

A plain-English look at Colossians 1:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Colossians 1:2 means

Paul addresses the “saints and faithful brethren in Christ” at Colossæ. To be a saint is to be set apart to God; to be faithful is to be steadfast in allegiance to Christ. Their identity is both local (“at Colossæ”) and spiritual (“in Christ”), reminding them that their ultimate home and unity are found in Him. Paul pronounces the standard Christian blessing: grace and peace from God our Father. Grace is God’s undeserved favor that saves and sustains; peace is the wholeness and reconciliation that grace brings. The source is God Himself, not human effort. This blessing frames the entire letter as a ministry of grace producing true peace.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

to the saints and faithful brethren in Christthat areat Colossæ: Grace to you and peace from God our Father.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

to the saints and faithful brethren in Christthat areat Colossæ: Grace to you and peace from God our Father.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

To the saints and true brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

to the saints in Colossae, and to the faithful brethren in Christ: Grace to you, and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ!

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ Jesus who are at Colossa.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

to the holy and faithful brethren in Christ which [are] in Colosse. Grace to you and peace fromGod our Father [and Lord Jesus Christ].

Context

After establishing his role (verse 1), Paul now names his audience and bestows a blessing (verse 2). This sets the pastoral tone for what follows: thanksgiving for the Colossians’ faith, love, and hope (verses 3–8) and a detailed prayer for their growth (verses 9–12). The identity “in Christ” becomes crucial when Paul later exalts Christ’s supremacy (verses 15–20) and applies it to the church’s life (verses 21–29). The opening benediction assures readers of God’s favor before any exhortation.

v.1Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, and Timothy our brother,

v.2This passage

v.3We give thanks to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 Corinthians 1:2

    unto the church of God which is at Corinth, eventhem that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, calledto besaints, with all that call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ in every place, theirLordand ours:

  • 2 Peter 1:2

    Grace to you and peace be multiplied in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord;

  • Revelation 1:4

    John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace, from him who is and who was and who is to come; and from the seven Spirits that are before his throne;

  • Galatians 3:9

    So then they that are of faith are blessed with the faithful Abraham.

  • Psalms 16:3

    As for the saints that are in the earth, They are the excellent in whom is all my delight.

  • 1 Peter 1:2

    according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Colossians 1

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Colossians 1.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Colossians 1:2.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary