God’s People and God’s Assembly. Colossians 1:2 We may not be directly involved in creating a new work, but that doesn't mean we have no duty towards it. Likewise, Paul knew he was an apostle "by the will of God"; those who work in the Word of God have a responsibility to teach His word to those the Lord saves "for the edifying of the body of Christ." "The saints and faithful brethren" are God's people, called by His grace to be saints and, through faith, lived out in their daily lives, demonstrating their loyalty to God's kingdom. These brothers and sisters are part of God's family and deserve the interest and support of those who can help them walk by faith. We are "one in Christ, one body in the Lord," united by the living unity that a body symbolizes, regardless of where saints are found.
Believers in Christ are called "saints” (holy ones; set apart ones) by God's sovereign grace. Such individuals must be committed to righteousness, surrender to God's will, and obey the Lord. “Saints” reflects our relationship with God and indicates our standing in Christ. Our duty is to align our behavior with our standing in Christ. The purpose of the first part of this epistle is to ensure that our belief in Christ is matched by our practice of truth in how we live as those who are in Christ.
“Faithful brethren” affirms our relationship with other believers. It highlights the spiritual union believers share that unites them in the body of Christ. Specifically, we are connected to those who gather in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ in a local church. We share a common relationship with every Christian, but there is a special union involving accountability with those who live nearby and attend the same church meetings. This helps protect us from deception and selfish living because of the bonds of “like precious faith.” This visible sign of our submission to Christ’s lordship in the local church emphasizes the importance of being “in Christ” in Colosse or within our community.
Grace is the foundation of the union among those whom God has saved, "by grace are ye saved," and it gives a special meaning to every believer when we meet. "Are you a believer? Has God saved you?" holds great significance for Christians greeting each other. Grace is mentioned first in the salutation because all blessings come from God by His grace (unmerited favor), which brings joy to all who recognize they desire nothing from God. To non-believers, they are either embarrassed or do not understand what we are talking about, especially when it is connected with peace.
Peace for a child of God comes from God's grace, which has been demonstrated and accepted. Peace arrives to those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, despite all the uncertainties that threaten our generation's peace. Grace and peace originate from "God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ," not from life’s circumstances. Believers, no matter where they are or who they are, understand what these words mean. We share this common ground with all other true Christians.
These people are not just ordinary men and women. God knew who they were from the very beginning and placed a desire for spiritual things and a sanctified longing to know God within their nature. Then, when the Holy Spirit, through His convicting power, caused them to reflect on their life and more, these chosen individuals responded with faith in Christ. With the Holy Spirit within them, God has blessed these people, and they, in turn, become a blessing to others.
Many of them will not travel far from home. Their service for God will be where they are recognized. Their children will learn the way of salvation from faithful parents. Believers will be guided through life in a local church by faithful brothers. The community where they live will see their way of life in business and leisure. A husband will be faithful and provide for his children and wife; their testimony will be evident, even if they are unaware of the impact of their lives while living there.
One reason for that recognition is that God has chosen to reveal His grace through them. They received that dispensation when, with genuine faith, they trusted in Christ alone. Now, they revere His holy name and truly love the Lord. They consistently commit to following God's Word and have a love for each other that shines brightly. Onlookers see that they have abundant life. Contentment is lacking in most people we meet, but saints and faithful believers usually come together in peace. That is not because they have done great things or won battles, but because they are aware of their Father and who they are. The Lord Jesus is their Savior, and their joy is to honor Him who has saved them. Now, they can say, "Abba Father," and God is real to them, as are heaven and hell. They have found their peace in Him, who does everything well.