The essence of what Paul is communicating to these believers is that as much as they are in Colossae geographically, so they are in Christ. Says Storms, In Paul’s mind, just as these Christians live literally in the region near Colossae, they also live in Christ. The terrain, climate, values and history in which people grow up and live helps to define who they are. As this region near [Colossae] defines who they are, Christ defines who believers really are. Christ is the sphere of influence or power field in which they live and from who they benefit and are transformed. That is, with his Spirit, their values, character, history, and purpose shape their lives. Christians live in Christ. Jesus Christ must never be depersonalized by such language, but we will not understand Paul unless we learn to think of life as lived in Christ.
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2 To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father.