Chunks: Paul's Letter to the Colossians

Even as Paul tells the Colossians how he prays for them, he is again both following and transforming convention. It was common for letter-writers to express their gratitude to the recipient of the letter. But Paul’s gratitude has theological significance. He is grateful for the way the gospel is bearing fruit throughout the empire—and he sees that fruit in the faith, hope, and especially the love of the Colossians (Col 1:3-8).