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Observe here, 1. That this epistle to the Colossians contains many of the same things, and often the very same words, with that to the Ephesians, particularly the salutation here is the same with that to the Ephesians;
in which, note, 1. The person saluting, Paul, once a persecutor, now a professor, yea, a zealous preacher of the faith of Christ, dignified with the title and office of an apostle, an apostle of Jesus Christ; that is, called and sent immediately by him to plant and propagate the Christian faith throughout the Heathen world, but by the will of God; Christ, as Head of the church, is intrusted with sending out ministers into his church; but the Father's will, and Christ's will, do both concur and fully agree in sending forth his ministers and edify his church; and woe to such as intrude themselves into any office in the church without their call and commission; let them expect a blow instead of a blessing.
Note, 2. The apostle joins Timothy in the salutation; though Timothy was not an apostle, or a penman of any part of the Scripture, yet because he was well known to the Colossians, and much valued and esteemed by them, and was a person of eminent worth and excellency in himself, and of singular serviceableness to the apostle, he therefore calls him his brother, being his fellow-labourer in the work of the gospel.
Where the great humility of St. Paul is remarkable, and worthy of intimidation; who, though an inspired apostle, extraordinarily and immediately called by Christ himself, an aged person, long engaged in the work of Christ, yet is so far from despising young Timothy, his inferior, greatly his inferior in all respects, that he gives him all fitting respect, and puts honour upon him, in calling him his brother, they being fellow labourers in the work and service of the gospel.
Note, 3. The persons saluted, the, saints and faithful brethren in Christ, which are at Colosse. He calls all the members of this christian church by the name of saints, they all making an outward and visible profession of sanctity and holiness: and many of them, no doubt, were what they professed, not only relative, but real saints; he styles them alco faithful brethren in Christ, that is, implanted into Christ, some by outward profession, others by inward sanctification; or the expression, saints in Christ Jesus, may intimate to us, that all our grace and sanctity must be exercised and acted by strength derived from Christ, and all our holiness be accepted in Christ Jesus.
Note, 4. The salutation itself: Grace be to you, and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
By grace, understand the free love and gracious favour of God, together with all the effects and fruits of it: these are wished from God as a father; intimating, that God bestows not his special grace as a Creator, but as a Father in Christ:
next he wishes them peace from our Lord Jesus Christ, he being the purchaser of our peace, upon whom was laid the chastisement of our peace, and by whom God is at peace with us, and reconciled to us.
But why is there no mention of the Holy Ghost, as well as of God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ?
Because it is by the Spirit that God the Father and Jesus Christ dwell in us, and do communicate this grace unto us; so that praying for this grace is praying for the communion of the Holy Ghost.