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Text: Colossians 1:2
Before moving on past the greeting there are two contrasts in verse 2, one of which we’ll preach on tonight.
This contrast is subtle, but is clear in the verse. Paul addresses this to the saints AND faithful brethren in Christ; a distinction that as we’ll see emphasizes the benefits Israel has been given by God and the relationship of Gentiles to those benefits. Now, you might say saints and faithful brethren are the same thing, but you know if these are identical groups of people there is no need to split them into two groups.
Saints are the children of Israel in the Old Testament
- Let’s look at the Bible use of the word saint.
- Psalms 148:14 He also exalteth the horn of his people, the praise of all his saints; even of the children of Israel, a people near unto him. Praise ye the LORD.
- Psalm 85:8-13, the saints here can potentially turn back to follow and lose their inheritance. See also Matthew 27:52 many bodies, not all.
- Romans 9:3-6, 30-33
- Psalm 50:5 (See also Psalm 51 and 116:15 dealing with spiritual sacrifices)
- Notice the distinction when Paul writes to the Ephesians. He originally met 12 Jewish disciples in Ephesus, but Gentiles gathered around Paul’s preaching as well.
- Ephesians 1:1, 15-18, 2:11-13, 19-22 (with the saints vs 19)
- Saints appear to be born again Israelites in the New Testament
Faithful brethren appear to be Gentile converts
- Those graft in by faith, Romans 11:1-5, 11-15, 17-18, 25-28
- 1 Corinthians 7:25 obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful
