What does Colossians 1:3 mean?

Paul's letter opens immediately with gratitude. Paul was a man of prayer, often opening his letters with similar thanks (Philippians 1:3). He calls God "the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." This belief will be mentioned again later, when Paul addresses false teachings regarding the identity of Christ. Paul presents Jesus as equal with God the Father, yet distinguishes between Father and Son as well.

Paul focuses his prayer on all of the believers in Colossae. He rejoices at the knowledge of a vibrant group of believers thriving apart from his leadership. Though Paul had helped start several churches, there would have been many others which began through the efforts of others. In this case, the church in Colossae started under the ministry of Epaphras (Colossians 1:7). The success of a church in Colossae would have encouraged Paul. This was a sign that the gospel was spreading among the Gentiles, beyond his own direct influence, and into many other regions as well.

Paul's use of "we" is a reference to himself and his co-author, Timothy (Colossians 1:1).