a native or inhabitant of the city of Colossae in ancient Phrygia

When Paul wrote to the Colossian believers, they were facing some conflicts. They had difficulty connecting their lives in Christ with their lives in Colossae .

当年保罗在写信给歌罗西的信徒时，信徒们的生活正面临一些沖突，因为他们没有办法把在基督里的新生活和在歌罗西的现实生活连结在一起。

In these verses Paul reminds the Colossian Christians that there ought to have been a difference in their lives since they came to Christ, because of their position in him.

在这短短几节经文里面，保罗提醒歌罗西的信徒，他们既然接受了基督，他们的身分便已经得着改变，因此，他们的人生便应该与前不同。

This is why Paul could be thankful when he thought of the Colossian believers.

这是为什么保罗想到歌罗西的信徒时会有感恩的心。

With this as back drop, Paul wrote this letter to the Colossian believers.

保罗是在这样的前提之下写信给歌罗西的基督徒的。

How does Paul describe the Colossian Christians?

保罗怎样形容歌罗西教会的信徒呢？

What is the first definite request Paul asks? Paul prayed that the Colossian Christians might be filled with the knowledge of God「s will.

保罗为歌罗西信徒最先祈求的，是他们能够满心知道神的旨意。

Paul is praying that the Colossian Christians may have a complete, practical knowledge of the will of God every day of their lives.

保罗希望歌罗西信徒在每天的生活中，能够完全和具体地知道神对他们的心意。

Paul is still writing about the change that should have taken place in the lives of the Colossian Christians when they came to Christ.

保罗在这里继续论到信徒在接受基督之后的应有改变。

Epaphras came to Paul because of the problems the Colossian church was encountering.

以巴弗因为歌罗西教会所遇到的问题向保罗求助。

Paul prayed that the Colossian Christians might grow in their knowledge, wisdom, and understanding so that they would have patience and endurance and give thanks to God.

保罗曾为歌罗西教会的信徒祈求，希望他们在知识、智能及悟性上有所增长，以致他们能忍耐与宽容，并懂得感谢神。

Lastly, as Paul was giving thanks for the Colossian Christians」 faith, love and hope, he could not help but recognize that it was the proclamation of the gospel message that made it all possible.

其次，保罗为信徒之间的彼此关爱而感恩。 歌罗西的信徒对耶稣基督有信心。 他们的信心表现在爱心上。 关爱的对象是所有的 圣 徒和弟兄姐妹。基督徒的爱以此为源头。