This morning we begin to study the book of Colossians. As we do so it is imperative for us to remember that while Colossians was not written to us, it was written for us. Consequently, many of the specific issues that the Colossian church faced will not be issues we are facing. However, everything that is written to them has application for us, instructing and directing us as the people of God. In order to derive that benefit from the letter, we have to understand its author, its original audience, and its purpose. And it is these three things that the opening words of the epistle help us understand.