“We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,”
We thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, always praying for you — Paul's thanksgiving (eucharistēō) is foundational. The address 'God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ' (ho Theos patēr tou kyriou Iēsou Christou) establishes Trinitarian relationship: God is Father through Christ. 'Always praying' (pantote proseuchomai) shows constant intercession. Prayer precedes exhortation: relationship before instruction. The opening shapes the letter's posture toward them.
Church Fathers on Colossians 1:3
“We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” He seems to me to refer everything to the Father, that what he has to say may not at once offend them. He shows his love, not by giving thanks only, but also by continual prayer, in that those whom he did not see, he had continually within himself.
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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