The introduction to Colossians runs from 1:1 to 2:5. In this passage, Paul is speaking more in the first person - Timothy is also named in the introduction, and seems to be involved in the message. Paul is wanting to address the church directly now. Remember, this is not a church Paul planted nor has he visited. Most likely, the church was planted and pastored by Epaphrus, who is named early in the letter as their source of information about the church.
Paul needs to establish some relationship and credibility with this church, and he does that in this passage. Because of everything Paul has said so far in the letter, and - perhaps - because of rumours about his situation, Paul has to lay out some specifics about his suffering in the context of the Gospel and the Body of Christ, the Church.
But Paul's primary purpose, his toil and struggle, is not to prove himself. His heart's desire is that followers of Jesus would be growing and maturing in Christ.
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