Colossians 1:4 - Printer Friendly

ESV: since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints,

NIV: because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people—

NASB: since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love which you have for all the saints;

CSB: for we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints

NLT: For we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and your love for all of God’s people,

KJV: Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints,

NKJV: since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints;

The "we" Paul uses in this verse also includes his co-author, Timothy. Timothy was with Paul in Rome during his imprisonment. While Paul was under house arrest, Timothy served him in order to help meet his needs. This included acting as Paul's collaborating writer. Paul is generally credited as the main author of the books that also include Timothy as a writer. Although Paul will give the Colossians correction regarding various concerns in this letter, he still clearly accepts the church in Colossae as true believers. This is solely on account of their faith in Jesus Christ.

This verse is also this letter's second use of the term "saints," which the Bible uses to refer to any saved believer. As used in the Bible, the word "saints" does not mean those who are somehow holier, purer, or more spiritual than others. Paul emphasized his acceptance of the Colossian Christians, and his high view of their faith as fellow saints in Christ (Colossians 1:2). These believers had great love for one another, similar to the church described in Acts 2:42–47.

Colossians 1:3–8 expresses Paul's gratitude for the growth of the Colossian church. As a result of Epaphras' efforts, the believers there are growing in their faith. In particular, Paul is hearing positive things about their Christian love. Paul also connects his gratitude to the growth of Christianity in other places around the world.

In chapter 1, Paul introduces himself, along with his co-author Timothy. As he often does, Paul gives thanks for what he hears about the faith of the believers in Colossae. Paul includes a prayer for their growth and spiritual strength. The letter then transitions to praise of Jesus, describing Him as absolutely supreme. All created things were made through, by, and for Him. And, since it was His sacrifice which saved us from sin, we can have confidence in our eternal destiny.

Colossians chapter 1 is mostly focused on describing Christ as supreme. Jesus is not only the God of creation, He is the ultimate authority over all created things. The penalty for sin has been completely removed because of His perfect sacrifice. These are foundational ideas which Paul will use to set up his later points. In chapters 2, 3, and 4, Paul will explain why contrary claims are untrue, and show the right way for Christians to live out what we believe about Jesus.

The book of Colossians describes Christ as superior to all other teachers, faiths, and philosophies. In this letter, written from prison, Paul once again tackles false teachings. Among these errors are claims that Christians need to give up all physical enjoyments, that they should worship angels, and that they need to rely on the wisdom of an elite few. These problems are consistent with an ancient heresy known as Gnosticism. In response, Paul explains that Christ is supreme, and sufficient for our salvation.

Accessed 12/30/2024 12:48:06 PM