Colossians 1:5 - Printer Friendly

ESV: because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel,

NIV: the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel

NASB: because of the hope reserved for you in heaven, of which you previously heard in the word of truth, the gospel

CSB: because of the hope reserved for you in heaven. You have already heard about this hope in the word of truth, the gospel

NLT: which come from your confident hope of what God has reserved for you in heaven. You have had this expectation ever since you first heard the truth of the Good News.

KJV: For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;

NKJV: because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel,

The reason Paul and Timothy could continually give thanks to God (Colossians 1:3) is explained as "the hope laid up for you in heaven." The Greek term apokeimenēn is translated here as "laid up," or "reserved." The term implies the idea of hope being prepared for them in heaven. This is a reference to salvation and eternal life for Paul's readers. The people Paul writes to have already heard and accepted the gospel (Colossians 1:7).

This verse also describes the gospel as "the word of the truth." The word "gospel" is used in the New Testament in reference to both the good news of Jesus Christ, as well as a more general reference to truths about Christ. The word "gospel" later became connected with the titles of the first four books of the New Testament: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The word literally means "good news," an understatement of what that truth really means for those who believe it.

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 4/28/2024 2:16:20 AM