Colossians 1:8 - Printer Friendly

ESV: and has made known to us your love in the Spirit.

NIV: and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.

NASB: and he also informed us of your love in the Spirit.

CSB: and he has told us about your love in the Spirit.

NLT: He has told us about the love for others that the Holy Spirit has given you.

KJV: Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.

NKJV: who also declared to us your love in the Spirit.

This verse completes the thought which Paul began in verse 7. Based on this, it seems Epaphras shared a report of the love of the Colossian believers to Paul and Timothy in Rome. According to Philemon 1:23, Epaphras was a prisoner in Rome along with Paul at some point. This would have given him plenty of time to offer a positive report regarding those he served in Colossae. Christian love is a common and crucial theme of Paul's letters. For him to specifically reference "love" as a characteristic of the Colossian Christians is high praise.

The use of "the Spirit" in this verse is of great importance. Verses 6 and 7 mention God and Christ, with the Spirit in this verse completing a clear picture of the Triune God: Father, Son, and Spirit (Matthew 28:19–20). This is crucial when facing the claim that the Trinity was a later addition to the church's beliefs; Paul presents all three Persons of the Trinity together as part of God at work in our world.

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 5/5/2024 6:39:28 AM