Colossians 1:12
giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The Father didn't just allow you to be part of the inheritance; He actively qualified you, making you sufficient and fit for it. This means our readiness isn't something we earn, but a gift bestowed upon us, enabling us to share in the glorious inheritance "in light."
Paul is detailing what he prays for these believers: that they would be filled with God's will, walk in a way that pleases Him, and be strengthened for suffering. This verse immediately follows those petitions, shifting to thanksgiving, as Paul enumerates the reasons for gratitude and the glorious blessings God has bestowed.
Ever feel like you're not quite 'good enough' for God's plans? This verse flips that idea on its head.
The word 'qualified' (hikanoō) in this verse doesn't mean we somehow earned our spot. It speaks of God making us sufficient, enabling us. We weren't born fit for heaven; we were born children of wrath, as some commentators note. But God, in His grace, confers the ability and the privilege to share in the inheritance. This isn't about our merits or achievements; it's about His power equipping us. He provides the grace sufficient for us to partake in His kingdom.
What does it mean to inherit 'light'? It's more than just a future destination.
The 'inheritance of the saints in light' points to the blessings God has set aside for His people. This isn't solely a future reality in heaven, though it certainly includes that! The concept of 'light' here contrasts sharply with the 'kingdom of darkness' from which believers are rescued. This 'light' represents knowledge, purity, holiness, and the very presence of God. It's a state that believers begin to experience now – walking in God's truth and fellowship – and will fully realize in eternity.
Understand the original words
hikanoō · Greek Verb
To be made sufficient or fit for a task or status; it implies receiving the necessary credentials or standing to be part of God's covenant people.
klēros · Greek Noun
An allotted portion of property or privilege received by birthright or promise; biblically, it refers to the eternal blessings and standing secured for believers in Christ.
hagios · Greek Noun
Those set apart by God for Himself; believers who are sanctified and made holy through the blood of Christ.
c. 1st century AD
Jewish Diaspora
Jewish people lived in communities scattered throughout the Roman Empire, including Colossae, a city in Asia Minor.
c. 1st century AD
Emergence of Heretical Teachings
In Colossae, a mix of Jewish, pagan, and early Christian ideas may have led to syncretic beliefs that threatened the purity of the gospel.
c. AD 60-62— this verse
Paul's Imprisonment and Ministry
The Apostle Paul, while imprisoned, likely wrote the Epistle to the Colossians, addressing the spiritual needs and theological challenges of the church there.
c. 1st century AD
Development of Early Christian Theology
The early church was grappling with defining Christ's identity and the implications of his work, leading to foundational theological understanding.
This passage echoes the idea of an inheritance, emphasizing that believers have received an inheritance 'in accordance with the riches of his grace,' highlighting God's sovereign choice and provision, similar to how the Father in Colossians has qualified believers for their inheritance.
1 Peter 2:9This verse calls believers a 'chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession,' which directly relates to the 'inheritance of the saints' by defining who these saints are and their unique status before God.
Romans 8:28-30This passage explains the divine process from foreknowledge to glorification, reinforcing the idea that God is the one who qualifies and sets apart His people, a concept central to Colossians 1:12's 'who has qualified you.'
John 1:5This verse states 'The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it,' providing a theological backdrop for the 'inheritance of the saints in light,' contrasting the divine light with the darkness of the world from which believers are called.
2 Corinthians 3:6This verse speaks of being made 'sufficient' (the same Greek word as 'qualified' in Colossians 1:12) as ministers of a new covenant, directly linking the divine enablement for service with God's work in qualifying His people for their heavenly inheritance.
vincentColossians 1:12: "Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:"
Made us meet (ἱκανώσαντι)See on 2 Corinthians 3:6.To be partakers of the inheritance (εἰς τὴν μερίδα τοῦ κλήρου).Lit., for the portion of the lot; that is, the portion which is the lot. Compare Acts 8:21, where the two words are coordinated.In light (ἐν τῷ φωτί)Connect with inheritance: the inheritance which is in light. This need not be limited to futu…
barnesColossians 1:12: "Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:"
Giving thanks to the Father - This is another mode by which we may "walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing" Colossians 1:10 ; to wit, by rendering appropriate thanks to God for his mercy. The particular point which the apostle here says demanded thanksgiving was, that they had been called from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light. This had been done…
The Father didn't just allow you to be part of the inheritance; He actively qualified you, making you sufficient and fit for it. This means our readiness isn't something we earn, but a gift bestowed upon us, enabling us to share in the glorious inheritance "in light."
Paul is detailing what he prays for these believers: that they would be filled with God's will, walk in a way that pleases Him, and be strengthened for suffering. This verse immediately follows those petitions, shifting to thanksgiving, as Paul enumerates the reasons for gratitude and the glorious blessings God has bestowed.
Paul is detailing what he prays for these believers: that they would be filled with God's will, walk in a way that pleases Him, and be strengthened for suffering. This verse immediately follows those petitions, shifting to thanksgiving, as Paul enumerates the reasons for gratitude and the glorious blessings God has bestowed.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Colossians 1:12 is available in the Sola app.
"giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light." — The Father didn't just allow you to be part of the inheritance; He actively qualified you, making you sufficient and fit for it. This means our readiness isn't something we earn, but a gift besto…
