Colossians 1:4
since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Paul isn't just hearing about their faith in general; he's hearing about their faith in Christ Jesus. This is crucial because it highlights that their faith isn't just a personal belief, but something grounded and found within their union with Christ himself.
Paul begins by expressing heartfelt gratitude for the Colossian believers, having recently heard through Epaphras about the genuine faith in Christ and the widespread love they hold for fellow believers. This news encourages Paul, confirming their spiritual health and serving as a foundation for the deeper truths he is about to share with them.
Paul opens this letter with a powerful thank you, but what does it reveal about how he learned about the Colossians and why he's so grateful?
Paul starts by expressing his gratitude for the Colossian believers. He mentions he heard about their faith and love. This implies Epaphras, who brought Paul news of the church (Colossians 1:7-8), was the source of this information.
A Source of Encouragement
This wasn't just casual gossip; it was vital news that fueled Paul's prayers and thanksgiving. Knowing about their steadfast faith in Christ Jesus and their genuine love for fellow believers gave him joy and encouragement. It confirmed that the gospel was bearing fruit.
A Universal Love
Notice that their love was directed 'toward all the saints.' This wasn't a small, exclusive club; their affection extended to all who belonged to Christ, no matter where they were. This points to a broad, Christ-centered love that recognized fellow believers as part of God's family.
Paul immediately points to two fundamental aspects of the Christian life. What makes these so crucial, and how are they interconnected?
Paul singles out 'faith in Christ Jesus' and 'love that you have to all the saints' as the primary reasons for his thanksgiving. These aren't just nice additions to a Christian life; they are foundational pillars.
Faith's Focus
'Faith in Christ Jesus' means their trust and reliance were placed squarely on Jesus Himself. It's not just believing about Him, but believing in Him – resting their entire hope and salvation on His person and work. This faith is the channel through which they received God's grace.
Love's Expression
'Love toward all the saints' is the natural outflow of that faith. When someone truly encounters God's love in Christ, it transforms them and enables them to love others, especially those who share in Christ. This love is a hallmark of genuine discipleship, demonstrating the reality of their connection to God and each other.
Understand the original words
pistis · Greek Noun
A firm, confident trust and reliance upon God and His promises in Jesus Christ. It is the instrument by which one receives justification and the foundational response to the gospel.
agapē · Greek Noun
The selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional concern for the well-being of others, modeled after God’s own love for His people. It is the primary mark of a true disciple of Christ.
The mention of hearing about the Colossians' faith and love, likely through Epaphras, highlights the interconnectedness of the early church. It shows how news of a community's spiritual health traveled and inspired those in leadership, even when they were separated by great distances.
c. AD 40s-50s
Paul's Missionary Journeys
The Apostle Paul, after his conversion, embarked on extensive missionary journeys throughout the Roman Empire. During these journeys, he established numerous churches, including potentially those in the Lycus Valley where Colossae was located, though direct evidence of Paul visiting Colossae is debated.
c. AD 50s-60s
Epaphras Founds Colossian Church
It is widely believed that Epaphras, a disciple of Paul, was instrumental in establishing the church in Colossae and ministering there. He likely served as their primary spiritual leader and teacher.
c. AD 60-62— this verse
Epaphras Visits Paul in Prison
Epaphras traveled to where Paul was imprisoned (likely Rome) to report on the state of the Colossian church. He brought news of their progress, specifically their growing faith and love for fellow believers.
c. AD 60-62
Paul Writes the Epistle to the Colossians
This passage directly links love for fellow believers with genuine faith, mirroring the connection Paul highlights between the Colossians' faith and their love for the saints.
Galatians 6:10Paul's instruction to 'do good to everyone, especially to those who belong to the family of believers' echoes the Colossians' demonstrated love for 'all the saints', emphasizing a broad yet focused Christian love.
Ephesians 1:15This verse from a parallel epistle shares a similar structure, with Paul expressing thanksgiving upon hearing of the church's faith and love, indicating a consistent pattern in his commendations.
1 Thessalonians 1:3Here, Paul mentions the Thessalonians' 'work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love,' highlighting the active outworking of faith and love, much like what Paul heard about the Colossians.
1 John 4:7-8These verses state that love comes from God and that anyone who does not love does not know God, reinforcing the idea that the Colossians' love for saints was evidence of their true connection to Christ.
barnesColossians 1:4: "Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints,"
Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus - To wit, by Epaphras, who had informed Paul of the steadfastness of their faith and love; Colossians 1:7-8 . This does not prove that Paul had never been at Colossae, or that he did not establish the church there, for he uses a similar expression respecting the church at Ephesus Ephesians 1:15 , of which he was undoubtedly the founder. Th…
henryColossians 1:1-8: "Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother,"
1:1-8 All true Christians are brethren one to another. Faithfulness runs through every character and relation of the Christian life. Faith, hope, and love, are the three principal graces in the Christian life, and proper matter for prayer and thanksgiving. The more we fix our hopes on the reward in the other world, the more free shall we be in doing good with our earthly treasure. It was treasure…
Paul isn't just hearing about their faith in general; he's hearing about their faith in Christ Jesus. This is crucial because it highlights that their faith isn't just a personal belief, but something grounded and found within their union with Christ himself.
Paul begins by expressing heartfelt gratitude for the Colossian believers, having recently heard through Epaphras about the genuine faith in Christ and the widespread love they hold for fellow believers. This news encourages Paul, confirming their spiritual health and serving as a foundation for the deeper truths he is about to share with them.
Paul begins by expressing heartfelt gratitude for the Colossian believers, having recently heard through Epaphras about the genuine faith in Christ and the widespread love they hold for fellow believers. This news encourages Paul, confirming their spiritual health and serving as a foundation for the deeper truths he is about to share with them.
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In response to Epaphras's report and in light of emerging false teachings in Colossae, Paul, along with Timothy, dictated this letter. The letter affirms the supremacy of Christ and warns against syncretistic philosophies.
"since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints," — Paul isn't just hearing about their faith in general; he's hearing about their faith in Christ Jesus. This is crucial because it highlights that their faith isn't just a personal belief, but someth…
