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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Colossians 1:4
What does Colossians 1:4 mean?
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Colossians 1:4
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Paul is thanking God not just for their faith, but specifically for their faith in Christ Jesus, highlighting that Christ Himself is the very foundation and sphere of their belief. He also blesses God for their love toward all the saints, emphasizing a radical, all-encompassing affection that extends beyond their immediate community.
since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is writing to the church at Colossae, giving thanks to God for them. He's heard from Epaphras, a fellow minister, about their strong faith in Christ and their love for other believers. This good news encourages Paul and gives him a foundation for the encouragement and instruction he's about to offer them.
Paul opens this letter not with a critique, but with gratitude! What does this reveal about what truly matters in a church community?
Paul begins the letter to the Colossians by hearing about their faith and love. This isn't just a polite opening; it's Paul highlighting the core elements he values in any Christian community.
Faith as the Ground
Paul specifically mentions "faith in Christ Jesus." This points to a faith that isn't just a passive belief but an active trust and reliance on Jesus. It's the bedrock upon which the entire Christian life and the church are built. Without this foundational faith, nothing else stands.
Love as the Fruit
Following closely is "the love that you have for all the saints." This isn't just a general goodwill; it's a specific, active affection directed towards fellow believers – the "saints." This love is the natural, beautiful outflow of genuine faith in Christ. It shows that their faith isn't just an internal matter but has tangible, outward expressions toward others within the community.
The text mentions love "to all the saints." What does this scope of love tell us about the nature of Christian affection?
It's significant that Paul specifies their love is directed "toward all the saints." This isn't a narrow, exclusive affection reserved for a select few.
Beyond Local Borders
Commentators suggest this "all" likely meant not just those in Colossae but saints everywhere – both present and absent. The gospel's power is shown in its ability to create a global family united by Christ.
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The Spirit's Work
This universal love is a hallmark of the Holy Spirit's work. It transcends cultural, social, and even geographical barriers. True Christian love, rooted in faith, naturally extends beyond our immediate circle to embrace all who belong to Christ, recognizing them as brothers and sisters in Him.
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 letter to the Colossians wasn't written to a church Paul founded or had personally visited. Instead, he heard about their vibrant faith and love from Epaphras, a messenger who likely traveled to wherever Paul was imprisoned. This context highlights how the early church's faith spread through reports and the dedication of its leaders, even across distances.
c. AD 30-33
Founding of the Church in Jerusalem
The Holy Spirit descends at Pentecost, empowering the first followers of Jesus and marking the birth of the Christian Church. This event ignites the spread of the Gospel.
c. AD 40s
Paul's Missionary Journeys Begin
The Apostle Paul embarks on extensive journeys across the Roman Empire, spreading the Christian message to both Jewish and Gentile communities.
c. AD 50-60
Paul's Imprisonment and Writing
During a period of imprisonment, likely in Rome, Paul writes several letters, including those to the Ephesians and Colossians, from prison.
c. AD 60-62— this verse
Epaphras Reports to Paul
Epaphras, a leader from the Colossian church, travels to see Paul (likely while Paul is imprisoned) and brings news of the Colossians' faith and love.
This passage directly links love for fellow believers to a transition from death to life, underscoring that genuine faith naturally produces love for the 'saints'.
Galatians 5:6It emphasizes that in Christ, true faith is always active through love, showing how faith and love are inseparable spiritual realities.
Ephesians 1:15This verse presents a nearly identical expression of thanksgiving for faith and love, highlighting the common themes and concerns in Paul's letters to the churches.
1 Thessalonians 1:3Paul gives thanks for the Thessalonians' 'work of faith,' 'labor of love,' and 'steadfastness of hope,' mirroring the core elements of the Colossians' commendation.
1 John 4:7-8These verses powerfully state that love originates from God and that anyone who does not love does not know God, reinforcing the divine source and essential nature of the love Paul commends.
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 is thanking God not just for their faith, but specifically for their faith in Christ Jesus, highlighting that Christ Himself is the very foundation and sphere of their belief. He also blesses God for their love toward all the saints, emphasizing a radical, all-encompassing affection that extends beyond their immediate community.
Paul is writing to the church at Colossae, giving thanks to God for them. He's heard from Epaphras, a fellow minister, about their strong faith in Christ and their love for other believers. This good news encourages Paul and gives him a foundation for the encouragement and instruction he's about to offer them.
Paul is writing to the church at Colossae, giving thanks to God for them. He's heard from Epaphras, a fellow minister, about their strong faith in Christ and their love for other believers. This good news encourages Paul and gives him a foundation for the encouragement and instruction he's about to offer them.
"since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints," — Paul is thanking God not just for their faith, but specifically for their faith in Christ Jesus, highlighting that Christ Himself is the very foundation and sphere of their belief. He also blesse…
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Last reviewed October 2026