Colossians 1:4-5
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Paul's praise here is more than just a friendly check-in; he highlights their "love for all the saints" because this wasn't just a casual affection. It was a profound, Spirit-empowered love that united believers universally, a key aspect that countered the exclusive tendencies of some teachings in that era.
since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is writing this letter to the church in Colossae with his companion Timothy, and he begins by expressing his gratitude for them. He’s heard from Epaphras, who likely founded the church, about their vibrant faith and their genuine love for fellow believers. This understanding of their spiritual health is the foundation for everything Paul is about to teach them.
Paul immediately connects the Colossians' faith to Christ. What does it mean for our faith to be 'in Christ Jesus'?
When Paul speaks of "faith in Christ Jesus," he's not just talking about believing about Him. The original language suggests a faith that rests within Christ, finding its very foundation and sphere of life in Him. It's like an anchor finding its secure hold in the seabed, or a ship finding its safe harbor. This isn't a faith that just looks to Jesus as an example, but one that is deeply rooted and lives in union with Him. This vital connection means our faith isn't passive; it's active, finding its strength and purpose because it's centered on the person and work of Jesus.
Paul hears about the Colossians' love for 'all the saints.' What makes this love distinct and why is it so important?
Christian love, as Paul describes it here, isn't just a general good feeling towards others. It's a love that originates from the Holy Spirit, a 'spiritual love' that is 'consecrated to the service of piety.' This isn't a mere human affection based on shared interests or background. It's a selfless, holy love that extends to all who belong to Christ, regardless of their background or location. This outward expression of love is a powerful testimony to the true spirit of their faith and a vital characteristic of the new family God is building through the gospel.
Understand the original words
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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.
elpis · Greek Noun
The confident expectation and certainty of future salvation and the eternal blessings promised by God. It is anchored in the resurrection of Christ and is not a mere wish but a secure anticipation.
alētheia · Greek Noun
The objective, divine reality revealed by God. It is equated with the gospel and stands in contrast to falsehood, serving as the foundation for the believer's life and faith.
euangelion · Greek Noun
Literally "good news," referring to the message of salvation through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.
The faith and love of the Colossian believers were not abstract qualities but were heard about through messengers like Epaphras, prompting Paul's encouraging and corrective letter. This highlights the relational and communicative nature of the early church.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus Crucified and Resurrected
The foundational event of Christianity, Jesus' death and resurrection, sparks the beginning of the church and the spread of the gospel.
c. AD 30-60
Early Spread of the Gospel
Following Pentecost, the apostles and early believers begin spreading the message of Jesus throughout Judea, Samaria, and into the wider Roman Empire.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's Ministry in Ephesus
The Apostle Paul spends a significant amount of time in Ephesus, a major city in Asia Minor, where he establishes a strong church and influences the surrounding region, including Colossae.
c. AD 60-62— this verse
Epaphras Reports to Paul
Epaphras, a believer from the Colossian church, travels to visit Paul (likely while Paul is imprisoned) and shares news about the Colossian believers' faith and love.
c. AD 60-62
Paul Writes the Letter to the Colossians
Responding to the report from Epaphras, Paul writes this letter, likely from Rome, to encourage the Colossians, address potential false teachings, and affirm their faith and love.
This passage directly links love for fellow believers to the reality of one's faith, mirroring the connection Paul makes in Colossians between faith and love.
Galatians 5:6This verse highlights that genuine faith works through love, underscoring that the faith and love mentioned in Colossians are not separate but intrinsically connected aspects of a vibrant spiritual life.
Ephesians 1:15Paul uses almost identical language here, speaking of hearing about the Ephesians' faith and love, showing this was a common and important sign of a healthy church he heard about.
1 Thessalonians 1:3Similar to Colossians, Paul thanks God for the Thessalonians' 'work of faith,' 'labor of love,' and 'steadfastness of hope,' demonstrating a consistent pattern of recognizing these core Christian virtues.
1 Peter 4:8This verse states that 'love covers over a multitude of sins,' emphasizing the profound and unifying power of brotherly love that Paul likely observed and celebrated in the Colossian believers.
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's praise here is more than just a friendly check-in; he highlights their "love for all the saints" because this wasn't just a casual affection. It was a profound, Spirit-empowered love that united believers universally, a key aspect that countered the exclusive tendencies of some teachings in that era.
Paul is writing this letter to the church in Colossae with his companion Timothy, and he begins by expressing his gratitude for them. He’s heard from Epaphras, who likely founded the church, about their vibrant faith and their genuine love for fellow believers. This understanding of their spiritual health is the foundation for everything Paul is about to teach them.
Paul is writing this letter to the church in Colossae with his companion Timothy, and he begins by expressing his gratitude for them. He’s heard from Epaphras, who likely founded the church, about their vibrant faith and their genuine love for fellow believers. This understanding of their spiritual health is the foundation for everything Paul is about to teach them.
"since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel," — Paul's praise here is more than just a friendly check-in; he highlights their "love for all the saints" because this wasn't just a casual affection. It was a profound, Spirit-empowered love that un…
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Last reviewed October 2026
