Colossians 1:5
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)
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The text emphasizes that the "hope" spoken of isn't just a feeling, but the actual, tangible good things reserved for believers in heaven. This precious treasure, hidden and secure, is what they first heard about when the gospel was preached to them, highlighting the foundational and enduring nature of this message.
Paul is giving thanks for the Colossian believers, celebrating their faith, love, and hope. This verse explains that their hope is a secure treasure in heaven, which they first learned about when the true gospel was preached to them. This foundational teaching about their future glory is what encourages their present faith and love, and it stands in contrast to the potentially misleading teachings they might encounter later.
What if everything you've ever hoped for was safely stored away, beyond any harm or loss? Paul speaks of such a treasure.
Paul introduces the concept of 'hope laid up for you in heaven.' This isn't just a wishful thought; it's a deeply secure, future reality.
A Treasure Beyond Reach
How did the Colossians know about this incredible heavenly hope? It wasn't a secret whispered in the dark, but a truth powerfully declared.
Paul links this heavenly hope directly to 'the word of the truth, the gospel.' This highlights the gospel's essential role in revealing this future reality.
The Gospel as Revelation
Understand the original words
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 hope of heaven, as taught by the gospel, was a foundational message preached to the Colossian believers when the church was first established, likely through the ministry of Epaphras during Paul's extended time in Ephesus.
c. AD 30-33
Founding of the Church
Following Jesus' ascension, the Holy Spirit empowers the apostles in Jerusalem, leading to the birth of the Christian Church and the rapid spread of the gospel message.
c. AD 47-49
Paul's First Missionary Journey
Paul and his companions travel through Asia Minor, establishing churches in cities like Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. This establishes the foundation for churches in regions like Galatia.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's Second Missionary Journey
Paul revisits churches in Asia Minor and then journeys into Europe, founding the church at Philippi and Thessalonica. He also spends significant time in Corinth.
c. AD 53-57— this verse
Paul's Third Missionary Journey
Paul spends an extended period in Ephesus, the capital of the Roman province of Asia. From here, he influences the surrounding regions, including Colossae, likely through disciples like Epaphras.
barnesColossians 1:5: "For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;"
For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven - That is, "I give thanks that there is such a hope laid up for you." The evidence which he had that this hope was theirs, was founded on the faith and love to the saints which he heard they had evinced. He fully believed that where there was such faith and love, there was a well-founded hope of heaven. The word "hope"…
gillColossians 1:5: "For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;"
For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven,.... These words may be considered either in connection with the foregoing, and express the reason or motive which encouraged these saints to believe in Christ, and to go on believing in him, and hold fast the profession of their faith in him, and to love the saints, and show it upon all occasions, and in every case; b…
The text emphasizes that the "hope" spoken of isn't just a feeling, but the actual, tangible good things reserved for believers in heaven. This precious treasure, hidden and secure, is what they first heard about when the gospel was preached to them, highlighting the foundational and enduring nature of this message.
Paul is giving thanks for the Colossian believers, celebrating their faith, love, and hope. This verse explains that their hope is a secure treasure in heaven, which they first learned about when the true gospel was preached to them. This foundational teaching about their future glory is what encourages their present faith and love, and it stands in contrast to the potentially misleading teachings they might encounter later.
Paul is giving thanks for the Colossian believers, celebrating their faith, love, and hope. This verse explains that their hope is a secure treasure in heaven, which they first learned about when the true gospel was preached to them. This foundational teaching about their future glory is what encourages their present faith and love, and it stands in contrast to the potentially misleading teachings they might encounter later.
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c. AD 60-62
Paul's Imprisonment in Rome
Paul is imprisoned in Rome, during which time he writes several epistles, including Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. These letters offer pastoral guidance and theological instruction to churches he had founded or influenced.
"because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel," — The text emphasizes that the "hope" spoken of isn't just a feeling, but the actual, tangible good things reserved for believers in heaven. This precious treasure, hidden and secure, is what they firs…
