Colossians 2:12
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The phrase "faith in the operation of God" isn't just about believing God can do things, but specifically about believing in the power God displayed in raising Jesus from the dead. This isn't a passive faith; it's a robust trust in God's active, resurrection-power that brings about our spiritual new life.
having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is contrasting the false teachings that devalue Christ with the spiritual reality believers have in Him. He's just explained how believers are "circumcised with the circumcision of Christ" by being freed from their sinful nature. Now, he uses the imagery of baptism to further illustrate this spiritual union and transformation.
Paul uses powerful imagery to connect our faith journey with Jesus' ultimate sacrifice. What does it truly mean to be 'buried' with Him?
Paul links baptism directly to our identification with Christ's death and burial. This isn't just a symbolic washing; it represents a profound spiritual reality:
Baptism isn't just about dying to sin; it's about being raised to new life. How does this transformation happen?
The verse doesn't stop at burial; it moves to resurrection. This rising with Christ is intimately tied to our faith and God's mighty power:
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Understand the original words
baptisma · Greek Noun
An ordinance signifying the believer's identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. It symbolizes the washing away of sin and the transition from the old life to the new.
pistis · Greek Noun
Trusting in and relying upon the person and work of Jesus Christ; the means by which one receives the benefits of salvation.
The verse draws a direct parallel between the ancient practice of baptism and the core events of Christian faith: Christ's burial and resurrection. This highlights how baptism was understood in the early church not just as a ritual, but as a powerful, visible participation in Christ's saving work.
c. 49-55 AD— this verse
Paul's Imprisonment and Writing of Colossians
Paul writes the Letter to the Colossians, likely from Rome during his first imprisonment. He addresses challenges within the church related to false teachings, possibly a blend of Jewish legalism and Gnostic ideas.
c. 47-49 AD
Paul's Missionary Journeys in Asia Minor
Paul likely traveled through the region of Phrygia, where Colossae was located, during his missionary journeys. While he may not have personally founded the church in Colossae, his ministry in nearby Ephesus and his network of co-workers likely led to the church's establishment.
c. 30-33 AD
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ
The foundational events of Christianity: Jesus' death on the cross and his subsequent resurrection from the dead. These events are the basis for Christian salvation and the theological concepts Paul discusses.
c. 1st Century AD
Early Christian Baptismal Practices
The practice of baptism, symbolizing death and resurrection with Christ, was an integral part of early Christian initiation. It served as a public declaration of faith and a visible sign of spiritual transformation.
This passage directly parallels the imagery of being buried and raised with Christ in baptism, emphasizing the death to sin and new life in Christ that baptism symbolizes.
Galatians 3:27This verse links baptism with 'putting on Christ,' echoing the Colossians passage's theme of identification with Christ's death and resurrection through faith.
Ephesians 2:5-6It speaks of being 'made alive together with Christ' and 'raised us up with him,' mirroring the spiritual resurrection described in Colossians 2:12.
1 Corinthians 15:3-4This passage focuses on the core Gospel message of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection, which is the powerful working of God that Colossians 2:12 highlights as the basis for our own spiritual resurrection.
vincentColossians 2:12: "Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead."
Buried (συνταφέντες)See on Romans 6:4. The aorist tense puts the burial as contemporaneous with the circumcision. Ye were circumcised when ye were buried, etc.In baptism (ἐν τῷ βαπτίσματι or βαπτισμῷ)The article, the baptism points to the familiar rite, or may have the force of your.Wherein also (ἐν ᾧ καὶ)Referring to baptism…
barnesColossians 2:12: "Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead."
Buried with him in baptism - See the notes at Romans 6:4 . Wherein also - In which ordinance, or by virtue of that which is signified by the ordinance. Ye are risen with him - From the death of sin to the life of religion; Notes, Romans 6:4-5; compare the notes at Ephesians 2:5-6. Through the faith of the operation of God - By a firm bel…
The phrase "faith in the operation of God" isn't just about believing God can do things, but specifically about believing in the power God displayed in raising Jesus from the dead. This isn't a passive faith; it's a robust trust in God's active, resurrection-power that brings about our spiritual new life.
Paul is contrasting the false teachings that devalue Christ with the spiritual reality believers have in Him. He's just explained how believers are "circumcised with the circumcision of Christ" by being freed from their sinful nature. Now, he uses the imagery of baptism to further illustrate this spiritual union and transformation.
Paul is contrasting the false teachings that devalue Christ with the spiritual reality believers have in Him. He's just explained how believers are "circumcised with the circumcision of Christ" by being freed from their sinful nature. Now, he uses the imagery of baptism to further illustrate this spiritual union and transformation.
"having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead." — The phrase "faith in the operation of God" isn't just about believing God can do things, but specifically about believing in the power God displayed in raising Jesus from the dead. This isn't a p…
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Last reviewed October 2026
