Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Colossians 2:6
What does Colossians 2:6 mean?
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Colossians 2:6
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The verse emphasizes not just accepting Christ, but how they received Him – as "Christ Jesus the Lord." This full title highlights that their ongoing life should reflect the authoritative and divine reality of the one they first encountered through their teachers. Therefore, continuing to "walk in Him" means their daily actions must be consistent with this profound reception.
Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is warning the Colossians against deceptive teachers who are trying to lead them astray with philosophical arguments and strange rituals, which he sees as a threat to the completeness of Christ. He urges them to stay rooted in the truth they've already received, contrasting this with the empty promises of these false teachings. This verse serves as a foundational call to continue living by the genuine gospel they first embraced.
Did you just 'accept' Jesus, or did you truly 'receive' Him? This verse highlights a profound truth about the beginning of our faith journey.
The original Greek word translated as 'received' here (paralambano) carries a rich meaning beyond a simple 'yes' to an invitation. It implies taking something to oneself, embracing it fully, and making it one's own.
Think about it:
Your faith journey isn't a sprint; it's a marathon. This verse calls for a specific kind of ongoing commitment.
The Apostle Paul doesn't just stop at how we begin our faith. He connects our reception of Christ to how we are to continue living – our 'walk.' The word used for 'walk' (peripateo) isn't just about movement; it describes one's entire conduct and lifestyle.
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Here's the core message:
Understand the original words
Christos · Greek Noun
The anointed One of God, the promised Messiah who fulfills the Old Testament prophecies, Savior, and King.
kyrios · Greek Noun
The supreme ruler or sovereign; one who has authority, ownership, and lordship over a person's life and the universe.
peripateō · Greek Verb
To live, conduct oneself, or behave in a manner consistent with a specific principle or person. It signifies a continuous, habitual way of life.
The verse comes from a letter written by Paul during his imprisonment, addressing a specific threat of false teaching that sought to diminish Christ's uniqueness. Paul's exhortation to 'walk in Him' is a direct call to continue in the foundational truth they received, resisting deceptive philosophies.
c. AD 55— this verse
Paul's Imprisonment and Ministry
While imprisoned, likely in Rome or Caesarea, Paul continued to minister through letters to churches he couldn't visit, including Colossae. This allowed him to address theological issues and maintain connection with believers.
c. AD 55
Emergence of Heretical Teachings
False teachers in or near Colossae began to promote a blend of Jewish legalism, pagan philosophy, and possibly early Gnostic ideas. These teachings threatened to undermine the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ.
c. AD 55
Epaphras's Ministry in Colossae
Epaphras, a key leader and likely the founder of the Colossian church, had faithfully taught the congregation the foundational truths of the Gospel as received from Paul.
c. AD 55
Paul Writes the Epistle to the Colossians
In response to reports about the church's spiritual state and the infiltration of false teachings, Paul penned this letter to reaffirm the absolute supremacy of Christ and to exhort believers to remain steadfast in their faith.
This passage directly warns against turning to a 'different gospel,' mirroring Colossians' concern that the recipients not be swayed from the true Christ they first received.
Ephesians 4:14It describes believers being 'no longer children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine,' which is a powerful image for the instability Paul warns against in Colossians 2:6-8.
1 John 2:6This verse states, 'whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked,' directly linking the concept of 'walking' with abiding in Christ, as exhorted in Colossians.
Deuteronomy 30:15-16The Old Testament law presented a similar choice: 'See, I have set before you this day life and good, death and evil... choose life, that you and your offspring may live.' This echoes the fundamental choice Paul reminds them to uphold by continuing in Christ.
Isaiah 30:21The prophet declared, 'And when you turn to the right or to the left, your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”' This provides an Old Testament parallel to Paul's instruction to 'walk in Him' as the established way.
henryColossians 2:1-7: "For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;"
2:1-7 The soul prospers when we have clear knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus. When we not only believe with the heart, but are ready, when called, to make confession with the mouth. Knowledge and faith make a soul rich. The stronger our faith, and the warmer our love, the more will our comfort be. The treasures of wisdom are hid…
vincentColossians 2:6: "As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:"
Ye received (παρελάβετε)By transmission from (παρά) your teachers.Christ Jesus the Lord (τὸν Χριστόν Ἱησοῦν τὸν Κὑριον)The Christ, specially defined by the following words, thus emphasizing the personal Christ rather than the Gospel, because the true doctrine of Christ's person was perverted by the Colossian teachers. The Christ, even Jesus, the Lord.
The verse emphasizes not just accepting Christ, but how they received Him – as "Christ Jesus the Lord." This full title highlights that their ongoing life should reflect the authoritative and divine reality of the one they first encountered through their teachers. Therefore, continuing to "walk in Him" means their daily actions must be consistent with this profound reception.
Paul is warning the Colossians against deceptive teachers who are trying to lead them astray with philosophical arguments and strange rituals, which he sees as a threat to the completeness of Christ. He urges them to stay rooted in the truth they've already received, contrasting this with the empty promises of these false teachings. This verse serves as a foundational call to continue living by the genuine gospel they first embraced.
Paul is warning the Colossians against deceptive teachers who are trying to lead them astray with philosophical arguments and strange rituals, which he sees as a threat to the completeness of Christ. He urges them to stay rooted in the truth they've already received, contrasting this with the empty promises of these false teachings. This verse serves as a foundational call to continue living by the genuine gospel they first embraced.
"Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him," — The verse emphasizes not just accepting Christ, but how they received Him – as "Christ Jesus the Lord." This full title highlights that their ongoing life should reflect the authoritative and divin…
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Last reviewed October 2026