Colossians 1:3–8

Hope tells us that we are loved and cared for by the Almighty Creator of heaven and earth!

In our triune God alone we trust. To Him all glory is due.

Let us be awake to the invitation to make a space, to embrace what is authentic, and to embrace the gift of being beloved, even in our brokenness. Sabbath Moments 

Colossians 1:3–8

3 We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints; 5 because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel, 6 which has come to you, as it has also in all the world, and is bringing forth fruit, as it is also among you since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth; 7 as you also learned from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf, 8 who also declared to us your love in the Spirit. The New King James Version

The Greek word used here for faith, pistis, refers to trust and reliance. Paul is thankful that the Colossians—under the threat of false teaching—have anchored their faith in Christ. The greatest of the three Christian virtues is love, the others being faith and hope. The natural result of faith in Christ is love (agapē in Greek) for God and others. 

The Greek word agapē, often translated “love,” is a general word for affection and warm regard. The new testament uses the word to describe compassion for other people, love for God or Christ, and the love God and Christ have for humanity and for each other. The gospel message makes the love denoted by agapē more of a mindset than a feeling. It involves putting the needs and interests of others before your own—even enduring suffering and hardship for the sake of others. 

The Greek word used in this phrase, elpis, often rendered as “hope,” refers to confident expectation, not wishful thinking. The Colossians have hope because of their union with Christ. This means they are free from corruption and death and are qualified to participate in Christ’s life, resurrection and glory. 

Paul reminds them that their hope of a glorious future does not come from a religious philosophy, but from God. Therefore, they do not need to accept the demands of false teachers. Paul wants the Colossians to know that the gospel message they received is God’s true revelation. This description of Epaphras does not mean that he was literally a servant or slave. Rather, Paul is using figurative language to characterize Epaphras as a humble servant of God. Faithlife Study Bible

The apostle indicates the tender concern that he has for these Christians; he is praying always for them. This common phrase of Paul’s which combines intercessory prayer and thanksgiving, means that each time Paul prayed, he interceded for the Colossians and offered praise for God’s work among them.

Faith…Love…Hope: Paul often uses these three terms together. Faith is in Christ. This is the thrust of the passage. The Colossians’ faith was grounded in the nature and work of Jesus Christ. Love flows from faith and proves the genuineness of one’s faith. The Colossians’ sacrificial love for all the saints proved their true belief in Christ. Hope refers to the result of faith, the treasure laid up … in heaven where our faith will find its fulfillment in the presence of Christ. The NKJV Study Bible

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 treasured up for them, no enemy could deprive them of it. The gospel is the word of truth, and we may safely venture our souls upon it. And all who hear the word of the gospel, ought to bring forth the fruit of the gospel, obey it, and have their principles and lives formed according to it. Christian love arises from the Holy Spirit, and is full of holiness. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Psalm 51:11 Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.

Matthew 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.

Ephesians 1:13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,

Colossians 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.