the faith and love proceeding from the hope stored up for you in heavenThis phrase highlights the interconnectedness of faith, love, and hope in the Christian life. Faith and love are seen as active responses that stem from the hope believers have in the promises of God. This hope is not a wishful thinking but a confident expectation of eternal life and the fulfillment of God's promises, stored up in heaven. The concept of hope stored in heaven reflects the Jewish understanding of the afterlife and the Christian belief in eternal rewards. It echoes Jesus' teaching in
Matthew 6:20 about storing treasures in heaven. The triad of faith, hope, and love is a recurring theme in Paul's writings, as seen in
1 Corinthians 13:13 and
1 Thessalonians 1:3, emphasizing their foundational role in the Christian experience.
of which you have already heard in the word of truth
The Colossians had already been introduced to this hope through the "word of truth," which refers to the gospel message. This phrase underscores the importance of the gospel as the true and reliable message of salvation. In a historical context, the early church faced various false teachings, and Paul emphasizes the authenticity and truthfulness of the gospel they received. The term "word of truth" is also used inEphesians 1:13, highlighting the gospel's role in bringing believers to faith. The phrase suggests that the Colossians' understanding of hope is rooted in the teachings they received, which aligns with the apostolic doctrine.
the gospel
The gospel, or "good news," is the central message of Christianity, proclaiming the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ for the salvation of humanity. In the first-century Greco-Roman world, the term "gospel" was used for announcements of significant events, such as the birth of an emperor. Paul redefines it to convey the transformative message of Christ. The gospel is not just a set of beliefs but a dynamic force that brings about change in individuals and communities. It fulfills Old Testament prophecies about the coming Messiah, as seen in passages likeIsaiah 61:1. The gospel's power is evident in its ability to transcend cultural and geographical boundaries, uniting believers in a shared hope and mission.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Paul- The apostle who wrote the letter to the Colossians, addressing the church in Colossae.
2.
Colossae- An ancient city in Asia Minor, where the recipients of this letter resided.
3.
The Colossian Church- The community of believers in Colossae who received this epistle.
4.
The Gospel- The message of salvation through Jesus Christ, which the Colossians had heard and believed.
5.
Heaven- The place where the hope of believers is stored, as mentioned in this verse.
Teaching Points
The Foundation of HopeOur hope is not based on earthly circumstances but is securely stored in heaven, providing a firm foundation for our faith and love.
The Role of the GospelThe gospel is the word of truth that introduces us to this hope. It is essential to continually engage with the gospel to strengthen our faith.
Faith and Love as EvidenceThe faith and love we exhibit are evidence of the hope we have in Christ. They are the visible fruits of an invisible hope.
Eternal PerspectiveKeeping our focus on the hope stored in heaven helps us maintain an eternal perspective, influencing how we live and interact with others.
Encouragement in TrialsIn times of difficulty, remembering the hope we have can provide encouragement and strength to persevere.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Colossians 1:5?
2.How does Colossians 1:5 inspire hope in your daily Christian walk?
3.What is the "hope stored up for you in heaven" referring to?
4.How can you share the "word of truth, the gospel" with others today?
5.How does this verse connect with the promise of eternal life in John 3:16?
6.In what ways can you actively live out the hope mentioned in Colossians 1:5?
7.What is the "hope stored up for you in heaven" mentioned in Colossians 1:5?
8.How does Colossians 1:5 relate to the overall message of the Gospel?
9.What historical context influenced the writing of Colossians 1:5?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Colossians 1?
11.What does the Bible say regarding cynicism?
12.How can one live a life worthy of their calling?
13.What does 'Not Grow Weary in Doing Good' mean?
14.What is IFCA International?What Does Colossians 1:5 Mean
the faithPaul has just thanked God “for the faith you have in Christ Jesus” (Colossians 1:4). Here, he circles back to that word. Faith is the heart’s settled confidence that Jesus is exactly who Scripture says He is—the crucified and risen Lord (Romans 10:9-10).
• It is received, not earned (Ephesians 2:8-9).
• It looks outward to Christ, not inward to feelings (Hebrews 12:2).
• It produces visible fruit that others can “report” (Romans 1:8).
Faith, then, is the starting point of the Colossians’ spiritual life, yet Paul immediately ties it to something else.
and loveGenuine faith never stands alone; it blossoms into love “for all the saints” (Colossians 1:4). Jesus made love the identifying mark of His followers (John 13:34-35). John later wrote, “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers” (1 John 3:14).
• Love is practical—meeting needs (James 2:15-17).
• Love is sacrificial—placing others first (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).
• Love is comprehensive—embracing “all” believers, not merely those who are easy to like (1 Peter 1:22).
This love is not self-generated; Paul says it has a source.
proceeding from the hopeFaith and love “proceed” or flow out of hope. Hope in Scripture is not wishful thinking but confident expectation anchored in God’s promise (Hebrews 6:19). When believers are certain about their future, they live courageously in the present.
• Hope fuels endurance in trials (Romans 5:2-5).
• Hope stirs generosity, because we already know our story ends well (1 Timothy 6:17-19).
• Hope motivates purity, since we anticipate seeing Christ (1 John 3:2-3).
Paul next identifies the location of that hope.
stored up for you in heaven,The hope is not fragile; it is “stored up,” kept safe beyond the reach of decay or theft, much like the “inheritance imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:4).
• It is guaranteed by Christ’s resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:20-23).
• It includes a prepared place (John 14:2-3) and a perfected body (2 Corinthians 5:1-4).
Because this treasure is secure, believers can hold earthly possessions loosely (Matthew 6:19-20).
of which you have already heardThe Colossians weren’t guessing about heaven; they had “already heard” this truth, most likely through Epaphras’s preaching (Colossians 1:7). Faith comes by hearing “the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17). The gospel message announces—not hides—our future hope (Acts 20:24). Remembering truths already learned keeps believers from being swayed by new but empty philosophies (Colossians 2:8).
in the word of truth, the gospelThe channel through which hope reaches us is “the word of truth, the gospel.”
• “Word” underscores that God has spoken clearly (John 17:17).
• “Truth” affirms its absolute reliability (Galatians 2:5).
• “Gospel” highlights the good news: Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
Because the gospel is objective truth, it remains trustworthy across cultures and centuries (Ephesians 1:13). Everything believers need for faith, love, and hope is delivered in this unchanging message.
summaryColossians 1:5 shows a beautiful chain: the gospel proclaims truth, that truth births a living hope secured in heaven, and from that hope spring unshakable faith and all-embracing love. When we keep our eyes on the certain inheritance that Christ has reserved for us, our trust in Him deepens and our love for His people overflows—just as God designed.
(5)
For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven.--The union of hope with faith and love is natural enough. Compare the fuller expression of
1Thessalonians 1:3, "your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope." But the place assigned to hope in this passage is notable. "For the hope" is really "on account of the hope." Hence faith and love are spoken of, not merely as leading up to hope, but as being actually kindled by it. Similarly in
Ephesians 1:18 we find that, while faith and love are taken for granted, there is a special prayer that they may be enlightened "to know the hope of His calling" as the one thing yet needful. The prominence given to the thought of "the heavenly places" in the Epistles of the captivity, and therefore to Christ in heaven, even more than to Christ risen, is evident to any careful student. Accordingly, the hope, which is the instinct of perfection in man, and which becomes realisation of heaven in the Christian, naturally comes out with corresponding emphasis.
Ye heard before.--That is, at their first conversion. There is an implied warning against the new doctrines, which are more fully noticed in the next chapter.
The truth of the gospel.--This expression (as inGalatians 2:14) is emphatic. It refers to the gospel, not chiefly as a message of graciousness and mercy, but rather as a revelation of eternal truths, itself changeless as the truth it reveals. There is a corresponding emphasis, but stronger still, in St. John. (See, for example,1John 2:27;1John 5:20;2John 1:1-4;3John 1:2-3.) The gospel was now winning its way to supremacy over civilised thought. Hence the need of warning against the sudden growth of wild speculations, contrasted with the unchanging simplicity of its main truths. . . .
Verse 5. - (We give thanks)
because of the hope which is laid up for you in the heavens (
Colossians 3:4;
Ephesians 1:12-14;
Philippians 3:20, 21;
Romans 8:18-25;
1 Corinthians 15:50-58;
2 Corinthians 5:1-5;
1 Thessalonians 4:13-17;
1 Peter 1:3-5;
Matthew 6:20;
Matthew 19:21;
Luke 12:33;
John 14:2, 3). "Hope" is
objective - matter of hope, as in
Galatians 5:5;
Titus 2:13;
Hebrews 6:18. St. Paul speaks most of
heaven and
heavenly things in the letters of this period. Ver. 4 gives the nearest grammatical connection for this clause; and many recent commentators, following Greek interpreters, accordingly find here that which "evokes and conditions" the Colossians' "love" (Meyer, Ellicott) or "faith and love" (De Wette, Lightfoot). But this construction we reject. For it makes the heavenly reward the reason of the Colossians' present (faith and) love, reversing the true and Pauline order of thought (
Romans 5:1-5;
Romans 8:28-39;
Romans 15:13;
Ephesians 1:13; comp.
1 John 4:17, 18); while, on the other hand, the heavenly hope is the last and highest ground of the apostle's thanksgivings and encouragements, and the forfeiture or impairing of it the chief matter of his fears and warnings throughout the Epistles of this group (
Colossians 1:12, 22, 23, 27, 28;
Colossians 2:18;
Colossians 3:4, 24;
Ephesians 1:13, 14;
Ephesians 2:12;
Galatians 1:6-9;
Galatians 4:4;
Philippians 1:6;
Philippians 2:16;
Philippians 3:11-21: comp.
1 Peter 1:3, 4). It is better, therefore, with Bengel, Hofmann, Klopper, Conybeare, Eadie, and others, from Athanasius downwards, to refer ver. 5 as well as ver. 4 to the principal verb, "we give thanks" (ver. 3). What the apostle hears of "the faith and love" of the Colossian brethren moves him to give thanks for "the hope which is in store for them in heaven." Of that hope this faith and love are to him a pledge and an earnest, even as the "seal of the Spirit" (
Ephesians 1:14) and the "peace of Christ in their hearts" (
Colossians 3:15; see note) are to themselves. Similarly, in
Philippians 1:27, 28 and
2 Thessalonians 1:4, 5, from the present faith and patience of the saints the certainty of their future blessedness is argued. By singling out this
hope as chief matter of thanksgiving here, the apostle enhances its certainty and its value in his readers' eyes. (On this verse, see the
Expositor, first series, vol. 10. pp. 74-80.) From the
general occasion and ground of his thanksgiving in the Christian state and prospects of his readers, St. Paul proceeds to dwell on certain
special circumstances which enhanced his gratitude to God (vers. 56-8).
Which (hope)
ye heard of before, in the word of the truth of the gospel; or,
good tidings (vers. 7, 23;
Colossians 2:7;
Ephesians 1:13;
Ephesians 4:15, 21;
Galatians 1:6-9;
Galatians 3:1-4;
Galatians 4:9;
Galatians 5:7;
1 Thessalonians 1:5;
1 Thessalonians 2:13;
1 Thessalonians 4:1;
2 Thessalonians 2:13-15;
1 Peter 5:12). There is a veiled polemic reference in "the word of
the truth of the gospel" (comp. ver. 7 and parallels from Galatians). The word "before" (
aforetime) "contrasts their earlier with their later lessons, the true gospel of Epaphras with the false gospel of recent teachers" (Lightfoot). Others interpret, less suitably:
heard already (
before my writing), or
heard beforehand (
before the fulfilment of the hope). It is in St. Paul's manner to refer his readers at the outset to their conversion and first Christian experiences (see parallel passages). Their
hope was directly at stake in the controversy with Colossian error. Here we meet the first of those cumulative combinations of nouns, so marked a feature of the style of Colossians and Ephesians, which are made a reproach against these Epistles by some critics; but each is appropriate in its place.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
springing fromδιὰ(dia)Preposition
Strong's 1223:A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.theτὴν(tēn)Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.hopeἐλπίδα(elpida)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1680:Hope, expectation, trust, confidence. From a primary elpo; expectation or confidence.thatτὴν(tēn)Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.is stored upἀποκειμένην(apokeimenēn)Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 606:To have been put away, be stored, be reserved for. From apo and keimai; to be reserved; figuratively, to await.for youὑμῖν(hymin)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.inἐν(en)Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.heavenοὐρανοῖς(ouranois)Noun - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3772:Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel.[and] thatἣν(hēn)Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3739:Who, which, what, that.you already heard aboutπροηκούσατε(proēkousate)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4257:To hear beforehand. From pro and akouo; to hear already, i.e. Anticipate.inἐν(en)Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.theτῷ(tō)Article - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.wordλόγῳ(logō)Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3056:From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.of truth,ἀληθείας(alētheias)Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 225:From alethes; truth.theτοῦ(tou)Article - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.gospelεὐαγγελίου(euangeliou)Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 2098:From the same as euaggelizo; a good message, i.e. The gospel.
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NT Letters: Colossians 1:5 Because of the hope which is laid (Coloss. Col Co) 
