Colossians 1:4
Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints,
Original Language Analysis
τοὺς
which
G3588
τοὺς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πίστιν
faith
G4102
πίστιν
faith
Strong's:
G4102
Word #:
3 of 15
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
7 of 15
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοὺς
which
G3588
τοὺς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀγάπην
of the love
G26
ἀγάπην
of the love
Strong's:
G26
Word #:
10 of 15
love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast
τοὺς
which
G3588
τοὺς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰς
ye have to
G1519
εἰς
ye have to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
12 of 15
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Cross References
Ephesians 1:15Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,2 Thessalonians 1:3We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;1 Thessalonians 1:3Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;Hebrews 6:10For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.1 John 4:16And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.Philemon 1:5Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints;1 John 3:14We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.Galatians 5:6For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.Colossians 1:9For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;1 John 3:23And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.
Historical Context
First-century society strictly divided Jews from Gentiles, slaves from free, male from female, wealthy from poor. The Christian community's radical unity, transcending these barriers through practical love, testified powerfully to gospel truth. False teaching typically creates spiritual elitism; genuine faith produces humility and unity across boundaries.
Questions for Reflection
- Can you articulate clearly what you believe about Christ, and is your faith truly in Him versus your experience?
- What evidence of genuine love exists in your life toward all believers, including those culturally different?
- How does your church demonstrate that Christian unity transcends worldly divisions?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints. The phrase tēn pistin en Christō Iēsou (τὴν πίστιν ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ, "the faith in Christ Jesus") emphasizes both faith's object and sphere. This isn't generic religiosity but specific trust located in Christ's person and finished work. Epaphras likely brought this report (1:7-8), prompting Paul's letter.
"The love which ye have to all the saints" reveals faith's authenticating fruit. The totality marker pantas (πάντας, "all") prevents selective love based on ethnicity, status, or preference. Genuine faith in Christ produces agape for God's people across all human divisions—crucial in Colossae's mixed population where social stratification was rigid.