Colossians 2:6
As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:
Original Language Analysis
Ὡς
As
G5613
Ὡς
As
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
1 of 11
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 11
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
παρελάβετε
received
G3880
παρελάβετε
received
Strong's:
G3880
Word #:
3 of 11
to receive near, i.e., associate with oneself (in any familiar or intimate act or relation); by analogy, to assume an office; figuratively, to learn
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦν
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦν
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
6 of 11
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κύριον
the Lord
G2962
κύριον
the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
8 of 11
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
Cross References
Colossians 1:10That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;1 John 2:6He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.1 Thessalonians 4:1Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.Galatians 2:20I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.2 Corinthians 5:7(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)Colossians 3:17And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.Jude 1:3Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.1 John 5:20And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.Hebrews 3:14For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;Ephesians 4:1I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
Historical Context
Ancient mystery religions typically featured progressive stages: initial purification, intermediate instruction, advanced revelation. The Colossian teaching apparently proposed similar stages, treating faith in Christ as elementary step requiring supplementation for spiritual maturity. Paul demolishes such thinking: Christ is both starting point and entire path. Mature faith deepens understanding and application of Christ, not abandoning Him for advanced techniques.
Questions for Reflection
- Have you added requirements to Christ that weren't part of your conversion—special experiences, knowledge, or practices?
- How does your current spiritual life compare to your initial conversion—same foundation or different approach?
- What does 'walking in Christ' look like practically in daily decisions, relationships, and priorities?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him. This pivotal verse establishes the epistle's practical section. "Received" (parelabete, παρελάβετε) refers to accepting apostolic tradition—Christ Jesus as Lord (sovereign ruler), not merely helpful teacher or mystical guide. Initial reception determines ongoing conduct; conversion establishes pattern for sanctification. The gospel received at conversion contains everything needed for lifelong faithfulness.
"Walk in him" (peripateite en autō, περιπατεῖτε ἐν αὐτῷ) means continuous daily conduct within the sphere of union with Christ. Present imperative indicates ongoing command: keep walking as you began walking. The Colossian heresy suggested that simple faith in Christ initiated spiritual life but advanced techniques enabled progress. Paul counters: walk the same way you started—by faith in Christ's sufficiency, not supplementary methods.