Colossians 1:5
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Colossians 1:5
5 For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;
Chapter Context
Colossians 1 is a christological epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of faith, mercy, truth. Written during Paul's Roman imprisonment (c. 60-62 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Syncretistic philosophy threatened to compromise the sufficiency of Christ.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-29: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Colossians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Colossians 1:5
5 For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;
Analysis
For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel. The verb apokeimenen (ἀποκειμένην, "laid up") means stored or treasured, using imagery of valuables kept secure. Christian hope isn't wishful thinking but confident expectation of guaranteed future reality, reserved en tois ouranois (ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς, "in the heavens") beyond earthly tampering.
This heavenly orientation counters the Colossian heresy's emphasis on present mystical experiences. Hope grounds faith and energizes love—believing God's promises about the future enables present endurance. "The word of the truth of the gospel" emphasizes objective reality: alētheias (ἀληθείας, "truth") against falsehood. They "heard before" establishes chronological priority—original apostolic teaching supersedes later innovations.
Historical Context
Unlike Greek philosophy (viewing matter as evil, seeking enlightenment) or Jewish nationalism (expecting earthly restoration), Christianity offers hope both already secured (in heaven) and not yet experienced (awaiting fulfillment). This already-not-yet tension characterizes New Testament eschatology, balancing present reality with future consummation.
Reflection
- How does hope in resurrection and glorification affect your response to present suffering?
- What contemporary teachings shift focus from future hope to present experience, and why is this problematic?
- How do you evaluate new spiritual movements—by novelty and appeal, or conformity to apostolic gospel?
Word Studies
- Truth: ἀλήθεια (Aletheia) G225 - Truth, reality
Cross-References
- Word: Ephesians 1:13, 1 Thessalonians 2:13, Hebrews 7:19, 1 Peter 2:2
- Hope: Colossians 1:23, 1:27, Acts 23:6, 1 Corinthians 15:19, Titus 1:2
- Parallel theme: 2 Timothy 4:8