Colossians 2:7
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Colossians 2:7
7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
Chapter Context
Colossians 2 is a christological epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of mercy, love, faith. 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 21-23: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. 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 2:7
7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
Analysis
Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Paul mixes metaphors—agricultural ("rooted," errizōmenoi, ἐρριζωμένοι) and architectural ("built up," epoikodomoumenoi, ἐποικοδομούμενοι). Both perfect participles indicate completed past action with continuing results: believers are already rooted and built, not striving to become so. Present growth builds on established foundation.
"Stablished in the faith" (bebaiou menoi tē pistei, βεβαιούμενοι τῇ πίστει) uses commercial terminology for legal validation, making secure. "As ye have been taught" appeals to original apostolic instruction through Epaphras, establishing primacy of first teaching over later innovations. "Abounding therein with thanksgiving" (perisseuontes en autē en eucharistia, περισσεύοντες ἐν αὐτῇ ἐν εὐχαριστίᾳ) pictures overflowing gratitude as faith's natural expression.
Historical Context
The contrast between initial teaching and subsequent innovation marks early Christian conflicts. Apostolic churches faced pressure to 'update' gospel for cultural relevance or philosophical sophistication. Paul consistently directs believers back to original teaching, not forward to speculative innovations. Spiritual maturity means deeper understanding of revelation already received, not discovering new revelation beyond apostolic deposit.
Reflection
- How does your spiritual life demonstrate established roots and solid foundation versus unstable searching?
- When evaluating new teachings, do you compare them to what you were first taught, or assume newer is better?
- Does thanksgiving overflow in your faith, or have you become entitled and demanding toward God?
Word Studies
- Faith: πίστις (Pistis) G4102 - Faith, belief, trust
Cross-References
- Faith: Colossians 1:23, Ephesians 3:17
- Parallel theme: Psalms 1:3, 92:13, Isaiah 61:3, Jeremiah 17:8, Romans 16:25, Ephesians 5:20