Colossians 1:4 – “because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people-“

Extended Explanation

Paul is continuing his prayer of thanksgiving for the believers in Colossae. In this verse, he highlights two key reasons for his gratitude: their faith in Christ Jesus and their love for all God’s people.

• Faith in Christ Jesus – This is not just a general belief in God but a deep trust in Jesus as the Son of God, the Savior, and the foundation of their lives. Their faith was not based on personal effort or religious rituals but on Christ alone.
• Love for all God’s people – True faith in Jesus leads to a transformed life, which includes love for fellow believers. Paul is not talking about a shallow affection but a sacrificial, Christ-like love that extends to all of God’s people, not just those who are easy to love.

Paul and his companions “heard” about their faith and love, meaning these qualities were so strong that word about them had spread beyond their local church. This suggests that their faith and love were visible in how they lived, not just something they talked about.

Historical Context

Paul wrote this letter from prison, likely in Rome, around A.D. 60–62. The Colossian church was not planted by Paul himself but by Epaphras, a man who had been discipled by Paul (Colossians 1:7-8). Even though Paul had never visited Colossae, he had heard of their faith and love, showing how interconnected early Christian communities were.

At this time, the Colossian believers were facing challenges. False teachings were creeping into the church, blending Jewish legalism, Greek philosophy, and mystical beliefs. Despite these dangers, their faith in Christ remained strong, and their love for fellow believers was evident. Paul’s words were meant to encourage them to keep holding onto these core truths.

Theological Implications

1. Faith in Jesus is the foundation of Christian life. Paul does not commend the Colossians for their achievements or knowledge but for their faith in Jesus. Salvation is found in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9).
2. Genuine faith produces love. True belief in Jesus is always accompanied by love for others. Love is not an optional extra for believers; it is the evidence of a transformed heart (1 John 3:14).
3. Faith and love are meant to be seen. The fact that Paul heard about their faith and love means that Christianity is not meant to be a private matter-it should be visible in our actions and relationships (Matthew 5:16).

Literary Analysis

Paul often pairs faith and love in his writings, as they are two of the three core Christian virtues (faith, hope, and love – 1 Corinthians 13:13). This structure appears in other letters as well (Ephesians 1:15, Philemon 1:5), emphasizing that true Christian life is marked by both trust in Christ and love for others.

• “Faith in Christ Jesus” – This phrase is personal and specific. It is not just about having faith but having faith in Jesus, which is the only faith that saves.
• “Love for all God’s people” – The word “all” is important. Christian love is not just for friends, family, or those we agree with-it extends to all believers, even those who are different from us.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• 1 Corinthians 13:13 – “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
• Galatians 5:6 – “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.”
• 1 John 4:20 – “Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar.”
• Ephesians 1:15 – “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people,” (a very similar wording to Colossians 1:4).

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse challenges modern believers to examine both their faith in Jesus and their love for fellow Christians.

1. Faith in Jesus is more than just words. The Colossians’ faith was strong enough that Paul heard about it from afar. Is your faith visible to others? Do people see you trusting in Christ through the way you live?
2. Loving all believers is not optional. Paul didn’t just commend them for loving people who were easy to love-he praised their love for all of God’s people. This challenges us to love not only those who are kind to us but also those who may be difficult or different from us.
3. Your testimony can encourage others. The faith and love of the Colossians encouraged Paul while he was in prison. Your faithfulness can also encourage fellow believers today.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

1. God’s love is the source of our love. We love because He first loved us (1 John 4:19). The Colossians’ love for fellow believers was a reflection of the love God had shown them.
2. God desires that His people live in love. The church is meant to be a family, united by love. God does not just save individuals-He builds a community of believers who care for one another.
3. God is pleased when faith and love grow. Paul’s thanksgiving shows that faith and love are not just personal experiences but things that glorify God and bless others.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

• Jesus is the object of true faith. Faith in anything else-good works, religious rituals, or human wisdom-will fail. But faith in Jesus saves (John 3:16).
• Jesus commands His followers to love. Before going to the cross, Jesus told His disciples, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34). The Colossians were living out this command.
• Jesus unites all believers. The Colossians’ love for all believers reflects the unity Christ brings to His people (Ephesians 2:14-16).

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does it mean to have faith in Christ Jesus in daily life?
2. Would others say that your faith is visible and strong, like the Colossians’? Why or why not?
3. Do you find it easy or difficult to love all fellow believers, especially those who are different from you? How can you grow in this?
4. How can your faith and love encourage others, just as the Colossians encouraged Paul?
5. What practical steps can you take this week to show more love for your fellow believers?

Paul’s words in Colossians 1:4 remind us that faith in Jesus is not just about what we believe-it is about how we live. When our faith is real, it shows itself in love for others. May we, like the Colossians, be known for both our faith and our love, bringing glory to God in the process.