Colossians 1:6

KJV

Which is come unto you, as [it is] in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as [it doth] also in you, since the day ye heard [of it], and knew the grace of God in truth:

KJV (with Strong's)

Which {G3588} is come {G3918} unto {G1519} you {G5209}, as {G2531}{G2532} it is in {G1722} all {G3956} the world {G2889}; and {G2532} bringeth forth fruit {G2076}{G2592}, as {G2531} it doth also {G2532} in {G1722} you {G5213}, since {G575} the {G3739} day {G2250} ye heard {G191} of it, and {G2532} knew {G1921} the grace {G5485} of God {G2316} in {G1722} truth {G225}:

Complete Jewish Bible

has made its presence felt among you, just as it is also being fruitful and multiplying throughout the world in the same way as it has among you since the day you heard and understood the grace of God as it really is.

Berean Standard Bible

that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood the grace of God.

American Standard Version

which is come unto you; even as it is also in all the world bearing fruit and increasing, as it doth in you also, since the day ye heard and knew the grace of God in truth;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Paul expresses profound gratitude for the Colossian believers, highlighting the dynamic and expansive nature of the gospel message they received. This verse celebrates the gospel's universal reach, its active power to produce spiritual fruit globally, and its tangible, transformative impact within the Colossian community, evidenced by their genuine reception and deep understanding of God's grace since the day they first heard it.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Colossians 1:6 is nestled within Paul's opening prayer of thanksgiving for the Colossian church (Colossians 1:3-14). Specifically, it elaborates on the "hope which is laid up for you in heaven" and "the word of the truth of the gospel" mentioned in [Colossians 1:5](/colossians/1-5 "Colossians 1:5 - Hope and the Gospel"). Paul's joy stems from their faith in Christ Jesus, their love for all the saints, and the hope that motivates them. Verse 6 directly affirms the authenticity and vitality of this gospel, not only as a message they heard but as a living force actively at work among them and throughout the world. It sets the stage for Paul's subsequent warnings against false teachings and his exaltation of Christ's supremacy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Colossae, located in the Lycus Valley of Asia Minor, was a relatively minor city compared to nearby Laodicea and Hierapolis. The church there was likely founded by Epaphras, a faithful minister of Christ who also brought news of their faith to Paul ([Colossians 1:7](/colossians/1-7 "Colossians 1:7 - Epaphras, a Faithful Minister")). At the time of Paul's writing, the Colossian church was grappling with a syncretistic heresy, often referred to as "the Colossian heresy," which blended elements of Jewish legalism, Gnostic-like mysticism, and ascetic practices. This context makes Paul's emphasis on the genuine, fruitful, and universally powerful nature of the gospel particularly crucial. It serves as an antidote to the false teachings that threatened to undermine the simplicity and sufficiency of Christ.
* **Key Themes:** Colossians 1:6 contributes significantly to several key themes in the epistle. Firstly, it underscores the **Universality of the Gospel**, emphasizing that the message of salvation is not limited to a specific people or place but is intended for "all the world." This aligns with the Great Commission given by Christ to His disciples to make disciples of all nations ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")). Secondly, the verse highlights the **Fruitfulness of the Gospel**, illustrating that genuine reception of the gospel leads to spiritual transformation and tangible evidence of God's work in believers' lives. This "fruit" encompasses character development, good works, and the spread of the gospel itself, echoing the concept of the [fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit"). Lastly, it emphasizes the **Authenticity of Conversion**, noting that the Colossians "knew the grace of God in truth," signifying a deep, experiential, and genuine understanding of God's unmerited favor, which is foundational to true faith and spiritual vitality.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **bringeth forth fruit (Greek, _karpophoréō'_):** From G2592, meaning "to be fertile (literally or figuratively)," "to bear fruit," or "to yield increase." This term, used in the present tense, emphasizes the continuous, active, and productive nature of the gospel's impact. It signifies that the gospel is not a static concept but a living, dynamic force that constantly generates spiritual vitality, transformation, and good works in the lives of believers and in the world. It implies an ongoing process of growth and productivity.
* **knew (Greek, _epiginṓskō'_):** From G1921, meaning "to know upon some mark, i.e. recognize; by implication, to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge." This word denotes more than mere intellectual apprehension. It suggests a deep, experiential, and authentic recognition and embrace of God's grace. It implies a personal, transformative knowledge that leads to conviction, acknowledgment, and a changed life, distinguishing it from superficial acquaintance.
* **grace (Greek, _cháris'_):** From G5485, meaning "graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act... especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude." This foundational theological concept refers to God's unmerited favor, His benevolent disposition and action towards humanity. In this context, it highlights that salvation, spiritual growth, and the ability to bear fruit are not earned by human effort but are gifts freely bestowed by God, prompting gratitude and reliance on His divine initiative.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Which is come unto you, as [it is] in all the world":** This clause describes the arrival and universal spread of the gospel. "Which" refers to "the word of the truth of the gospel" from [Colossians 1:5](/colossians/1-5 "Colossians 1:5 - The Word of Truth"). It emphasizes that the gospel is not a localized or exclusive message but has a global reach, having arrived in Colossae just as it is actively spreading and impacting lives across the entire known world. This highlights the gospel's inherent power and divine impetus, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries.
* **"and bringeth forth fruit, as [it doth] also in you":** This segment underscores the dynamic and transformative power of the gospel. The imagery of "bringing forth fruit" signifies spiritual growth, positive change, and good works that are the natural outcome of genuine faith. It affirms that the gospel is not merely heard but is actively at work, producing tangible evidence of God's presence and power, both in the broader Christian movement ("in all the world") and specifically within the lives of the Colossian believers.
* **"since the day ye heard [of it], and knew the grace of God in truth":** This final clause pinpoints the origin and nature of the Colossians' spiritual journey. Their fruitfulness and participation in the gospel's global impact began "since the day" they first heard the message. Crucially, their reception was not superficial; they "knew the grace of God in truth." This signifies a deep, authentic, and experiential understanding of God's unmerited favor, indicating a genuine conversion that was rooted in reality and not in human philosophy or fleeting emotion.

#### Literary Devices
Colossians 1:6 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, specifically the imagery of the gospel "bringing forth fruit." This vivid agricultural metaphor effectively communicates the idea of spiritual growth, productivity, and the tangible evidence of transformation in believers' lives. Just as a healthy plant yields fruit, a life touched by the gospel produces good works, Christ-like character, and further spread of the message. The phrase "in all the world" can be seen as **Hyperbole**, a deliberate exaggeration used to emphasize the widespread and rapid dissemination of the gospel in the early church, highlighting its universal appeal and divine momentum. Furthermore, the gospel is subtly **Personified** as an active agent that "comes" and "brings forth fruit," imbuing it with a dynamic, living quality that underscores its inherent power to transform and expand.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Colossians 1:6 profoundly connects to core Christian theology by underscoring the gospel's inherent power, its universal scope, and the nature of genuine conversion. It teaches that the message of Christ is not static but a living, active force that transforms individuals and expands God's kingdom globally. The "fruit" it produces is the visible evidence of God's grace at work, confirming the authenticity of faith and the reality of spiritual regeneration. This verse emphasizes that true spiritual growth stems from a deep, experiential knowledge of God's unmerited favor, not from human effort or adherence to external rules. It positions the gospel as the singular source of life and truth, capable of bearing fruit in any context where it is truly received.

* [Mark 4:20](/mark/4-20 "Mark 4:20 - The Parable of the Sower")
* [John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abiding in Christ, Bearing Fruit")
* [Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Power of the Gospel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Colossians 1:6 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, urging us to consider the active and transformative power of the gospel in our own lives and in the world around us. It challenges us to move beyond mere intellectual assent to a vibrant, fruit-bearing faith. We are called to examine whether the gospel is genuinely producing spiritual fruit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—within us, serving as a testament to its living reality. This verse also ignites a passion for global mission, reminding us that the gospel's universal reach means it must be proclaimed to every corner of the earth, just as it was spreading in Paul's day. Furthermore, it grounds our faith in the profound truth of God's grace, encouraging a deeper, more authentic understanding of His unmerited favor as the source of all spiritual life and fruitfulness, fostering humility, gratitude, and a continuous reliance on Him for growth and sustenance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what tangible ways is the "fruit" of the gospel evident in your daily life?**
* **How does understanding the gospel's universal reach impact your perspective on global missions and evangelism?**
* **What does it mean for you to "know the grace of God in truth," and how does this deep knowledge shape your walk with Christ?**
* **Are there areas in your life where you need to allow the gospel to "bring forth more fruit"?**

### FAQ
**What does Paul mean by the gospel "bringeth forth fruit"?**

Answer: When Paul states that the gospel "bringeth forth fruit," he is using a powerful **metaphor** to describe the tangible, positive outcomes that result from the genuine reception and active presence of the gospel. This "fruit" encompasses several aspects:
1. **Spiritual Transformation:** It refers to the internal changes in character, leading to virtues like those listed as the [fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit").
2. **Good Works:** It signifies outward acts of righteousness, service, and love that flow from a transformed heart.
3. **Growth of the Church:** It also implies the multiplication of believers and the expansion of God's kingdom as the gospel spreads and converts new people.
In essence, the gospel is not just a message to be heard but a dynamic force that produces life, growth, and positive impact in individuals and communities.

**How did the Colossians "know the grace of God in truth"?**

Answer: To "know the grace of God in truth" implies a deep, experiential, and authentic understanding, rather than a superficial or intellectual acquaintance. The Colossians heard the gospel message, which proclaimed God's unmerited favor (grace) extended through Christ. Their "knowing" suggests they not only intellectually grasped this concept but personally embraced it, leading to genuine repentance and faith. This true knowledge distinguished their faith from the false teachings that might have offered a distorted or works-based path to spirituality. It signifies a transformative encounter with divine truth that led to their conversion and subsequent spiritual fruitfulness, as described in [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Grace Through Faith").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Colossians 1:6 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ, for He is the very essence and content of the "word of the truth of the gospel." The gospel "comes" and "brings forth fruit" because it is the message of Christ's finished work—His incarnation, sinless life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection. It is through His sacrifice that God's "grace... in truth" is fully revealed and made accessible to humanity ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), [John 1:17](/john/1-17 "John 1:17 - Grace and Truth Came Through Jesus Christ")). The fruit that the gospel brings forth in believers is the very life of Christ being formed within them ([Galatians 2:20](/galatians/2-20 "Galatians 2:20 - Christ Lives in Me")), enabling them to live lives that reflect His character and advance His kingdom. Christ Himself is the true vine from whom all spiritual fruit flows ([John 15:1-5](/john/15-1-5 "John 15:1-5 - Jesus, the True Vine")), and it is by abiding in Him that believers participate in the gospel's fruitfulness both personally and globally, fulfilling the mission He initiated through His life, death, and resurrection.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 15:16

Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and [that] your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

Philippians 1:11

Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

1 Peter 5:12

By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand.

Romans 16:26

But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:

Colossians 1:23

If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and [be] not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, [and] which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;

Mark 16:15

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

Psalms 98:3

He hath remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel: all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.