Colossians 1:6

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:

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}:

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.

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.

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;

Context

The apostle Paul, writing to the church at Colossae, continues to express his gratitude and joy for their faith and spiritual progress. This verse directly follows his mention of the "hope which is laid up for you in heaven" and "the word of the truth of the gospel" in Colossians 1:5. It highlights the dynamic and active nature of the gospel message. The Colossian church, likely founded by Epaphras (Colossians 1:7), was a relatively young community facing potential philosophical and religious challenges, making the emphasis on the genuine and fruitful nature of the gospel crucial for their spiritual stability.

Key Themes

  • The Universality of the Gospel: The phrase "as it is in all the world" underscores that the gospel is not a localized or exclusive message but one intended for all humanity. This echoes the Great Commission and the global reach of Christian truth, demonstrating its power to transform lives everywhere, not just in Colossae.
  • The Fruitfulness of the Gospel: The gospel is described as "bringeth forth fruit." This imagery signifies spiritual growth, transformation, and good works that result from genuine faith. It speaks to the tangible evidence of God's work in a believer's life, moving beyond mere intellectual assent to active discipleship. This concept of spiritual fruit is central to Christian teaching, often linked to the fruit of the Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23.
  • Knowing the Grace of God in Truth: The Colossians' journey began "since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth." This emphasizes that their reception of the gospel was not superficial but a deep, authentic encounter with God's unmerited favor. True understanding of grace leads to genuine transformation and fruitfulness.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "bringeth forth fruit" translates the Greek word karpophoroumenon (καρποφορούμενον), a present participle of karpophoreō, meaning "to bear fruit," "to be fruitful," or "to yield increase." This emphasizes a continuous, ongoing process of productivity and growth, indicating that the gospel's impact is not a one-time event but a living, active force that constantly produces results in the lives of believers. The term "grace" (charis, χάρις) signifies God's unmerited favor, a foundational concept in Christian theology, highlighting that salvation and spiritual growth are gifts from God, not earned by human effort.

Practical Application

Colossians 1:6 serves as a powerful reminder for believers today:

  • It encourages us to assess the "fruit" in our own lives. Is the gospel genuinely transforming us, leading to spiritual growth, love, and good works? This reflection can inspire deeper commitment.
  • It reinforces the global mission of the church. Just as the gospel spread throughout the world in Paul's time, it continues to be a universal message that must be shared with others, demonstrating its power to change lives everywhere.
  • It calls us to deeply understand and live out the "grace of God in truth," recognizing that our faith and ability to bear spiritual fruit stem from His divine favor, not our own merits. This understanding fosters humility, gratitude, and reliance on God for continued growth.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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