Colossians 2:6

KJV

As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, [so] walk ye in him:

KJV (with Strong's)

As {G5613} ye have {G3880} therefore {G3767} received {G3880} Christ {G5547} Jesus {G2424} the Lord {G2962}, so walk ye {G4043} in {G1722} him {G846}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore, just as you received the Messiah Yeshua as Lord, keep living your life united with him.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in Him,

American Standard Version

As therefore ye received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Colossians 2:6 serves as a foundational exhortation for believers, reminding them that just as they initially embraced Christ Jesus as Lord through faith, so too should their entire lives be continually lived in union with Him. This verse calls for a consistent and ongoing lifestyle that reflects the profound spiritual reality of having received Christ, emphasizing the sufficiency of Christ as the sole basis for both salvation and sanctification.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Colossians 2:6 follows Paul's earnest desire for the Colossian believers to have "all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ" ([Colossians 2:2](/colossians/2-2 "Colossians 2:2 - The Mystery of Christ")). The preceding verses emphasize the hidden treasures of wisdom and knowledge found exclusively in Christ, serving as a bulwark against deceptive philosophical arguments and empty traditions that threatened to lead them astray ([Colossians 2:4](/colossians/2-4 "Colossians 2:4 - Warning Against Deceptive Arguments") and [Colossians 2:8](/colossians/2-8 "Colossians 2:8 - Warning Against Philosophy and Empty Deceit")). Verse 6, therefore, transitions from a theological defense of Christ's supremacy to a practical imperative, grounding the Christian walk firmly in the initial reception of Christ, thereby setting the stage for subsequent warnings against specific heresies and legalistic practices in the chapter.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The church in Colossae faced a unique blend of syncretistic heresies. This "Colossian heresy" combined elements of Jewish legalism (circumcision, dietary laws, observance of festivals – [Colossians 2:16](/colossians/2-16 "Colossians 2:16 - Warnings Against Legalism")), Gnostic tendencies (emphasizing secret knowledge, asceticism, and the worship of angels – [Colossians 2:18](/colossians/2-18 "Colossians 2:18 - Warning Against Angel Worship and Asceticism")), and philosophical speculation. These false teachings diminished the absolute supremacy and sufficiency of Christ, suggesting that believers needed something *more* than Christ for spiritual completeness. Paul's letter directly counters these errors by asserting Christ's preeminence and the fullness that believers already possess in Him ([Colossians 2:9-10](/colossians/2-9-10 "Colossians 2:9-10 - The Fullness of Christ")). The exhortation to "walk in him" directly addresses the need for the Colossians to remain steadfast in the truth they received, rather than being swayed by external pressures or novel doctrines.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes prevalent throughout the book of Colossians. Firstly, the **sufficiency of Christ** is paramount; believers have received *Christ Jesus the Lord*, indicating that He is all that is needed for salvation and spiritual life. There is no need for additional rituals or philosophies, as all fullness dwells in Him ([Colossians 1:19](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19 - The Fullness of God in Christ")). Secondly, the theme of **union with Christ** is central; the command to "walk in him" signifies a continuous, intimate relationship where Christ is the sphere and source of one's daily existence. This union is the basis for spiritual growth and maturity. Thirdly, **practical Christian living** is emphasized, showing that true doctrine must always lead to transformed conduct. The way one begins the Christian life (by receiving Christ) is the way one is to continue it (by walking in Him), forming a coherent and consistent spiritual journey.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **received (Greek, _paralambánō'_):** This term (G3880) signifies "to receive near," implying an intimate association or acceptance. In the context of the gospel, it refers to the personal and active embrace of Christ and the truth about Him, not merely intellectual assent but a profound spiritual transaction where one takes Christ to oneself. It denotes the initial act of conversion, where the believer accepts Christ as He is presented in the gospel.
* **walk (Greek, _peripatéō'_):** This word (G4043) literally means "to tread all around" or "to walk at large." Figuratively, it is a common biblical metaphor for one's daily conduct, manner of life, or spiritual journey. The present imperative tense indicates a continuous, ongoing action. Therefore, "walk ye" is a call to a lifestyle of consistent obedience, fellowship, and progression in Christ, reflecting the spiritual reality of being united with Him.
* **in (Greek, _en'_):** As a primary preposition (G1722), "in" denotes a fixed position, state, or sphere. When applied to "walk in him," it signifies that Christ is the very environment, source, and sphere of the believer's life. It implies a deep, abiding union where Christ's character, teachings, and power permeate and direct every aspect of one's existence. It is not merely walking *with* Him, but walking *within* the reality of who He is.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord":** This clause establishes the foundational premise for the exhortation that follows. It refers to the past, decisive act of conversion where the Colossian believers, and by extension all believers, personally accepted Jesus as the Christ (Messiah) and acknowledged His divine authority as Lord. This reception is not merely intellectual assent but a profound spiritual embrace of His person and work, signifying the beginning of their new life in Him. The use of "therefore" (G3767, _oûn_) logically connects this past reception to the subsequent command.
* **"so walk ye in him":** This is the imperative command, directly flowing from the preceding statement. The "so" (G5613, _hōs_) indicates a correspondence: the manner in which they received Christ should be the manner in which they continue to live. "Walk" is a continuous action, implying a lifestyle. To "walk in him" means to live one's daily life in continuous dependence on, obedience to, and fellowship with Christ. It encompasses embodying His character, following His teachings, and drawing upon His power, making Him the central focus and sphere of all existence.

#### Literary Devices
Colossians 2:6 prominently features **Metaphor**. The verb "walk" (Greek: _peripatéō_) is a common biblical metaphor for one's conduct, lifestyle, or journey through life. It transforms a physical action into a spiritual and ethical one, vividly portraying the Christian life as a continuous, active progression. The phrase "in him" further enhances this metaphor, suggesting that Christ is the very environment or sphere within which this walk takes place, emphasizing the believer's profound **Union** with Christ. The structure of the verse also demonstrates a form of **Parallelism** or **Correspondence**, where the initial act of "receiving" Christ is directly mirrored by the ongoing act of "walking" in Him, highlighting the consistency required between conversion and daily living.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Colossians 2:6 underscores the profound theological truth that the Christian life is a seamless continuum, initiated by grace through faith and sustained by that same grace through ongoing faith. The initial act of "receiving Christ Jesus the Lord" is not merely an entry point but establishes the very nature of the subsequent "walk." This implies that salvation is not a one-time transaction followed by a separate set of rules, but rather an organic union with Christ that permeates every aspect of existence. The sufficiency of Christ, a dominant theme in Colossians, is powerfully reinforced here: because all fullness dwells in Him, believers need nothing more than Him for their spiritual completeness and daily sustenance. To walk in Him is to find all wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption in Christ alone, rejecting any additions or substitutions.

* [Ephesians 4:1](/ephesians/4-1 "Ephesians 4:1 - Walking Worthy of Your Calling")
* [Philippians 1:27](/philippians/1-27 "Philippians 1:27 - Conduct Worthy of the Gospel")
* [1 John 2:6](/1_john/2-6 "1 John 2:6 - Walking as He Walked")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Colossians 2:6 offers a profound and practical challenge for every believer. It calls us to remember the simplicity and profundity of our initial encounter with Christ – the moment we truly "received Christ Jesus the Lord." This foundational act of faith, where we acknowledged His sovereignty and embraced His saving work, is not merely a historical event but the defining reality that shapes our entire existence. The command to "so walk ye in him" then becomes a powerful call to consistency. It means that the same faith, dependence, and surrender that marked our conversion must characterize our daily lives. This "walk" is not about striving in our own strength or adding human traditions to Christ's finished work, but about continually drawing from His life, obeying His Spirit, and allowing His character to be formed within us. It is a call to live out our identity as those united with Christ, finding all our sufficiency, purpose, and direction in Him alone, thereby resisting the myriad of distractions and false teachings that seek to pull us away from this singular focus.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does remembering your initial "reception" of Christ Jesus the Lord impact your current "walk" with Him?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to more fully "walk in him," rather than relying on your own strength or worldly wisdom?**
* **What false teachings or cultural pressures today might subtly encourage you to seek something "more" than Christ for spiritual growth, and how does this verse equip you to resist them?**
* **How can your daily choices and attitudes reflect the truth that Christ is the sphere and source of your life?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean to "receive Christ Jesus the Lord"?**

Answer: To "receive Christ Jesus the Lord" signifies a personal and active embrace of Jesus as the Messiah (Christ) and as the sovereign ruler over one's life (Lord). It's more than just intellectual agreement; it's a spiritual transaction involving faith, repentance, and a surrender of one's life to Him. This act marks the beginning of one's salvation and new life, as described in passages like [John 1:12](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Receiving Christ and Becoming Children of God") where those who receive Him are given the right to become children of God.

**What does "walk ye in him" practically entail for a believer today?**

Answer: "Walk ye in him" is a powerful metaphor for living a life that is consistently aligned with Christ. Practically, it means to live in continuous dependence on Him, drawing strength and guidance from His Spirit. It involves obeying His commands ([John 14:15](/john/14-15 "John 14:15 - If You Love Me, Keep My Commandments")), imitating His character ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Walk in Love")), and making Him the central focus of all decisions and actions. It's a call to spiritual growth, where one's daily conduct reflects the reality of their union with Christ, as seen in the call to "walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing" ([Colossians 1:10](/colossians/1-10 "Colossians 1:10 - Walking Worthy of the Lord")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Colossians 2:6 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the very person and ongoing work of Jesus Christ, who is both the object of our initial faith and the sphere of our continuous walk. When we "received Christ Jesus the Lord," we were united with Him in His death, burial, and resurrection, as Paul explains in [Romans 6:3-4](/romans/6-3-4 "Romans 6:3-4 - United with Christ in Baptism"). This union means that our old self was crucified with Him, and we were raised to walk in newness of life, a direct fulfillment of the "so walk ye in him" command. Christ, through His Holy Spirit, indwells believers, making this continuous walk not a mere human effort but a Spirit-empowered reality. He is the Vine, and we are the branches, called to abide in Him to bear fruit ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abiding in the Vine")). Our "walk in him" is a daily manifestation of His life within us, a progressive conformity to His image ([2 Corinthians 3:18](/2_corinthians/3-18 "2 Corinthians 3:18 - Transformed into His Image")), and a living testimony to His complete sufficiency for all aspects of salvation and sanctification. He is not just the starting point but the ongoing source, sustainer, and goal of our entire Christian journey, ensuring that "as ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him" is a call to live out the very life of Christ Himself.

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

Colossians 1:10

That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

1 John 2:6

He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

1 Thessalonians 4:1

¶ Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort [you] by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, [so] ye would abound more and more.

Ephesians 5:1

¶ Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;

Ephesians 5:2

And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

2 Corinthians 5:7

(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

Galatians 2:20

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.