Colossians 2:6

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

Context of Colossians 2:6

The Apostle Paul, writing to the church in Colossae, addresses various challenges, primarily the rise of false teachings that threatened to undermine the simplicity and sufficiency of Christ. These heresies included elements of Gnosticism, legalism, and a form of mysticism that emphasized human traditions, philosophical speculation, and ascetic practices over the person and work of Jesus Christ (see Colossians 2:8). In this verse, Paul shifts from warning to exhortation, reminding believers of their initial reception of Christ and calling them to live consistently with that foundational truth.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Foundation of Faith: Receiving Christ: The phrase "As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord" points to the initial act of conversion and faith. It signifies a personal acceptance of Jesus as both the Messiah (Christ) and sovereign ruler (Lord). This receiving is not merely intellectual assent but a profound spiritual transaction where one embraces God's salvation through Christ.
  • Consistent Living: Walking in Him: The imperative "so walk ye in him" emphasizes that the Christian life is a continuous journey, not just a one-time event. "Walk" (Greek: peripateite) is a common biblical metaphor for one's daily conduct, manner of life, or spiritual journey. It means to live in accordance with who Christ is and what He has done, allowing His character and teachings to shape every aspect of one's existence.
  • Sufficiency of Christ: The verse implicitly reinforces the theme that Christ is sufficient for all aspects of faith and life. There is no need for additional rituals, human philosophies, or mystical experiences beyond Him. The way one receives salvation is the same way one lives out that salvation—in union with Christ. This echoes the broader message of Colossians that in Christ "dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily" (Colossians 2:9).

Linguistic Insights

The word "received" comes from the Greek term parelabete (παρελάβετε), which often denotes receiving something that has been transmitted or handed down, such as a tradition or doctrine. Here, it refers to the acceptance of the gospel message about Christ. The term "walk" (Greek: peripateite, περιπατεῖτε) is a present imperative, indicating a continuous, ongoing action. It's a call to a lifestyle of consistent obedience and fellowship, reflecting the spiritual reality of being united with Christ.

Practical Application

Colossians 2:6 serves as a powerful reminder for believers today:

  1. Remember Your Foundation: Reflect on the moment you "received Christ Jesus the Lord." This foundational act of faith is the basis for all Christian living. Your salvation is secure in Him.
  2. Live Consistently: The way you began your Christian journey—by faith in Christ—is the way you are to continue. This means daily dependence on Him, seeking to obey His commands, and allowing His Spirit to guide your actions and attitudes. It's a call to a life of spiritual growth and maturity, not stagnation.
  3. Resist Distractions: Just as the Colossians faced false teachings, believers today encounter philosophies and trends that can subtly draw them away from the simplicity of Christ. This verse encourages us to remain rooted and established in Him, finding all sufficiency in His person and work, rather than seeking fulfillment elsewhere. Paul's exhortation to "walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called" (Ephesians 4:1) resonates with this same principle of consistent Christian conduct.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.