What is the meaning of Colossians 1:8? and who also informed us • Paul is talking about Epaphras (see Colossians 1:7), the faithful coworker who first shared the gospel in Colossae. • Epaphras didn’t keep the encouraging news to himself; he “informed” Paul and Timothy of what God was doing among the believers. • This relay of good news mirrors other New Testament moments—like Timothy bringing a report to Paul in 1 Thessalonians 3:6 or Barnabas carrying news to Jerusalem in Acts 11:22—showing how early Christians valued sharing testimonies of God’s work. • The phrase highlights the importance of Christian fellowship that celebrates spiritual growth rather than merely noting problems (compare Philippians 1:3–5). of your love • The specific content of Epaphras’s report was “your love,” a defining mark of genuine conversion (John 13:35; 1 John 3:14). • Paul consistently lifts up love as evidence that faith is active (Galatians 5:6) and as the “supreme” virtue (1 Corinthians 13:13). • This isn’t sentimental affection; it’s the self-giving, others-serving pattern Jesus set (1 John 4:7–11). • Practical snapshots of such love include: – Caring for one another’s needs (Acts 2:44–45). – Bearing with and forgiving each other (Colossians 3:13–14). – Supporting gospel advance beyond one’s own circle (Philippians 4:15–16). in the Spirit • Paul anchors their love “in the Spirit,” underscoring its supernatural origin. • The Holy Spirit pours out God’s love into believers’ hearts (Romans 5:5) and produces love as first in the list of His fruit (Galatians 5:22). • By linking love to the Spirit, Paul rules out mere human enthusiasm; this is divine empowerment. • The Spirit unites diverse believers into one body (1 Corinthians 12:13) and strengthens them to grasp the vast dimensions of Christ’s love (Ephesians 3:16–19). • Therefore, love “in the Spirit” is both a proof of genuine salvation and a preview of heaven’s fellowship. summary Epaphras brought Paul joyful news: the Colossian believers were displaying authentic, Christ-like love, a love made possible only by the Holy Spirit living within them. Their story reminds us that reporting God’s work encourages the wider church, that love is the chief evidence of true faith, and that such love flows from the Spirit rather than human effort. |
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