Ian & Jocelyn Barker

In a parable that Jesus spoke, He pictured a seed as the gospel, and soil as the heart and life of a person. Four seeds are sown, and the growth of each seed is different because of the quality of soil. One seed is able to grow because it is sown into good soil. Jesus says, “he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces” (Matt. 13:23).

In Colossae, the gospel has been “constantly bearing fruit and increasing” (1:6). The fruit that has been produced by the gospel is faith in Christ and a love for the saints (1:4). This increase of godly character has strengthened their testimony to unbelievers. F.F. Bruce writes, “The message of the gospel, which was producing the vigorous and ever multiplying fruit of the Christian life and testimony at Colossae, was doing the same, it is said, throughout the world” (1:6). It is good to remember that the Christian faith is universal and experienced by many different people with different understandings and expressions. Pausing to consider its global impact gives us a greater appreciation for its power and lets us feel part of a community comprised “of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues” (Rev. 7:9).

Paul and Timothy have been informed of their “love in the Spirit” (1:8) from Epaphras. He was an evangelist and minister who is highly spoken of by Paul and they may have shared imprisonment together. Paul trusted and respected him for he had effectively taught them the gospel. He had informed them of the love that the Colossian believers had, but also of some of the dangers in the city. Paul will address the dangers further on in his letter (2:6-23), but presently focusses on the fruit of love that is seen in them.