The Pulpit Commentary — Colossians — Section 54

Vere. 3-8.-Pauline Soritcs. I. TrrAx1-:smv1xr., This forms a s11itable introduc- tion (in Ephesians tl10 apostle starts with a sublime but less pcrwnal doxology). 1. The facts of tl1anlcs_qivi11g, There may ho said to be two facts, but the other is subordinated to this (which accordingly is nssignecl the first place), "We give thanks to God the Father or om Lord Jesus Christ." In this exercise Timothy was conjoined with Paul. Ileing o. thing about which they were agreed, they could thank God, not only separately, but unitedly. This is a holy partnership on which God looks down with special pleasure. Where did they go to with their thanksgivings? It was to the First Source, through the Second Source. Ottr Lord as the Saviour anointed (Jesu., Olirist) dispenses blessings; but he has got them from the Father (" He has received gifts for men"), and therefore we trnce them up, in other3 as well as in ourselves, through Christ to his Father. "Praying always for you." This is stated to show the abun- dance of his opportunity for thanksgiving. He was always praying for the Colossian Ohurch as for other Churches. This was one form which his care for all the C'hurches (a daily care) took. And Timothy, it seems, was not behindhand, but was copying the comprehensiveness of his instructor. And as, in their like-mindedness, they had daily prayers together, when they came to thanksgiving ColosslB was never forgotten. 2. On what their thanksgiving iuas founded. "Having heard." He (Paul) was not (never had been) an eye-witness of the Church at Colossai, but his ear was open to all information from that quarter, by Colossian visitors, or by special deputy (from him- selO, or through less direct channels. Timothy (with his many movements and, we may suppose, missions of inquiry) had probably been at Colossal, but his knowledge, too, had been added to by hearing. And, as the two talked over matters, they found subject for thanksgiving. It is one reason for our extending our knowledge of mis- sionary operations (not confining them to one society or field) that, by doing so, we get a multiplicity of subjects for thanksgiving. 3. For what specially they thanked God. (1) Faith. "Of your faith in Christ Jesus." It was faith (subjectively) that made them a Church. When Paul and Timothy thanked God for the faith of the Colossians, they had in view the activity or their faith. It was not only there (that is supposed in their being addressed as "faithful brethren"), but it was strongly operating. The clement in which it operated, and in which it admitted of endless expansion, was Christ Jesus (a saving element being in him that was inexhaustibltl). (2) L6ve. "And of the love which ye have toward all the saints." Their love to be thus signalized must have been more than ordinarily active. There is a vague kind of love which does not amount to much. If it is really the Christian principle of love ( of the thirteenth chapter of 1 Corinthians) and if it is sufficiently active, it will show itself, not only in ihe absence of jealousy, but in the presence of positive interest. These Colossians did not confine their affections within their own circle, but let them go out toward all the saints. They acquainted themselves with the condition of other Churches, and in many ways were helpful to them. Faith and love are here referred to generally, but when Paul and Timothy gave thanl,s, they would be able to fix upon this and upon that as evidencing the reality and vitality of their faith and love. II. THE LOVE (wmcll FORMED MATTER OF THANKSGIVING) WAS CA.USED DY ROPE. "Because of the hope which is laid up for you in the heavens." This hope had a cer- tain objective character. It wns something outside of them which was sately laid past for their future enjoyment. At the same time, it had a certain subjective character. Jt was something operating within their own breasts. 'l.'hey were kind to the saints of their day (without except.ion). Why? Because they looked beyond the present. The time would come when (removed from under earthly conditions) they would meet them in the heavens. They might get no reward here (their catholicity might bring them persecution), but it would be reward enough to see there those whom they had done their duty by, and to receive from Ohrist words of approval. It was because of this hope, then (so sure), that their love flourished. III. 'l'nE HOPE WAS COMMUNICATED IN THE GOSPEL. "Whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel." We owe it to God that he has givcu us" the truth" (and the gifts of God are without repentance). We may well prize this gift of God when we think of the erroneous ideas which men (unaided by revelation) ha,e cntortained. This is the Promethean fire, not stolen, but, in in6nite love, sent down from henveD. Goel has 11laccd us under additional obligation by giving us tho truth iu  THE EPISTLE TO THE COLOSSIANS. [ell, I, 1-20,