Col 1:4-8 | PNT | STEP | Since we heard of your faith . . . and love . He probably heard through Epaphras, a member at Colosse, who was at that time with him in Rome ( ).

‏ Colossians 1:4-8

Since we heard of your faith . . . and love. He probably heard through Epaphras, a member at Colosse, who was at that time with him in Rome (Col 1:7 4:12). For the hope. He gives thanks for their hope of heaven.

Which is laid up for you in heaven. This suggests that they have a treasure laid up in heaven which they hope to use. Their treasure is above.

Whereof ye heard before. They heard of this hope when the gospel was preached to them. Which is come unto you. The gospel had come to them, being now spread abroad in all the world. That is not to be taken literally, but affirms the wide diffusion of the gospel.

Bringeth forth fruit. It always bears fruit in holy lives wherever received. As ye also learned of Epaphras. "Also" in the Common Version is not found in the best MSS. They had learned of the gospel, its truth, its hope, and fruit from Epaphras, who probably planted the church under Paul's direction. Where he was converted we are not informed, but possibly at Ephesus, the capital of the province, during Paul's stay of three years there. Some have held that he is the same as the Epaphroditus of Php 2:25; 4:18, but this is not probable. He is highly commended here and in Col 4:12 and in the latter place is identified with the Colossian church. Who also declared unto us. Epaphras was at the date of the letter attending the apostle at Rome.