Colossians 1: 10 – Growing in the realization of God

… to walk worthily of the Lord for all pleasing, bearing fruit in every good work, and growing in the realization of God….

This is the third time since verse 6 that Paul uses the word “realization” (Gr. epi-gnosis). We already saw that ‘epi-gnosis’ presupposes knowledge, but goes beyond it. ‘Epi-gnosis’ occurs when knowledge of the head becomes knowledge of the heart. From the day the Colossians heard the Good News, they became aware of the grace of God in truth (:6). And since Paul heard this from Epaphras about the Colossians, he did not cease praying for them that they might be filled with a sense of God’s will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding (:9). But besides this they would also grow in the realization of the God. What does that mean?

It may seem a bit strange to see a definite article for God here: the God. But it is significant because it indicates that for Paul there is only one God (1Cor.8:6). He is unique and therefore also GOD in the absolute sense. Omnipotent and all-powerful. Nothing takes place without Him giving it a place. To realize this and to become increasingly (“growing”) aware of it – that is Paul’s prayer.

Delen: