Colossians 1: 6 – Bearing fruit and growing

… the word of truth of the Evangel, which, being present with you, according as in the entire world also, is bearing fruit and growing, according as it is among you  also, from the day on which you hear and realized the grace of God in truth…

Because “the word of the truth of the Evangel” is of Divine origin, it is also a living word. It bears fruit and grows. By this, Paul is referring to the effect that “the word of truth” has in those who hear and believe it. It is not about what we do with the Word, but about what the Word does with us. For since the Word is living and powerful, it is also life-changing. Paul had just gratefully noticed this vital effect in the faith, expectation, and love that the Colossians displayed.

The effect of “the word” that Paul notes among the Colossians is the same effect it has everywhere in the world. Because that effect does not depend on who passes on the Word, but “on the truth of the Evangel”. That is the criterion. Because in the preaching of the Word the same applies as in court: the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

Delen: