Colossians 1:6

which is come unto you; even as it is also in all the world bearing fruit and increasing, as it doth in you also, since the day ye heard and knew the grace of God in truth;

'WHICH IS COME UNTO YOU' -i.e. this gospel.

'EVEN AS IT IS ALSO IN ALL THE WORLD' -(Colossians 1:23). The message is. universal message (Mark 16:15) and was rapidly spread by the Apostles and other Christians in the First Century. 'Possibly with. suggestion of the universal character of the Gospel as contrasted with the local and special character of false gospels.' (Vincent p. 464)

Point to Note:

Some have claimed that Colossians 1:6 and Colossians 1:23 are exaggerations concerning the spread of the gospel in Paul's day. But in the Second Century Justin Martyr wrote, 'There is no people, Greek or barbarian, or of any other race by whatever appellation or manners they may be distinguished, however ignorant of arts or agriculture, whether they dwell in tents or wander about in covered wagons, among whom prayers and thanksgivings are not offered in the name of the crucified Jesus to the Father and Creator of all things...On the basis of all the data available it has been estimated that by the close of the Apostolic Period the total number of Christian disciples had reached half. million.' (Hendriksen p. 51) (See 1 Thessalonians 1:8; 1 Peter 1:12; Acts 17:6)

'BEARING FRUIT AND INCREASING' -'and everywhere it bears fruit and grows' (Con).

Points to Note:

1. 'The gospel is universal. It is for all the world. It is not confined to any one race or nation, nor to any one class or condition. Very few things in this world are open to all men.' (Barclay p. 107)

2. The gospel is. very powerful message (Romans 1:16). We dare not underestimate the convicting and life-changing punch that it packs (Acts 2:37).

3. Christians need to remember that all we are called upon to do is simply spread this message. The "converting" power doesn't lie within us, we don't have to be super-salesmen (1 Corinthians 3:6). The message will sell itself to honest and good hearts (Luke 8:15).

4. All of this should remind us that the gospel doesn't need any improvement or supplement. To this day, in our part of the world, the gospel continues to spread, convict hearts, produce faith (Romans 10:17), bring people to Christ (2 Thessalonians 2:14), and bring about transformed lives (Colossians 3:5 ff; Galatians 5:22).

5. Instead of feeling that nobody wants the true gospel today. Or that the gospel can't compete with the popular and smooth-sounding religious errors of our time. We need to remind ourselves that nothing can stop the gospel message (2 Timothy 2:9). The Christians in the First Century faced just as many "false teachings" as we do today. Religious errors existed which were just as popular with the mainstream of society. And yet the gospel spread, penetrated new regions, and even those which you would think that Satan had. strangle-hold upon (1 Peter 1:13; Acts 18:10)

'AS IT DOTH IN YOU ALSO' -'The Colossians are being reminded of the power..and successful course of the gospel, as. reason for gratitude. Here, too, there is the implication, "Don't you remember the mighty change that occurred when the message of God's redemptive truth made its first appearance among you? That gospel needs no addition or supplement. Its influence is being felt in ever-increasing measure, both extensively, invading region after region..' (Hendriksen p. 50)

'SINCE THE DAY YE HEARD' -The Christians in Colossae hadn't grown apathetic. The gospel was continuing to produce new converts in this city and individual members were continuing to grow (Colossians 1:4).

'AND KNEW THE GRACE OF GOD IN TRUTH' -

'KNEW' -1921. epiginosko ep-ig-in-oce'-ko; from 1909 and 1097; to know upon some mark, i.e. recognize; by implication, to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge: -(ac-, have, take)know(-ledge, well), perceive.

Points to Note:

1. The gospel message is the only message which accurately presents God's grace. Among other things it reveals that grace isn't an excuse to sin (Romans 6:1), and that grace brings the obligation and motivation to live. godly life (Titus 2:11).

2. All other messages offer. false hope. Here is the importance of hearing the pure gospel, the gospel which was taught by the apostles (Galatians 1:6). In addition, the importance of defending the gospel and opposing any corruptions to it, so that present and future generations can have the same opportunity to be saved, as we have (Galatians 2:5; 2 Timothy 4:2).

3. The word "knew" in this verse means. full knowledge. After one hears the gospel it is completely inexcusable to think that salvation can be found in someone besides Jesus Christ (John 14:6), or, that one can continue. life of sin and still end up saved.