“Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:”
Giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light — thanksgiving (eucharistia) to the Father for qualification (hikanoō, made sufficient). 'Share in the inheritance' (meris tēs klēronomias) is participatory: they are coheirs. 'Of the saints in light' (tōn hagiōn en tō phōti) positions the saints in eschatological illumination. The inheritance is heavenly, future, yet already possessed through Spirit-indwelling. Gratitude for already-given goods frames the cosmic exhortation to follow.
Church Fathers on Colossians 1:12
“For this cause.” What cause? Because we heard of your faith and love, because we have good hopes, we are hopeful to ask for future blessings also. For as in the games we cheer on those most who are near upon gaining the victory, just so does Paul also most exhort those who have achieved the greater part. “Since the day we heard it,” says he, “we do not cease to pray for you.” Not for one day do we pray for you, nor yet for two, nor three. Herein he both shows his love, and…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS
Publish a reflection on this verse
No reflections on this verse yet. Be the first to write one!