“If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;”
Of this you yourself have heard, and that has been proclaimed to you in all creation under heaven — the gospel of cosmic reconciliation 'you have heard' (akouō) and has been 'proclaimed' (keryssō) universally. 'In all creation under heaven' (en pasē ktiseō tē hypo ton ouranon) suggests worldwide gospel proclamation. This may be hyperbolic, but it expresses the gospel's universal scope and efficacy. They are not isolated but part of cosmic redemption.
Church Fathers on Colossians 1:23
“If so be that you continue in the faith grounded and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the Gospel.” Here he strikes a blow at their listlessness. And he said not simply “continue,” for it is possible to continue wavering, and vacillating; it is possible to stand, and continue, though turned this way and that. “If so be that you continue,” he says, “grounded and steadfast, and not moved away.” Wonderful! What a forcible metaphor he uses; he says not only not…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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