“For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;”
Because of the hope laid up for you in heaven, of which you have heard beforehand in the word of the truth, the gospel — their faith and love are grounded in 'hope laid up in heaven' (elpis apokeimenē en tois ouranois, treasure stored in heaven). Hope (elpis) is eschatological expectation. This heavenly hope is not speculative but rooted in 'the word of truth' (logos tēs aletheias), the gospel they heard. The gospel is revelation: truth disclosed, not invented.
Church Fathers on Colossians 1:5
“Because of the hope which is laid up for you in the heavens.” He speaks of the good things to come. This is with a view to their temptations, that they should not seek their rest here. For lest any should say, “And where is the good of their love toward the saints, if they themselves are in affliction?” he says, “We rejoice that you are securing for yourselves a noble reception in heaven.” “Because of the hope,” he says, “which is laid up.” He shows its secureness. “Whereof…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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