“In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge — wisdom and knowledge (sophia kai gnōsis) are 'hidden' (apokrypta) in Christ. The 'hidden' echoes 1:26 (mystery hidden/revealed): treasures are concealed until accessed. 'In whom' (en hō) establishes Christ as treasure-repository. The metaphor inverts Gnostic claims: true wisdom is not secret knowledge available to initiates but available in Christ to all believers. Against false gnosis stands Christ-knowledge.
Church Fathers on Colossians 2:3
“That their hearts may be comforted, they being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, that they may know the mystery of God the Father, and of Christ: in whom are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge hidden.” Now henceforward he is hastening and in pangs to enter upon the doctrine, neither accusing them, nor clearing them of accusation. “I strive,” he says. To what end? That they may be knit together. What he means is…
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!