Colossians 1:8 Meaning and Explanation
“Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Colossians 1:8 reports the Colossians' love in the Spirit, news Epaphras brought to Paul and his companions that helped shape their prayers for the church.
The Context of Colossians 1:8
Paul and Timothy are named at the opening of Colossians. In 1:3-8 they give thanks for the believers' faith in Christ and love for all the saints, connected with their heavenly hope and the gospel they have heard. Verse 7 names Epaphras as the faithful minister from whom they learned. He is the 'who' at the beginning of verse 8.
What Does Colossians 1:8 Mean?
This short sentence completes a description of Epaphras. The Colossians learned the gospel from him, and he also told Paul and his companions about their love. He connects the people receiving the letter with those writing it. The verse gives us the substance of that report, without describing the journey, the conversation, or everything else Epaphras may have said. What the letter preserves here is his testimony to their love in the Spirit.
The preceding verses help explain whose love is in view. Verse 4 has already named their love 'to all the saints.' Verse 8 returns to that love and describes it as being 'in the Spirit.' Paul is recognizing love within a community shaped by God's Spirit. The phrase directs our attention to the spiritual life behind their care for one another. It also belongs to the larger picture in verse 6, where the gospel is bearing fruit among them.
Love is one part of this opening thanksgiving. Faith in Christ, love for the saints, and hope laid up in heaven appear together in verses 4-5. This prevents us from treating verse 8 as an isolated compliment about people being pleasant. Their care for one another belongs to their response to the good news of God's grace. The letter's attention will soon turn more fully to the Son, in whom they have redemption and forgiveness (verses 13-14).
The report also leads into prayer. Verse 9 begins 'For this cause' and says that, since hearing, the writers have continued praying for the Colossians. They ask for knowledge of God's will, spiritual wisdom, a life pleasing to the Lord, and fruit in every good work. Evidence of growth gives them reason to pray for further growth. We can receive good news about another person's faith in that same spirit, with gratitude and continuing care.
Where Colossians 1:8 Echoes in Scripture
Romans 5:5 also connects love with the Holy Spirit, saying that God's love is poured into our hearts through the Holy Ghost. It is a useful companion passage to Colossians 1:8. Colossians itself develops the practical expression of love in 3:12-14, alongside compassion, kindness, humility, patience, and forgiveness.
How to Apply Colossians 1:8 Today
We can follow the movement from report to prayer. When we notice someone caring faithfully for others, we can give thanks for that person and pray for the wisdom, strength, and patience named in Colossians 1:9-11. We can also ask where our own care could become concrete this week: a visit, a meal, a patient conversation, or help with a burden.