Epiphany · The Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany
Colossians 3:12-17
By Faith
February 8, 2026
Overview & Insights
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)
The Nature and Importance of Faith The mention of the importance of faith in the last two verses of the preceding chapter leads naturally to this famous chapter on faith. It is impossible to know whether the author is making use of a source, which he now takes over in part or totally, or whether he is composing a fresh catalogue of heroes on the model of existing examples. Extensive reviews of the history of Israel had been composed to substantiate a warning or to provide encouragement, and some of these would have been known to our author. As examples, we may mention Psalm 78; Wisdom of Solomon 10; Sirach 44–50; 1 Maccabees 2:51–64; and Acts 7.
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Commentary
Colossians 3 (Enduring Word) Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik on clothing oneself with compassion, forgiveness, love, and thankfulness.
Colossians 3:12 Classic Commentaries Compared BibleHub
Historic commentators set side by side on the virtues of the new self in Christ.
Colossians 3 Commentary Precept Austin
Word studies and cross references on putting on love and letting Christ's peace rule.
Colossians 3:12-17 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
Reformed preaching commentary on the virtues as clothing and gratitude named three times over.
Commentary on Colossians 3:12-17 Working Preacher
Luther Seminary lectionary commentary on the community shaped by forgiveness, peace, and the word of Christ.
Background & Word Study
Colossians 3:12 Greek Interlinear BibleHub
Greek text with parsing for the virtue list and the call to thankfulness.
Book of Colossians Summary BibleProject
Animated overview of the letter, showing how chapter 3's ethics flow from union with Christ.
Colossians and Work Theology of Work
Reads the virtues and 'whatever you do' of this passage into the setting of daily work and relationships.
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
What is the roll call of faith?
Hebrews 11 tells of those who trusted God's promise before they saw it, Abraham and Sarah among them, welcoming from afar the fulfillment that comes in Christ.
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