lectionary.com

Epiphany · The Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany

Colossians 3:12-17

By Faith

February 8, 2026

Christ Washing the Disciples' Feet, Jan Lievens
Christ Washing the Disciples' Feet, Jan Lievens, c. 1630The Art Institute of Chicago
Lievens paints it almost entirely in brown and shadow, with the basin catching the only strong light in the picture.What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah asks the question; this is the answer performed.Jan LievensA Dutch painter who shared a studio with Rembrandt as a young man, was thought his equal at the time, and has been overshadowed ever since.The Art Institute of ChicagoFounded in 1879 as both a museum and a school, and the home of American Gothic and of a famous Impressionist collection.The Art Institute of Chicago
Historic One-Year Lectionary
GospelMatt. 13:24-30 (36-43)Mt 13:24-30 (36-43)
EpistleCol. 3:12-17Col 3:12-17
Old TestamentGen. 18:20-33Gn 18:20-33
PsalterPs. 80:1-7Ps 80:1-7

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.

From Sermons.com: Join Today to access the most scholarly & well written preaching resources anywhere.

Take it further: Colossians 3:12-17

Commentary

Colossians 3 (Enduring Word)Col 3 (Enduring Word) Enduring Word · David Guzik

David Guzik on clothing oneself with compassion, forgiveness, love, and thankfulness.

Colossians 3:12 Classic Commentaries ComparedCol 3:12 Classic Commentaries Compared BibleHub

Historic commentators set side by side on the virtues of the new self in Christ.

Colossians 3 CommentaryCol 3 Commentary Precept Austin

Word studies and cross references on putting on love and letting Christ's peace rule.

Colossians 3:12-17 CommentaryCol 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 3:12-17Commentary on Col 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 InterlinearCol 3:12 Greek Interlinear BibleHub

Greek text with parsing for the virtue list and the call to thankfulness.

Book of Colossians SummaryBook of Col Summary BibleProject

Animated overview of the letter, showing how chapter 3's ethics flow from union with Christ.

Colossians and WorkCol 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

Colossians 3 with the Church Fathers (Catena)Col 3 with the Church Fathers (Catena) Catena

Early church comment on the new self, forgiveness, and singing psalms with thankful hearts.

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.

Prep at sermons.com

Ready to write?

  • Full sermons on Matthew 13:24-30 (36-43)
  • Illustrations cleared for use in worship
  • Commentary, quotes, and Bible dictionary
Open it at sermons.com →

Trusted by pastors since 1995.

Free every Tuesday

Illustrations & Sermon Prep in your inbox

The coming Sunday’s readings, a cleared-for-use illustration, and a sermon-prep head start. One email, free.