“which has come to you, as it has also in all the world, and is bringing forth fruit, as it is also among you since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth”
“which has come to you, as it has also in all the world”
The gospel spread throughout the Roman Empire like an epidemic (Co 1:23; Rom. 1:8). It bore fruit among the Colossians. Their influence spread to their city and the surrounding communities.
The dynamic spread of Christianity worldwide indicates the gospel’s authenticity. The gospel is universal in its impact. It was a force among the Colossians. The gospel is for the whole world. It is not one message among a pluralism of many; it is a message of singular power.
“and is bringing forth fruit”
God was at work throughout the Roman Empire. People were coming to know Christ throughout the civilized world.
Growth and fruit-bearing go hand in hand. This phrase refers to the gospel’s continuing growth. The grammar indicates the message has innate energy. It conveys inherent power. The inherent energy of a living organism produces fruit. It is the outward result of effective witnessing. The person who receives the gospel of necessity bears fruit (1 Thes 2:13).
“as it is also among you since the day you heard”
Growth began with the initial reception of the gospel. The gospel triggered new life. The Colossians heard and embraced the gospel. Their lives were transformed. The late-coming legalists had no part in that dynamic.
PRINCIPLE:
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The gospel has the inherent power to win people to Christ.
APPLICATION:
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The gospel has the inherent power to win people to Christ (Rom. 1:16). We do not win people to Christ by our persuasion but by our gospel.
Are you afraid to share your faith? Do you lack the confidence to introduce people to Jesus? This passage argues that we should not depend on our persuasive abilities. The Spirit-filled believer depends on the dynamic of the gospel. All we need to do is share the message. The message then takes over to win people to Jesus Christ. The sword will not cut as long as it remains in the scabbard. It must be unsheathed to be effective. If the gospel is preached, it will produce fruit.
