Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Colossians 1:5

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

Ver. 5. "Because of the hope which is laid up for you in the heavens." He speaks of the good things to come. This is with a view to their temptations, that they should not seek their rest here. For lest any should say, "And where is the good of their love toward the saints, if they themselves are in affliction?" he says, "We rejoice that ye are securing for yourselves a noble reception in heaven." "Because of the hope," he saith, "which is laid up." He shows its secureness. …

Homily on Colossians 1 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

You love, he says, the saints not out of human calculations, but in hope of future blessings; or else: we thank God that you are to inherit incorruptible blessings. For it is not laid up on earth, where it would be subject to corruption, but in heaven, where it is both intact and secure. …

Commentary on Colossians ↗

Western Saints

Thomas Aquinas

Further, the fruit of worldly love is obtained in this world; but the fruit of the love of charity is in eternal life. This leads him to mention hope: because of the hope laid up for you in heaven, that is, because of your eternal glory, which is called hope because it is considered as certain: "This hope has been put in my heart," as we read in Job (19:27). Then (1:5b), he shows how they obtained these things. First, he commends the doctrine of the Gospel; and secondly, its ministry. …

Commentary on Colossians ↗