John Chrysostom

Ver. 6. "Which is come unto you, even as it is also in all the world." He now gives them credit. "Is come," he said metaphorically. He means, it did not come and go away, but that it remained, and was there. Then because to the many the strongest confirmation of doctrines is that they hold them in common with many, he therefore added, "As also it is in all the world." It is present everywhere, everywhere victorious, everywhere established. "And is bearing fruit, and increasing, as it doth in you also." "Bearing fruit." In works. …

Homily on Colossians 1 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

He speaks as if about some animate object: "which is present." It did not come to you, he says, and then depart, but is present and reigns among you. By this he encourages them. And since many become more steadfast when they have companions, he adds: "and in all the world." It is everywhere present, everywhere standing firm. "Brings forth fruit" by works, "increases," because constantly many are joining this faith. But it would not bring forth fruit if it were not firm. For trees also bear more fruit when they are firmly rooted. …

Commentary on Colossians ↗

Augustine of Hippo

But the evidence of all the several scriptures with one accord proclaims the Church spread abroad throughout the world, with which the faction of Donatus does not hold communion. The law of God declared, "In thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed." The Lord said by the mouth of His prophet, "From the rising of the sun, even unto the going down of the same, a pure sacrifice shall be offered unto my name: for my name shall be great among the heathen." The Lord said through the Psalmist, "He shall have dominion also from …

A Treatise Concerning the Correction of the Donatists 1.5 ↗

Thomas Aquinas

Then when he says, which has come to you, Christ's doctrine is commended for its growth, because it has come not only to you, but is indeed in the whole world: "Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world" (Ps 19:4); "This Gospel of the kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world... and then the end will come" (Mt 24:14). But since the Gospel has been preached in the whole world, why has the end not come? I answer that some say that the Gospel of Christ is not the Gospel of the kingdom. …

Commentary on Colossians ↗