…strengthened in the faith as you were taught …
Summary: Sometimes it helps to look at other translations when studying a verse. In this passage, the use of the ESV translations sheds new light on the meaning of Paul’s words.
For this section of the text, let’s switch it up a little and look at another translation:
“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.” (Colossians 2:6-7, ESV)
Notice how the ESV handles Paul’s use of “bebaioō” (Strong’s G950). Instead of saying we should be “strengthened in the faith,” the ESV uses the phrase, “established in the faith.”
About two-thirds of all English translations use the word “established” rather than “strengthened” or other words. In fact, both words capture part of what Paul is telling us.
The word “established” is often used to describe a plant that has taken root. In Matthew’s Gospel account, Jesus tells a parable about a farmer who goes out to the field to plant his crop. As the farmer walks, he accidentally spills seed on the path, among the rocks, and on thorny ground. Eventually, he reaches his field, and the rest of the seed is planted in good soil (Matthew 13:3-9).
None of the seed that falls along the path ever becomes “established.” Something happens in each case to interrupt the process of putting down roots.
In the case of the “good soil,” the seeds find a good home and can germinate, putting down roots. The farmer cares for the plants by pulling out weeds, adding nutrients as needed, and watering the soil. With all this good care, the roots are “strengthened.” The stronger the roots become, the more established the plant will be.
The Bible records the teachings of Jesus, Paul, and others to teach us what we need to know about the faith. The Holy Spirit comes to teach us personally and guide us as we grow in the faith. In this passage, Paul points us to our need to be “established” in the faith.
Application: Make every effort to be in “good soil.”
Food for Thought: When Paul writes “as you were taught,” what key points come to mind?
When Paul writes “as you were taught,” what key points come to mind?
T. aught …… to know, should know.
Very clever, Tim! 🙂
I think the words “as you were taught” show the power of discipleship and learning in a Christ centered environment. It is the power of the church fellowship. Paul had taught the truth of Christ to help establish the church. The church exists to tell people about Christ and then establish them in the faith. This same principle can apply to a home that knows and follows Christ. That home will establish their children in the faith.
Deuteronomy 6: 4 – 9: Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. a 5Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.
Blessed is the one who has good teachers!
— Thanks, Rich!
When Paul writes “as you were taught,” what key points come to mind?
We learn that 2 plus 2 equals 4 and this becomes an established truth. When someone teaches 2 plus 2 equals 5, we need to remember what we have been previously taught as we evaluate this new information.
There is value in truths we have been taught in the past, and we should draw on these to determine the value of teachings we may be receiving today. If a contradiction exists, we need to more closely examine new teachings against those we have previously accepted as truth and reject false teachings.
Thank you, Ron!
That is a brilliant assessment and exactly true. It is also one of the hardest things for any man or woman to come to grips with.