and who also informed us
This phrase refers to Epaphras, a faithful minister of Christ on behalf of the Colossians, who has communicated to Paul and his companions about the state of the Colossian church. The Greek word for "informed" is "δηλόω" (dēloō), which means to make clear or to reveal. This indicates that Epaphras provided a detailed and truthful account, emphasizing the importance of transparency and communication within the body of Christ. Historically, this reflects the early church's reliance on trusted individuals to convey messages and maintain unity across distances.

of your love
The word "love" here is translated from the Greek "ἀγάπη" (agapē), which is the highest form of love, characterized by selflessness and sacrifice. This love is not merely an emotion but a deliberate choice to seek the welfare of others. In the context of the early church, this agapē was a defining characteristic of Christian communities, setting them apart in a world often marked by division and self-interest. The Colossians' love is a testament to their genuine faith and commitment to living out the teachings of Christ.

in the Spirit
The phrase "in the Spirit" signifies that this love is not of human origin but is inspired and empowered by the Holy Spirit. The Greek word "πνεῦμα" (pneuma) refers to the Spirit of God, who indwells believers and produces spiritual fruit, including love. This highlights the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers, enabling them to love in ways that transcend natural human ability. In a historical and scriptural context, this underscores the early church's dependence on the Holy Spirit for guidance, strength, and unity, as seen throughout the New Testament. The Spirit's work in the Colossians is a reminder of the divine source of true Christian love and the ongoing presence of God in the life of the church.

(8) Who also declared unto us.--This refers to news recently brought by Epaphras to St. Paul at Rome. He had been a minister in St. Paul's stead; he now, like Timothy afterwards, visited him to give account of his deputed work.

Your love in the Spirit.--"In the Spirit" is "in the grace of the Holy Ghost"--the Spirit of love. The love here would seem to be especially love towards St. Paul, a part of the "love towards all the saints" ascribed to them above (Colossians 1:4).

Verse 8. - Who also showed us your love in (the) Spirit (2 Corinthians 7:7; 2 Corinthians 8:7; 1 Thessalonians 3:6; Philippians 4:10); i.e. your love to us. Timothy and myself, especially if we read "in our behalf" in ver. 7: so, many interprefers, from Chrysostom to Klopper. Epaphras had conveyed the blessings of the gospel from St. Paul to the Colossians, and they now send back the grateful assurance of their love by the same channel (comp, note on "having heard," ver. 4, and parallel passages). This was a choice fruit of the gospel in them (comp. Philippians 4:10, 15-18), and such a reference to it gives a kindly conclusion to the thanksgiving. Ellicott and others understand here brotherly love in general - a somewhat pointless repetition of ver. 4. Meyer, reading "on your behalf" in ver. 7. more suitably suggests the Colossians' love to Epaphras in return for his services to them. The Spirit is the ruling element of the Colossians' love (Galatians 5:22) Love-in-the-Sprat forms a single compound phrase, like "faith-in-Christ-Jesus" (ver. 4). The one Spirit dwells alike in all the members of Christ's body, however sundered by place or circumstance (Ephesians 4:1-4), and makes them one in love to each other as to him (John 13:34, 35; 1 John 3:23, 24). "Spirit" occurs besides in this Epistle only in Colossians 2:5 (but see "spiritual," ver. 9), and some find in Colossians 2:1, 5 the explanation of this phrase (sc. "a love formed in absence, without personal intercourse:" but this is forced, and doubtful in point of grammar). Verses 9-14. - The opening prayer rises out of the foregoing thanksgiving, and leads up to the chief doctrinal statement of the Epistle (vers. 15-20: compare, for the connection, Ephesians 1:15-23; Romans 1:8-17). The burden of this prayer, as in other letters of this period, is the Church's need of knowledge (comp. Ephesians 1:17, 18; Philippians 1:9, 10). Here this desire has its fullest expression, as the necessity of the Colossians in this. respect was the more urgent and their situation, therefore, the more fully representative of the stage in the history of the Pauline Churches now commencing. He asks for his readers

(1) a fuller knowledge of the Divine will (ver. 9); to result in

(2) greater pleasingness to God (ver. 10 a), due

(3) to increased moral fruitfulness and spiritual growth (ver. 10 b), to . . .

Parallel Commentaries ...

[and] who
ὁ (ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

also
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

informed
δηλώσας (dēlōsas)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1213: To show, make clear, reveal. From delos; to make plain.

us
ἡμῖν (hēmin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

of your
ὑμῶν (hymōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

love
ἀγάπην (agapēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 26: From agapao; love, i.e. Affection or benevolence; specially a love-feast.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

[the] Spirit.
Πνεύματι (Pneumati)
Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4151: Wind, breath, spirit.


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NT Letters: Colossians 1:8 Who also declared to us your love (Coloss. Col Co)