Colossians 1:23

if indeed you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope of the gospel you heard, which has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Paul writes to the Colossian church, placing this conditional clause between their reconciliation (v. 22) and his own sufferings on their behalf (v. 24).

The words — ἐπιμένω (epimenō), "remain upon / keep on," is a present imperative demanding sustained, active endurance rather than a single act of belief. τεθεμελιωμένοι (tethemeliōmenoi), "established," is a perfect passive participle: a completed grounding whose results persist.

The thread — Hebrews 3:6 and 3:14 condition belonging to God's house on holding firmly to the end; Matthew 24:13 ties endurance to the end with salvation.

Why it lands — The verse makes perseverance a condition of the hope, not a reward for it. The reader is told plainly: the gospel's promise is real, but the link to it is sustained faith, not a past event.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;

Cross-references

Hebrews 3:14 We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly to the end the assurance we had at first.
Hebrews 3:6 But Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house. And we are His house, if we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope of which we boast.
Matthew 24:13 But the one who perseveres to the end will be saved.
Galatians 6:9 Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Hebrews 10:38 But My righteous one will live by faith; and if he shrinks back, I will take no pleasure in him.”
Acts 14:22 strengthening the souls of the disciples and encouraging them to continue in the faith. “We must endure many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.
Colossians 1:5 the faith and love proceeding from the hope stored up for you in heaven, of which you have already heard in the word of truth, the gospel
Romans 10:18 But I ask, did they not hear? Indeed they did: “Their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.”
Ephesians 3:17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. Then you, being rooted and grounded in love,
Hebrews 6:19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain,

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