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demand at least the term England, but if the matter were concerned with one part of
England as distinct from another, the sub-division Essex would be necessary. So
"heavenly" and "heaven" do not at times demand any particularizing, the word ouranos
and ouranios being sufficient. Sometimes, however, it is necessary that epouranios
should be used, to make a distinction, although this term itself is very embracive. When
the apostle would speak of the sphere of the one body, he departs from the usual terms
and speaks of en tois epouraniois, "in the heavenlies", which are far above all and at the
right hand of God. The hope, therefore, of Col. 1: 5, though there said to be laid up in
heaven, which is quite true, is particularized in Ephesians as being in the super-heavens,
which, while leaving Colossians still true and untouched, tells us just what part of heaven
is intended.
Colossians is not so much concerned with the teaching the distinct nature of our hope,
as praying that such hope may be fruitful. In both passages of Col. 1: fruitfulness is in
view:--
"Praying always for you . . . . . because of the hope which is laid up in heaven . . . . . it
bringeth forth fruit and increaseth" (Col. 1: 3-5).
"Do not cease to pray for you . . . . . being fruitful in every good work, and increasing
in the knowledge of God" (Col. 1: 9, 10).
The words "and increaseth" in verse 6 are found in the R.V. and are warranted by
manuscripts. Verse 6 does not assert that all the world had heard the truth; it indicates
that no dispensational barrier or restriction now exists. "Which is present with you"--
this has the pregnant meaning, "Came to and remain with you".
In both Eph. 1: 13 and Col. 1: 5, 6 there is strong emphasis upon "hearing" and "the
Word of truth". The words that opened the present dispensation were, "Be it known
therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will
hear it" (Acts 28: 28). And this in contrast to Israel's condition: "The heart of this
people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing."
Faith, hope and the Word.
It is of the greatest spiritual importance for us to remember that both faith and hope
are vitally connected with "hearing" and "the Word".
FAITH.--"So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God"
(Rom. 10: 17).
HOPE.--"Who against hope believed in hope, that he might be the father of many
nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be" (Rom. 4: 18).
There is a close connection between these two passages. In the first, the "Word" is
rhema, "the spoken word"; in the second it is rheo, "spoken". To us, now that the
Scriptures are complete, the "spoken" Word of God is the "written" Word, for
II Tim. 3: 16 says, "All Scripture (written) is God-breathed (spoken)".