ACC ~ Colossians 1 v12a

QUALIFIED BY GOD TO RECEIVE. CHRYSOSTOM: By saying, “who has qualified us,” Paul emphasizes an important point. For example, if a person of low rank were to become a king, he would have the power to make any person he wishes governor; and this is the extent of his power, namely, that he can give such a dignity. He cannot, however, make the person he has chosen fit for the office, and often the honor thus conferred makes a person ridiculous. If, however, he has both conferred the honor, and made the person worthy of it, and capable of exercising it, then a very great honor has indeed been conferred. This is what Paul says here: that God not only has given the honor but also made us strong enough to receive it. HOMILIES ON COLOSSIANS 2.

VESSELS MADE PERFECT. BASIL THE GREAT: For he himself has bound the strong man and stolen his goods, that is, humanity itself, whom our enemy had abused in every evil activity. God has created “vessels fit for the Master’s use,” that is, us who have been perfected for every work through the preparation of that part of us which is in our own control. Thus we gained our approach to the Father through him, being translated from “the power of darkness to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.” ON THE SPIRIT 8.18.

AUGUSTINE: How can the apostle say: “Giving thanks to God the Father, who makes us suitable for a share of the lot of the saints in light, who has snatched us from the power of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved son,” unless the will that liberates us is not ours but his? LETTERS 217.1.3.

Col