ACC ~ Colossians 1 v5

A SECURE HOPE. CHRYSOSTOM: [Paul] speaks of the good things to come. He has in view their temptations. They should not seek their rest here. … “Because of the hope,” he says, “which is laid up.” He shows how secure this hope is. HOMILIES ON COLOSSIANS 1.

THEODORE OF MOPSUESTIA: So that you may pursue the good things of heaven, a firm hope for these very things is maintained, provided that all that comes from you is consistent with them. COMMENTARY ON COLOSSIANS.

SEVERIAN OF GABALA: Paul shows them that the governance of angels does not fulfill the hope laid before us of the resurrection and the kingdom. These happen by the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ. PAULINE COMMENTARY FROM THE GREEK CHURCH.

THEODORET OF CYR: We already see heaven with the eyes of faith, even as we prepare for it in the present with an eager spirit. INTERPRETATION OF THE LETTER TO THE COLOSSIANS.

THE GROUNDING OF HOPE. ISAAC OF NINEVEH: Bodily discipline performed in stillness purifies the body of the matter within it. But the discipline of the mind humbles the soul, filters out her crass notions of things that perish and draws her from the state where the thoughts are passionately engrossed and toward the state where they are moved by her divine vision. … This divine, contemplative vision of heavenly things comes to us precisely when, engaged in bodily and mental discipline, we are the recipients of an unutterably pristine glory that separates [us] from this world and our thoughts of it. By this we are thoroughly convinced of our hope which is laid up for us and we stand in full assurance of its state. HOMILIES 43.

Col