12 and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you[1] to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.

Other Translations of Colossians 1:12

King James Version

12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:

English Standard Version

12 giving thanksOr patience, with joy giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified youSome manuscripts us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.

The Message

12 thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us.

New King James Version

12 giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.

New Living Translation

12 always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Colossians 1:12

Commentary on Colossians 1:9-14

(Read Colossians 1:9-14)

The apostle was constant in prayer, that the believers might be filled with the knowledge of God's will, in all wisdom. Good words will not do without good works. He who undertakes to give strength to his people, is a God of power, and of glorious power. The blessed Spirit is the author of this. In praying for spiritual strength, we are not straitened, or confined in the promises, and should not be so in our hopes and desires. The grace of God in the hearts of believers is the power of God; and there is glory in this power. The special use of this strength was for sufferings. There is work to be done, even when we are suffering. Amidst all their trials they gave thanks to the Father of our Lord Jesus, whose special grace fitted them to partake of the inheritance provided for the saints. To bring about this change, those were made willing subjects of Christ, who were slaves of Satan. All who are designed for heaven hereafter, are prepared for heaven now. Those who have the inheritance of sons, have the education of sons, and the disposition of sons. By faith in Christ they enjoyed this redemption, as the purchase of his atoning blood, whereby forgiveness of sins, and all other spiritual blessings were bestowed. Surely then we shall deem it a favour to be delivered from Satan's kingdom and brought into that of Christ, knowing that all trials will soon end, and that every believer will be found among those who come out of great tribulation.