Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Colossians 2:7

"rooted and builded up in him, and established in your faith, even as ye were taught, abounding in thanksgiving." — Colossians 2:7 (ASV)

In this verse four participles describe the walk in Christ. The first two, “rooted [GK 4845] and built up [GK 2224] in him,” go together. The first expression suggests a once-for-all experience, i.e., a being permanently rooted in Christ; the second one indicates a continual process. The Colossians have been “strengthened [GK 1011] in the faith”; i.e., their strength has been in the body of truth or the faith system that they learned when they first became Christians. The final phrase, “overflowing [GK 4355] with thankfulness,” means that for believers thanksgiving is to be a continual, habitual thing. Paul may be implying that those who lack a deep sense of thankfulness to God are especially vulnerable to doubt and spiritual delusion.