Colossians 1:23

"If" introduces a condition the writer assumed was true to reality for the sake of his argument (a first class condition in Greek). We could translate it, "Since." Paul assumed his readers would do what he described because perseverance is normal for genuine believers (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:17; Philippians 1:6; 1 John 2:19). [Note: Herbert M. Carson, The Epistles of Paul to the Colossians and Philemon, p. 48.] However perseverance in the faith is not inevitable. Apostasy is a real possibility to which he alluded here (cf. 1 Timothy 4:1-2; et al.). It is necessary to abide in the faith to obtain a good report from the Lord at the judgment seat of Christ. This was Paul’s concern for his readers here. [Note: See Bob Wilkin, "Is Continuing in the Faith a Condition of Eternal Life?" Grace Evangelical Society News 6:3 (March 1991):2; and Charles C. Bing, "The Warning in Colossians 1:21-23," Bibliotheca Sacra 164:653 (January-March 2007):74-88.]

Paul was thinking of his readers as a building "firmly established" on the foundation of the apostles and prophets (Ephesians 2:20). He saw them steadfastly rigid, not blown off their base by the winds of false doctrine (cf. Ephesians 4:14). Since earthquakes were not uncommon in the Lycus Valley, Paul’s statement may have reminded the Colossians of their security in another sense. [Note: Wiersbe, 2:120-21.]

". . . the addressees are to remain as firmly seated on the gospel as a god in his temple or a skillful rider on a spirited horse." [Note: Dunn, p. 111.]

The gospel had had wide circulation. "In all creation under heaven" must be hyperbole meaning it had gone everywhere in a general sense. Paul was contrasting the wide appeal and proclamation of the gospel with the exclusive appeal and comparatively limited circulation of the false teachers’ message. "Minister" is servant (Gr. diakonos).