King James Bible
"For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;"
Paul describes hope as a treasure stored securely in heaven, beyond earthly corruption or loss. This heavenly hope serves as the foundation for the Colossians' faith and love mentioned in the preceding verses, emphasizing its future certainty rather than present possession. The Colossians had already received this message of hope through earlier preaching, likely from Epaphras who first evangelized them. Paul reminds them that this hope isn't new teaching but the same gospel they initially embraced. The gospel is characterized as both truthful and truth itself, contrasting with the false teachings threatening the Colossian church. This phrase establishes the gospel message as the reliable vehicle through which God's promise of heavenly hope was communicated.