Colossians 1:6, 21

which has come to you. Indeed, just as in the whole world the gospel is constantly bearing fruit and spreading [by God’s power], just as it has been doing among you ever since the day you first heard of it and understood the grace of God in truth [becoming thoroughly and deeply acquainted with it].

And although you were at one time estranged and alienated and hostile-minded [toward Him], participating in evil things