Colossians 2

Colossians 2:1-23 . HIS STRIVINGS IN PRAYER FOR THEIR STEADFASTNESS IN CHRIST; FROM WHOM HE WARNS THEM NOT TO BE LED AWAY BY FALSE WISDOM.

1. For--He explains in what respect he "labored striving" ( Colossians 1:29 ). Translate as Greek, "I wish you to know how great a conflict (the same Greek word as in Colossians 1:29 , "agony of a conflict" of fervent, anxious prayer; not conflict with the false teachers, which would have been impossible for him now in prison) I have for you."
them at Laodicea--exposed to the same danger from false teachers as the Colossians (compare Colossians 4:16 ). This danger was probably the cause of his writing to Laodicea, as well as to Colosse.
not seen my face in the flesh--including those in Hierapolis ( Colossians 4:13 ). Paul considered himself a "debtor" to all the Gentiles ( Romans 1:14 ). "His face" and presence would have been a "comfort" ( Colossians 2:2 , Acts 20:38 ). Compare Colossians 1:4 Colossians 1:7 Colossians 1:8 , in proof that he had not seen, but only heard of the Colossians. Hence he strives by earnest conflict with God in anxious prayer for them, to make up for the loss of his bodily presence among them. Though "absent in the flesh, I am with you in the Spirit" ( Colossians 2:5 ).

2. Translate, "That their hearts may be comforted." The "their," compared with "you" ( Colossians 2:4 ), proves that in Colossians 2:1 the words, "have not seen my face in the flesh," is a general designation of those for whom Paul declares he has "conflict," including the particular species, "you (Colossians) and them at Laodicea." For it is plain, the prayer "that their hearts may be comforted," must include in it the Colossians for whom he expressly says, "I have conflict." Thus it is an abbreviated mode of expression for, "That your and their hearts may be comforted." ALFORD translates, "confirmed," or allows "comforted" in its original radical sense strengthened. But the Greek supports English Version: the sense, too, is clear: comforted with the consolation of those whom Paul had not seen, and for whom, in consequence, he strove in prayerful conflict the more fervently; inasmuch as we are more anxious in behalf of absent, than present, friends [DAVENANT]. Their hearts would be comforted by "knowing what conflict he had for" them, and how much he is interested for their welfare; and also by being released from doubts on learning from the apostle, that the doctrine which they had heard from Epaphras was true and certain. In writing to churches which he had instructed face to face, he enters into particular details concerning them, as a father directing his children. But to those among whom he had not been in person, he treats of the more general truths of salvation.
being--Translate as Greek in oldest manuscripts, "They being knit together."
in love--the bond and element of perfect knitting together; the antidote to the dividing schismatical effect of false doctrine. Love to God and to one another in Christ.
unto--the object and end of their being "knit together."
all riches--Greek, "all the riches of the full assurance ( 1 Thessalonians 1:5 , Hebrews 6:11 , 10:22 ) of the (Christian) understanding." The accumulation of phrases, not only "understanding," but "the full assurance of understanding"; not only this, but "the riches of," &c.; not only this, but "all the riches of," &c. implies how he desires to impress them with the momentous importance of the subject in hand.
to--Translate "unto."
acknowledgment--The Greek implies, "full and accurate knowledge." It is a distinct Greek word from "knowledge," Colossians 2:3 . ALFORD translates, "thorough . . . knowledge." Acknowledgment hardly is strong enough; they did in a measure acknowledge the truth; what they wanted was the full and accurate knowledge of it (compare Notes,
of God, and of the Father and of Christ--The oldest manuscripts omit "and of the Father, and of"; then translate, "Of God (namely), Christ." Two very old manuscripts and Vulgate read, "Of God the Father of Christ."