Bible Commentary

Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; 14. blotting out ] cancelled (Lightfoot). The act of “forgiving” is described under vivid imagery. Cp. Act 3:19; and see Psa 51:1; Psa 51:9; Psa 109:14; Neh 4:5; … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Colossians 2:14”

And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; 13. And you ] It is as if the Apostle would have written, “ and you with Him ” carrying on the last sentence. But he pauses on the word “ … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Colossians 2:13”

Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with [him] through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. 12. buried with him ] Cp. Rom 6:4; the only parallel. Union with Christ is primarily union with Him as the Dead and Buried, because His Death (consummated … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Colossians 2:12”

In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: 11. in whom ] The truth of the holy Union of members and Head is again in view. What he is about to speak of was done … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Colossians 2:11”

And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: 10. And ye are complete in him ] Lit. and better And ye are (emphatic) in Him filled full; or perhaps, with Lightfoot, And ye are in Him, filled full two statements in one; you are in Him, and you … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Colossians 2:10”

For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. 9. For ] He is about to shew that “Christ” is the antithesis of this false gospel in two respects; ( a) His glorious Person is all in all as the substance of the true Gospel; ( b) His code of resulting observance appears … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Colossians 2:9”

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 8 15. Warning against alien teachings: Christ is all for peace and life 8. Beware &c.] Quite lit., “ See lest any one shall be your spoiler ” ; … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Colossians 2:8”

Rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. 7. rooted ] A perfect participle. It recurs Eph 3:17, the only other place in which St Paul uses precisely this metaphor, which combines the thought of fixity with that of derived and developing life … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Colossians 2:7”

As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, [so] walk ye in him: 6. As ye have therefore &c.] As if to say, “I see with joy your present stedfast faith and consequent holy union; therefore I entreat you at once to stay there and to grow there, for you will be tempted towards … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Colossians 2:6”

For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ. 5. For ] He means that he knows the need of such warning, though he is so far away. He is close to them “ in … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Colossians 2:5”