Bible Commentary

In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblamable and unreprovable in his sight: 22. in the body ] Cp. for this word in a similar connexion Rom 7:4; Heb 10:10. And see Mat 26:26 (and parallels); 1Co 10:16; 1Co 11:27 ; 1Pe 2:24. In all these passages the thought … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Colossians 1:22”

And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in [your] mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled 21 23. The Subject pursued: the special case of the Colossians with regard to Redemption 21. you ] In the Greek “ you ” is accusative, and (in the best supported reading) the only verb to … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Colossians 1:21”

And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, [I say,] whether [they be] things in earth, or things in heaven. 20. having made peace ] Between Himself, the Holy Judge and King, and His subjects. He is thus now “the God of Peace” … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Colossians 1:20”

For it pleased [the Father] that in him should all fullness dwell; 19. For it pleased the Father, &c.] “ The Father ” is supplied by the translators (A.V. and R.V., and the older versions from Tyndale (1534) downwards, except the Roman Catholic Rhemish (1582) which reads “ in Him it hath well pleased al … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Colossians 1:19”

And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all [things] he might have the preeminence. 18 20. The thought continued. Greatness of the Redeemer as Head of the Church, Bearer of the Divine Plenitude, and Atoning Sacrifice 18. And he is ] … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Colossians 1:18”

And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 17. he ] Emphatic in the Greek; He, and no other who could even seem to rival or obscure His sublime eminence. is before all things ] ante omnes, Latin Versions. The Greek genitive form is ambiguous; it might be either masculine or … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Colossians 1:17”

For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether [they be] thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 16. for ] because. Now follows the proof, given in the creative action of the Son, of … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Colossians 1:16”

Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 15 17. the thought continued: greatness of the redeemer as head of creation 15. who is ] Here opens, in closest connexion with the preceding matter, a confession of truth and faith about the Person of the Redeeming Son of God, the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Colossians 1:15”

In whom we have redemption through his blood, [even] the forgiveness of sins: 14. redemption through his blood ] Omit the words “ through His blood,” on clear documentary evidence. They stand unchallenged in the parallel verse, Eph 1:7. And the truth they express comes out explicitly below, Col 1:20 ; Col 1:22. “ Redemption: … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Colossians 1:14”

Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated [us] into the kingdom of his dear Son: 13 14. The thought pursued: the greatness of their Redemption, and of their Redeemer 13. hath delivered ] Better, delivered, rescued. The time-reference is the same as that of “ qualified us,” explained in the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Colossians 1:13”