Bible Commentary

Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 12. giving thanks ] as the disciple is to do “in everything” (1Th 5:18). So would the deep-felt “joy” be specially expressed. See on Col 1:3 above. unto the Father ] Who is always … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Colossians 1:12”

Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; 11. strengthened ] “ made powerful; ” R.V. marg. The same verb occurs in the LXX. of Psalms 67:(Heb. and Eng. 68.) 28, and some other O.T. passages, and in Heb 11:34. A compound of it occurs Act 9:12; … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Colossians 1:11”

That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; 10. walk ] A very frequent word in St Paul; most frequent in Eph., where see Col 4:1 for a close parallel. See 1Th 2:12 for one still closer verbally. The … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Colossians 1:10”

For this cause we also, since the day we heard [it,] do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 9 12. thanksgiving passes into prayer that they may will and walk with god 9. For this … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Colossians 1:9”

Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit. 8. also ] “As he preached to you from us, so also he brought back from us to you the tidings, etc.” (Lightfoot.) your love ] See on Col 1:4 above. in the Spirit ] “In” Whom they were (Rom 8:9). Cp. Rom 15:30, where … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Colossians 1:8”

As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellow servant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ; 7. as ye also learned ] In the word “ as ” he refers to the “truth” just spoken of (Lightfoot). So, and not otherwise, had Epaphras phrased his message. The word rendered “ also ” … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Colossians 1:7”

Which is come unto you, as [it] [is] in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as [it doth] also in you, since the day ye heard [of it,] and knew the grace of God in truth: 6. is come unto you ] Lit., “ is present to you; ” but the A.V. and R.V. … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Colossians 1:6”

For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; 5. for the hope ] I.e. on account of the hope. “That blessed hope,” full of Christ, and the object of an intensely united expectation, gave special occasion, by its nature, … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Colossians 1:5”

Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love [which ye] [have] to all the saints. 4. since we heard ] More simply, having heard. He refers to the information given by Epaphras (Col 1:7), probably quite recently. On the question whether he had ever visited Colosss, see on Col 2:1 … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Colossians 1:4”

We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, 3 8. thanksgiving for the colossian saints 3. We give thanks ] So Rom 1:8; 1Co 1:4; Eph 1:16; 1Th 1:2; 1Th 2:13; 2Th 1:3; 2Th 2:13; Phm 1:4. Thanksgiving is the instinct of the life of grace. … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Colossians 1:3”