Colossians 1:21-24, Colossians 1:23 NIV

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Colossians 1:22

In the body of his flesh through death ,.... Or "through his death", as the Alexandrian copy and some others, and all the Oriental versions, read. These words express the means by which that reconciliation was made, which in the virtue and efficacy of it was applied particularly to these Colossians at their conversion whereby their minds were actually reconciled to God, as "in" or "by the body of his flesh"; that is, by the offering up of his body on the accursed tree, in which he bore the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Colossians 1:23

If ye continue in the faith ,.... In the doctrine of faith which they had received and embraced; and in the grace of faith, and the exercise of it which was implanted in them; and in the profession of faith which they had made: not that the virtue and efficacy of Christ's blood, sufferings, and death, and reconciliation of their persons to God thereby, depended upon their faith, and abiding in it; but that faith and continuance in it were necessary means of their presentation in unblemished... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Colossians 1:24

Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you ,.... The apostle, as soon as he had made mention of his being a minister of the Gospel, thinks and speaks of his "sufferings"; for those are what always more or less attend persons in such an office; they are appointed to them by God; Christ has foretold them of them; they are necessary for them; they must expect them, and patiently endure them: the apostle was under them now at this present time, for he wrote this epistle in his bonds when a... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Colossians 1:21

And you, that were sometime alienated - All men are alienated from God, and all are enemies in their minds to him, and show it by their wicked works; but this is spoken particularly of the Gentiles. The word απαλλοτριοω , which we render to alienate, to give to another, to estrange, expresses the state of the Gentiles: while the Jews were, at least by profession, dedicated to God, the Gentiles were alienated, that is, given up to others; they worshipped not the true God, but had gods many... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Colossians 1:22

In the body of his flesh - By Christ's assumption of a human body, and dying for man, he has made an atonement for sin, through which men become reconciled to God and to each other. To present you holy - Having saved you from your sins. Unblamable - Having filled you with his Spirit, and written his law in your hearts, so that his love, shed abroad in your hearts, becomes the principle and motive to every action. The tree therefore being good, the fruit is also good. And... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Colossians 1:23

If ye continue in the faith - This will be the case if you, who have already believed in Christ Jesus, continue in that faith, grounded in the knowledge and love of God, and settled - made firm and perseveringly steadfast, in that state of salvation. And be not moved away - Not permitting yourselves to be seduced by false teachers. The hope of the Gospel - The resurrection of the body, and the glorification of it and the soul together, in the realms of blessedness. This is properly... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Colossians 1:24

Rejoice in my sufferings for you - St. Paul always considers his persecutions, as far as the Jews were concerned in them, as arising from this simple circumstance - his asserting that God had chosen the Gentiles, and called them to enjoy the very same privileges with the Jews, and to constitute one Church with them. It was on this account that the Jews attempted his life at Jerusalem, when, in order to save it, he was obliged to appeal to Caesar; the consequences of which persecution he... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Colossians 1:21

Verse 21 21.And whereas ye were formerly. The general doctrine which he had set forth he now applies particularly to them, that they may feel that they are guilty of very great ingratitude, if they allow themselves to be drawn away from Christ to new inventions. And this arrangement must be carefully observed, because the particular application of a doctrine, so to speak, affects the mind more powerfully. Farther, he leads their views to experience, that they may recognize in themselves the... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Colossians 1:22

Verse 22 22.In the body of his flesh. The expression is in appearance absurd, but the body of his flesh means that human body, which the Son of God had in common with us. He meant, therefore, to intimate, that the Son of God had put on the same nature with us, that he took upon him this vile earthly body, subject to many infirmities, that he might be our Mediator. When he adds, by death, he again calls us back to sacrifice. For it was necessary that the Son of God should become man, and be a... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Colossians 1:23

Verse 23 23.If ye continue. Here we have an exhortation to perseverance, by which he admonishes them that all the grace that had been conferred upon them hitherto would be vain, unless they persevered in the purity of the gospel. And thus he intimates, that they are still only making progress, and have not yet reached the goal. For the stability of their faith was at that time exposed to danger through the stratagems of the false apostles. Now he paints in lively colors assurance of faith when... read more

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Colossians 1:22

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Colossians 1:23

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Colossians 1:24

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Colossians 1:21

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Colossians 1:22

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Colossians 1:23

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Colossians 1:24

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Colossians 1:21

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Colossians 1:22

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Colossians 1:23

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