Colossians 2:9

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Colossians 2:8-15

B. The true doctrine of Christ 2:8-15Paul revealed what his readers enjoyed in Christ in this pericope to encourage them to remain faithful to the true revelation they had received and believed."The apostle now makes his most direct attack against ’the Colossian heresy.’ The entire passage bristles with exegetical difficulties, and calls for closer attention to its wording and argument than any other part of the Epistle." [Note: Vaughan, p. 197.] "Colossians 2:8 functions as a heading and... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Colossians 2:9-10

"For" introduces another reason for abandoning the false teaching. What his readers had in Christ was completely adequate. He is the very essence of deity in whom this "fullness" permanently resides (cf. Colossians 1:19). The Greek word translated deity (theotetos) refers to the unique essence of God (cf. John 1:1). Divinity (theiotes, Romans 1:20; Acts 17:25), on the other hand, refers to the divine quality of God, which other beings may share (cf. John 1:14)."Paul here disposes of the Docetic... read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Colossians 2:1-23

The False Teaching and its Refutation4-15. Hold fast to Christ the All-sufficient Saviour.Paraphrase. ’(4) I emphasise these truths about Christ lest you should be beguiled by plausible persuasions. (5) While I am physically absent from you, I am with you in spirit, rejoicing with you and beholding your order and the firm foundation of your faith in Christ. (6, 7) Let your moral life in Christ Jesus be in harmony with the teaching through which you received Him as Lord; be firmly rooted and... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Colossians 2:8-15

(8-15) The general exhortation of the previous verses is now emphasised by a solemn warning against deadly speculative error. Now, (1) the character of that error in itself is described with apparently intentional vagueness, as “a philosophy of vain deceit,” “after tradition of men,” after “the rudiments of this world.” Even its Judaic origin, which is made clear below (Colossians 2:16-17), is here only hinted at in the significant allusion to Circumcision, and perhaps in the phrase “the... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Colossians 2:9

(9) In him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.—Here almost every word is emphatic. First, “All the fulness of the Godhead”—not a mere emanation from the Supreme Being. Next, “dwells” and remains for ever—not descending on Him for a time and leaving Him again. Lastly, “bodily,” i.e., as incarnate in His humanity. The whole is an extension and enforcement of Colossians 1:19, “God was pleased that in Him all the fulness should dwell.” The horror of all that was material, as having in... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - Colossians 2:1-23

The Abounding Assurance Colossians 2:2 The Apostle has just been speaking of an intense spiritual struggle through which he has passed on behalf of the Churches at Colossae and Laodicea, to most of whose members he was personally unknown. The purpose of his supplication was that they might be comforted, bound together into a compact fellowship, and enriched with sure and all-sufficing spiritual knowledge three blessings vitally connected with each other. Failing of such attainments, they could... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - Colossians 2:8-10

Chapter 2 THE BANE AND THE ANTIDOTE Colossians 2:8-10 (R.V.)WE come now to the first plain reference to the errors which were threatening the peace of the Colossian community. Here Paul crosses swords with the foe. This is the point to which all his previous words have been steadily converging. The immediately preceding context contained the positive exhortation to continue in the Christ Whom they had received, having been rooted in Him as the tree in a fertile place "by the rivers of water,"... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - Colossians 2:1-23

II. COMPLETE IN HIM, IN WHOM ALL THE FULLNESS DWELLS CHAPTER 2 1. The mystery of God (Colossians 2:1-8 ) 2. Complete in Christ (Colossians 2:9-15 ) 3. Exhortations and warnings (Colossians 2:16-23 ) Colossians 2:1-8 In view of the last verses of the preceding chapter we can understand his anxiety and the great conflict he had for the Colossians and for those living in nearby Laodicea, and for as many who had not seen his face in the flesh. He was deeply concerned about them after he heard... read more

John Calvin

Geneva Study Bible - Colossians 2:9

2:9 {8} For in {l} him {m} dwelleth {n} all the fulness of the Godhead {o} bodily.(8) A reason: because only Christ, being God and man, is most perfect, and passes far above all things, so that whoever has him, requires nothing more.(l) By these words is shown a distinction of the natures.(m) This word "dwelleth" notes out to us the joining together of those natures, so that God and man, is one Christ.(n) These words declare that the perfect Godhead is in Christ.(o) The union of God and man, is... read more

L.M. Grant

L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - Colossians 2:1-23

CHRIST THE SOURCE OF WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE (vs.1-10) In verse 1 the unselfish faith and love of the apostle shines beautifully. He was as deeply concerned for believers who had not seen him as he was for his own converts. He had "great conflict" which involves prayerful exercise in combating the opposition of Satan's hosts against the truth. He loved the Church because Christ loved it, desiring all saints to be "knit together in love" (v.2). This is vitally connected with "all riches of the... read more