Colossians 1:9-11

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Colossians 1:9-11

The apostle proceeds in these verses to pray for them. He heard that they were good, and he prayed that they might be better. He was constant in this prayer: We do not cease to pray for you. It may be he could hear of them but seldom, but he constantly prayed for them.?And desire that you may be filled with the knowledge, etc. Observe what it is that he begs of God for them, I. That they might be knowing intelligent Christians: filled with the knowledge of his will, in all wisdom and spiritual... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Colossians 1:9-11

1:9-11 That, in fact, is why, from the day we heard about it, we do not cease to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with an ever-growing knowledge of his will, in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may conduct yourselves worthily of the Lord, and in such a way as to be altogether pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work, and increasing in the fuller knowledge of God. May you continue to be strengthened with all strength according to his glorious power, so... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Colossians 1:9-11

What we might call the asking part of Paul's prayer ends with a prayer for three great qualities. He prays that his Colossian friends may possess all fortitude, patience and joy. Fortitude and patience are two great Greek words which often keep company. Fortitude is hupomone ( Greek #5281 ) and patience is makrothumia ( Greek #3115 ). There is a distinction between these two words. It would not be true to say that Greek always rigidly observes this distinction, but it is there when... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Colossians 1:9

For this cause we also ,.... Not merely for their love to the apostle, and the rest that were with him; which sense is too much contracted, and carries some appearance of meanness and selfishness; but because of their faith in Christ, their love to all the saints, and the good hope they had of eternal happiness; and because they had heard the Gospel, and truly knew it, and sincerely professed it: therefore, since the day we heard it , do not cease to pray for you, and to desire ; which... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Colossians 1:10

That ye might walk worthy of the Lord ,.... The Vulgate Latin version reads, "of God"; to which the Ethiopic version agrees; but rather the Lord Jesus Christ seems to be designed: and to "walk worthy" of him, is to walk by faith in him; to walk after his Spirit, and according to his word, and in his ordinances; to have the conversation as becomes his Gospel, and worthy of that calling wherewith the saints are called by grace to the obtaining of his kingdom and glory. The apostle prays that... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Colossians 1:11

Strengthened with all might ,.... This is still a continuation of the apostle's prayer for these believers; for having prayed for an increase of spiritual knowledge, and that this might be put into practice, he proceeds to pray for strength for them, that they might be enabled to practise what they had knowledge of; to walk worthily, to please God in all things, to bring forth fruit with patience, to persevere in knowledge, practice, fruitfulness, and in an increase thereof. It implies, that... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Colossians 1:9

For this cause - See on Ephesians 1:15-16 ; (note), where the same sentiment occurs. That ye might be filled - Nothing could satisfy the apostle, either for himself or his hearers, but the fullness of the blessing of the Gospel of peace. The Colossians had knowledge, but they must have more; it is their privilege to be filled with it. As the bright shining of the sun in the firmament of heaven fills the whole world with light and heat, so the light of the Sun of righteousness is to... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Colossians 1:10

That ye might walk worthy of the Lord - Suitably to your Christian profession, exemplifying its holy doctrines by a holy and useful life. See the notes on Ephesians 4:1 ; and on Philemon 1:27 ; (note). Unto all pleasing - Doing every thing in the best manner, in the most proper time, and in a becoming spirit. Even a good work may be marred and rendered fruitless by being done improperly, out of season, or in a temper of mind that grieves the Holy Spirit. Being fruitful in every... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Colossians 1:11

Strengthened with all might - That they might be able to walk worthy of the Lord, bring forth fruit, etc. See the notes on Ephesians 3:13 , etc. According to his glorious power - According to that sufficiency of strength which may be expected from him who has all power both in the heavens and in the earth. Unto all patience - Relieving, hoping, and enduring all things. With joyfulness - Feeling the continual testimony that ye please God, which will be a spring of perpetual... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Colossians 1:9

Verse 9 9.For this cause we also. As he has previously shewn his affection for them in his thanksgivings, so he now shews it still farther in the earnestness of his prayers in their behalf. (288) And, assuredly, the more that the grace of God is conspicuous in any, we ought in that proportion specially to love and esteem them, and to be concerned as to their welfare. But what does he pray for in their behalf? That they may know God more fully; by which he indirectly intimates, that something is... read more

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