Colossians 2:2

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Colossians 2:1-3

We may observe here the great concern which Paul had for these Colossians and the other churches which he had not any personal knowledge of. The apostle had never been at Colosse, and the church planted there was not of his planting; and yet he had as tender a care of it as if it had been the only people of his charge (Col. 2:1): For I would that you knew what great conflict I have for you, and for those at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh. Observe, 1. Paul's... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Colossians 2:2-7

2:2-7 My struggle is that their hearts may be encouraged, that they may be united together in love, that they may come to all the wealth of the assured ability to take the right decision in any situation, to the knowledge of that truth which only God's own may know, I mean of Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and of knowledge. I say this so that no one may lead you into error by false reasoning with persuasive arguments. For, even if I am absent from you in the... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Colossians 2:2-7

(iv) The true Church must have the power to resist seductive teaching. It must be such that men cannot beguile it with enticing words. Enticing words translates the Greek word pithanologia ( Greek #4086 ). This was a word of the law-courts; it was the word used for the persuasive power of a lawyer's arguments, which could enable the criminal to escape his just punishment. The true Church should have such a grip of the truth that it is unmoved by seductive arguments. (v) The true Church... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Colossians 2:2

That their hearts might be comforted ,.... Here follow the reasons why the apostle had so great a conflict, on account of the above persons, and why he was so desirous they should know it; one is, the consolation of their hearts. The hearts of God's people often need comfort, by reason of indwelling sin, the temptations of Satan, the hidings of God's face, and afflictive providences; and by reason of false teachers, who greatly trouble them, unsettle their minds, weaken their faith, and fill... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Colossians 2:2

That their hearts might be comforted - That they might have continual happiness in God, having constant affiance in him. Being knit together in love - The word συμβιβασθεντων , or συμβιβασθεντες , which is the true reading, but both of equal import here, signifies being united, as the beams or the timbers of a building, by mortices and pins. The visible Church of Christ cannot be in union with God unless it have unity in itself, and without love this unity is impossible. Unto all... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Colossians 2:2

Verse 2 2.That their hearts may receive consolation. He now intimates what he desires for them, and shews that his affection is truly apostolic; for he declares that nothing else is desired by him than that they may be united together in faith and love. He shews, accordingly, that it was by no unreasonable affection (as happens in the case of some) that he had been led to take upon himself so great a concern for the Colossians and others, but because the duty of his office required it. The... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 2:1-3

Nature and objects of the apostle's struggle on behalf of the saints. "For I would have you know how great a struggle I have for you and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh." His object is to justify his urgency in writing to a people whom he had not known personally. I. THE APOSTLE 'S CONFLICT . It marks: 1 . His intense anxiety on their account. "Fears within as well as fightings without." 2 . His anxious labours in defending... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 2:1-3

Three wonderful things. We have here— I. A NOBLE ANXIETY . In the words he here uses Paul pictures his eagerness as the eagerness of the racer and the wrestler in the then familiar national games. So far there is nothing very rare, for the spectacle of anxious men struggling with keenest eagerness to gain some purpose of their own is common. Life is an arena crowded with such. But the elements of nobleness in Paul as here discovered are: 1 . His anxiety for others. He says to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 2:1-3

St. Paul's anxieties for the Colossians, and how they were allayed. I. ST . PAUL 'S ANXIETIES FOR BRETHREN HE HAD NEVER SEEN . We infer from this passage, as well as from other considerations, that the apostle had not visited Colossae and was not acquainted with the Church. Yet he felt much interest in them and had many anxious thoughts about them. Our sympathies are not to be confined to the narrow circle of our acquaintance. If a heathen could say, "Homo sum," etc.,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 2:1-7

SECTION IV . THE APOSTLE 'S CONCERN FOR THE COLOSSI . AN CHURCH . So far the contents of the letter have been of a general and preparatory character. New the writer begins to indicate the special purpose he has in view by declaring, in connection with his concern for the welfare of the Gentile Churches at large ( Colossians 1:24-29 ), the deep anxiety which he at present feels respecting the Colossian and neighbouring Churches. read more

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