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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Colossians 4:7-18

In the close of this epistle the apostle does several of his friends the honour to leave their names upon record, with some testimony of his respect, which will be spoken of wherever the gospel comes, and last to the end of the world. I. Concerning Tychicus, Col. 4:7. By him this epistle was sent; and he does not give them an account in writing of his present state, because Tychicus would do it by word of mouth more fully and particularly. He knew they would be glad to hear how it fared with... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Colossians 4:12-15

4:12-15 Epaphras, one of yourselves, the slave of Jesus Christ, greets you. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand mature and fully assured in the faith, engaged in doing the will of God. I bear him witness that he has toiled greatly for you and for those in Laodicaea and in Hierapolis. Luke, the beloved physician, greets you, and so does Demas. Greet the brothers in Laodicaea and Nymphas and the Church in their house. So this honour-roll of Christian workers goes on.... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Colossians 4:12

Epaphras, who is one of you ,.... A native of Colosse, and one of their faithful ministers; see Colossians 1:7 . A servant of Christ ; not merely in the same sense as every believer is, but as he was a preacher of the Gospel, in which he faithfully served his Lord and master, Christ: saluteth you ; sends his Christian respects to you, for whom he bore a sincere love and hearty affection, as appears by what follows: always labouring fervently for you in prayers ; in all his... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Colossians 4:12

Epaphras, who is one of you - A native of some part of Phrygia, and probably of Colosse itself. A servant of Christ - A minister of the Gospel. Labouring fervently for you - Αγωνιζομενος· Agonizing; very properly expressed by our translators, labouring fervently. That ye may stand perfect and complete - Ἱνα στητε τελειοι και πεπληρμενοι . That ye may stand firm, perfectly instructed, and fully persuaded of the truth of those doctrines which have been taught you as the... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Colossians 4:12

Verse 12 12Always striving. Here we have an example of a good pastor, whom distance of place cannot induce to forget the Church, so as to prevent him from taking the care of it with him beyond the sea. We must notice, also, the strength of entreaty that is expressed in the word striving. For although the Apostle had it in view here to express intensity of affection, he at the same time admonishes the Colossians not to look upon the prayers of their pastor as useless, but, on the contrary, to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 4:1-18

The coincidences between the Epistle and the incidents in the life of Paul, as recorded in the Acts, is another striking proof of its authenticity. £ In the Acts we read of the persecution to which Paul and Silas were subjected at Philippi, when, in violation of their rights as Roman citizens, they were publicly scourged and cast into prison. In the Epistle, written in the name of Paul and Silas, there is reference to this shameful treatment: "Even after we had suffered before and were... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 4:1-18

We have an account of the origin of the Church of Thessalonica in the Acts of the Apostles. In his second great missionary journey, Paul and his fellow-laborers, Silas and Timothy, had arrived at Alexandria Tress, when he was directed by a vision to cross over the AE gean Sea and repair to Europe. In obedience to this Divine direction, we are informed that loosing from Tress, they came with a straight course to the island of Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis, and from that they... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 4:1-18

With regard to its contents, the Epistle is divided into two parts: the first, comprehending the first three chapters, may be termed historical; the second, including the two last chapters, is practical. The apostle, after saluting the Thessalonians, renders thanks to God for the entrance of the gospel among them, for the mighty efficacy with which it was accompanied, and for the steadfastness of their faith ( 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 .). He alludes to his demeanor when in Thessalonica; how,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 4:1-18

Accordingly the place of writing was Corinth. In our New Testament, at the end of the Epistle, there is appended the note: "The First Epistle to the Thessalonians was written from Athens." Though such a note is found in the most ancient manuscripts, it is evidently a mistake. The Epistle could not have been written from Athens, for Silas and Timothy were not both there with the apostle; and it was not written until the return of Timothy from Thessalonica, which occurred at Corinth; nor is... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 4:1-18

It is erroneous to affirm that this First Epistle to the Thessalonians is devoid of doctrinal statements. The supreme dignity of the Lord Jesus Christ, the spiritual kingdom which he has established in this world, the deliverance from the wrath to come effected by him, the necessity of holiness for salvation, the reign of Christ in heaven, the resurrection of the just, the second advent of Christ, the blessedness of a future state to the righteous and the wrath which awaits the wicked, are all... read more

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