Colossians 2:1 NIV

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 2:1

2:1 I want you to know how great a struggle I am going through for you, and for the people of Laodicaea, and for all those who have never seen me face to face. Here is a brief lifting of the curtain and a poignant glimpse into Paul's heart. He is going through a struggle for these Christians whom he had never seen but whom he loved. He associates the Laodicaeans with the Colossians, and speaks of all those who had never seen his face. He is thinking of the Christians in that group of... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Colossians 2:1

For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you ,.... This is occasioned by what he had said in Colossians 1:29 , that he laboured and strove according to the energy of divine power in him, to present every man perfect in Christ; and lest these Colossians should think that these labours and strivings of his were only for all and every of those persons among whom he was, and to whom he personally preached, he would have them know, observe, and assure themselves, that the great... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Colossians 2:1

What great conflict - The word αγων , which we here render conflict, is to be understood as implying earnest care and solicitude, accompanied, undoubtedly, with the most fervent application to the throne of grace in their behalf. The αγωνιζομενος of the preceding verse gave the apostle occasion to use the word αγων here. He agonized with God, and his agony was for them. Laodicea - A city of Asia Minor, on the borders of Caria, Phrygia, and Lydia. It was originally called Diospolis,... read more

John Calvin

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

Verse 1 1.I would have you know. He declares his affection towards them, that he may have more credit and authority; for we readily believe those whom we know to be desirous of our welfare. It is also an evidence of no ordinary affection, that he was concerned about them in the midst of death, that is, when he was in danger of his life; and that he may express the more emphatically the intensity of his affection and concern, he calls it a conflict. I do not find fault with the rendering of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 2:1

For I would have you know how great a strife I have on behalf of you and those in Laodicea ( Colossians 4:12 , Colossians 4:13 ; 2 Corinthians 11:28 , 2 Corinthians 11:29 ; Romans 1:9-13 ; Philippians 1:8 , Philippians 1:25-30 ; 1 Thessalonians 2:17 , 1 Thessalonians 2:18 ; Galatians 4:20 ). The apostle has dwelt at such length and so earnestly upon his own position and responsibilities ( Colossians 1:24-29 ), that the Colossians may feel how real and strong is his... 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

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

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Colossians 2:1

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Colossians 2:1

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Colossians 2:1

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

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 2:1

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 2:1-3

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 2:1-3

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 2:1-3

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 2:1-7

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