Colossians 4:8 - Exposition

Whom I have sent unto you for this very purpose, that ye may know how it is with us (literally, the things about us ) , and that he may comfort your hearts ( Ephesians 6:22 ). The Received Text reads, by a slight confusion of similar Greek letters, that he may know the things about you (see Lightfoot's 'Notes on some Various Readings'). This is the only clause exactly identical in Colossians and Ephesians. There would be great anxiety on St. Paul's account amongst the Gentile Christians everywhere, and especially in the Asiatic Churches, after the ominous words of his address to the Ephesian elders ( Acts 20:22-25 : comp. Acts 20:37 , Acts 20:38 ). The Colossians had sent through Epaphras messages of love to him ( Colossians 1:8 ). To know that he was of good courage, and even in hope of a speedy release ( Philemon 1:22 ), would "comfort their hearts."