Colossians 2:1-9

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 2:1-7

Introduction to the polemical part of the Epistle. I. PERSONAL CONCERN . 1 . Paul's striving. "For I would have you know how greatly I strive for you. and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh." There is an advantage in the Revised translation, in carrying forward the word "strive" from the preceding verse. Having declared his striving in general, the apostle now shows ("for") how his striving was specially directed. 2 . The end of his... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 2:2

That their hearts may be encouraged ( Colossians 4:8 ; Ephesians 6:22 ; 1 Thessalonians 3:2 ; 1 Thessalonians 4:18 ; 2 Thessalonians 2:17 ; 2 Corinthians 13:11 ). For the mischief at work at Colossae was at once unsettling ( Colossians 2:6 , Colossians 2:7 ; Colossians 1:23 ) and discouraging ( Colossians 1:23 ; Colossians 2:18 ; Colossians 3:15 ) in its effects, παρακαλῶ , a favourite word of St. Paul's, means "to address," "exhort," then more specially "to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 2:3

In whom (or, which ) are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge hidden(ly) ( Ephesians 1:8 , Ephesians 1:9 ; Ephesians 3:8 ; Romans 11:33 ; 1 Corinthians 1:5 , 1 Corinthians 1:6 , 1 Corinthians 1:30 ; 1 Corinthians 2:7 ; 2 Corinthians 4:3 ). Bengel, Meyer, Alford, and others make the relative pronoun neuter, referring to "mystery;" but "Christ," the nearer antecedent, is preferable ( Colossians 2:9 , Colossians 2:10 ; Colossians 1:16 , Colossians 1:17 , ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 2:4

In this verse the apostle first definitely indicates the cause of his anxiety, and the Epistle begins to assume a polemic tone. This verse is, therefore, the prelude of the impending attack on the false teachers ( Colossians 2:8-23 ). This I say, that no one may be deluding you in persuasive speech ( Colossians 2:8 , Colossians 2:18 , Colossians 2:23 ; Ephesians 4:14 ; 1 Corinthians 2:1 , 1 Corinthians 2:4 , 1 Corinthians 2:13 ; 1 Timothy 6:20 ; Psalms 55:21 ). This was... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 2:4-5

A warning against deceivers. "This I say, that no one may delude you with persuasiveness of speech." It is necessary to say this which he has just said concerning the great "mystery of God," because there is danger of deception. I. THE METHODS OF DECEPTION . 1 . One method is to reason men into error, as the word here signifies. Gnosticism was essentially rationalistic in its method, gossamer like in its webs of speculation, and full of intellectual pride. The subtle... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 2:4-7

Blessed Christian possibilities. These words of apostolic desire open to us three blessed Christian possibilities—a possibility to the Church, a possibility to the individual, and a possibility to the inner life of each. I. THE FORMIDABLE STRENGTH POSSIBLE TO A CHRISTIAN CHURCH . The apostle declares that it gave him joy to behold the condition of the Colossian Church; indeed, the words he uses describe his looking again and again because el the joy it gave him. What gave... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 2:4-7

Congratulations and counsels. We have seen that the heresy that was threatening the Colossian Church was twofold in its character. Its propagators "had a false conception in theology and they had a false basis of morals." These two errors were closely connected together, and seem to have sprung from the prevalent idea that matter was the abode of evil and therefore opposed to God. It was the plausibility of these false doctrines that made the apostle so anxious. But he had the firmest... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 2:5

For if indeed I am absent in the flesh, yet in the spirit I am with you ( 1 Thessalonians 2:17 ; 1 Corinthians 5:3 , 1 Corinthians 5:4 ). The connection of this verse with the last is not obvious. Ellicott, following Chrysostom, makes St. Paul's spiritual presence the reason for his being able to give the Colossians this warning; Meyer, his bodily absence the reason for their needing it. It is better, with Lightfoot, to see here a general explanatory reference to the previous context,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 2:6

As therefore ye received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in him ( Philippians 1:27 ; Philippians 2:9-11 ; 1 Thessalonians 4:1 ; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-15 ; 1 Corinthians 15:1 , 1 Corinthians 15:2 ; Galatians 3:2-4 ; Galatians 5:1 ; Hebrews 3:6 ; Hebrews 4:14 ; Hebrews 10:23 ; John 7:17 ; John 15:5-10 ; Romans 3:11 ). Such a walk will be consistent with their previous steadfastness, and will lead them to larger spiritual attainments ( Colossians 1:10 ; see note). "Ye... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 2:6-7

The principle of a consistent Christian walk. "As ye received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him." I. THE RECEPTION OF CHRIST IS THE SUBSTANCE OF CHRISTIANITY . 1 . This includes the reception of him doctrinally, as the historical Person Jesus, and the acceptance of him as Lord. The false teachers misrepresented his true character in these respects. 2 . But it expressly points to a believing reception of himself as at once the sum and substance of all... read more

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