Colossians Chapter 2 Series

Colossians Chapter 2

This entire chapter may be regarded as designed to guard the Colossians against the seductive influence of the false philosophy which tended to draw them away from the gospel. It is evident from the chapter that there were at Colossae, or in the vicinity, professed instructors in religion, who taught an artful and plausible philosophy, adapting themselves to the prejudices of the people inculcating opinions that tended to lead them away from the truths which they had embraced. (Albert Barnes)

v. 1 For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; (KJV)

v. 1 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those [believers] at Laodicea, and for all who [like yourselves] have never seen me face to face. (Amplified Bible)

A. For I would that ye knew

1. I wish you knew or fully understood.

2. 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. (John Calvin)

3. Paul had great concern for these Colossians and other churches which he had not any

personal knowledge. (Matthew Henry)

4. The Colossians were always on his heart as a sick child is ever on the heart of its mother.

(Charles Spurgeon)

B. What great conflict

1. The Greek word here is “angony”. (Albert Barnes)

2. It properly refers to the combats, contests, struggles, efforts at the public games. (AB)

3. Paul was in a sort of agony and had a constant fear respecting what would become of them.

4. The life of an apostle is one of sacrifice.---Loyalty to Christ may involve a man in all kinds

of loss and pain and suffering. There may be many thing to which he has to say

goodbye. (William Barclay)

C. Not seen my face

1. This is why some say Paul had never been to Colossae.

2. Some argue that Paul had regularly passed through this area and he was speaking to those

new to the church.

3. We can think, and pray, and be concerned for one another, at the greatest distance and

those we never saw in the flesh we may hope to meet in heaven. (Matthew Henry)

v. 2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;

v. 2 [For my hope is] that their hearts may be encouraged as they are knit together in [unselfish] love, so that they may have all the riches that come from the full assurance of understanding [the joy of salvation], resulting in a true [and more intimate] knowledge of the mystery of God, that is, Christ,

A. Hearts (the thoughts or feelings) comforted

1. Like other Christians, they were exposed to trials and temptations. (AB)

2. Paul was praying for them to have continual happiness in God. (Adam Clarke)

3. He does not say that they may be healthy, and merry, and rich, and great, and prosperous

but that their hearts may be comforted. The prosperity of their soul is best. (MH)

4. The stronger our faith is, and the warmer our love, the greater will our comfort be. (MH)

B. Knit together (to drive together)

1. Truth unites; error divides. (Chuck Missler)

2. It means, properly, to make to come together, and hence, refers to a firm union. (AB)

3. Cemented by love; a union of affection. (AB)

4. Being united as the beams or the timbers of a building. (AC)

C. All riches

1. The “full of understanding” of the “mystery” of religion—was an invaluable possession,

like abundant wealth. (AB)

2. Paul means full and clear perception; and at the same time admonishes them, according to

the measure of understanding they must make progress also in love. (John Calvin)

3. Great knowledge and strong faith make a soul rich. (MH)

D. Full assurance (conviction, confidence)

1. The word means firm persuasion, settled conviction.

2. That they might have the most indubitable certainty of the truth of Christianity, of

their own salvation, and of the general design of God to admit the Gentiles into his church. (AC)

E. The mystery

1. The doctrine respecting God, which had before been concealed or hidden, but which was

now revealed in the gospel. (AB)

2. That is nothing else but the knowledge of the gospel. For the false apostles endeavor to set

off the impostures under the title of wisdom. (JC)

3. The mystery mentioned is the calling of the Gentiles into the church as the Father and