Col 1:29-2:1 | JFB | STEP | 29. Whereunto —namely, "to present every man perfect in Christ." I also labour —rather, "I labor also." I not only "proclaim" ( English Version, "preach") Christ, but I labor also. striving —in "conflict" ( ) of spirit (compare ). The same Greek word is used of Epaphras ( ), " laboring fervently for you in prayers": literally, "agonizing," "striving as in the agony of a contest." So Jesus in Gethsemane when praying ( ): so "strive" (the same Greek word, "agonize"), . So Jacob " wrestled " in prayer ( ). Compare "contention," Greek, "agony," or "striving earnestness," . according to his working —Paul avows that he has power to "strive" in spirit for his converts, so far only as Christ works in him and by him ( ). mightily

Colossians 1:29

29. Whereunto—namely, "to present every man perfect in Christ."

I also labour—rather, "I labor also." I not only "proclaim" (English Version, "preach") Christ, but I labor also.

striving—in "conflict" (Col 2:1) of spirit (compare Ro 8:26). The same Greek word is used of Epaphras (Col 4:12), "laboring fervently for you in prayers": literally, "agonizing," "striving as in the agony of a contest." So Jesus in Gethsemane when praying (Lu 22:44): so "strive" (the same Greek word, "agonize"), Lu 13:24. So Jacob "wrestled" in prayer (Ge 32:24-29). Compare "contention," Greek, "agony," or "striving earnestness," 1Th 2:2.

according to his working—Paul avows that he has power to "strive" in spirit for his converts, so far only as Christ works in him and by him (Eph 3:20; Php 4:13).

mightily—literally, "in power."

Colossians 2:1

CHAPTER 2

Col 2:1-23. HIS STRIVINGS IN PRAYER FOR THEIR STEADFASTNESS IN CHRIST; FROM WHOM HE WARNS THEM NOT TO BE LED AWAY BY FALSE WISDOM.

1. For—He explains in what respect he "labored striving" (Col 1:29). Translate as Greek, "I wish you to know how great a conflict (the same Greek word as in Col 1:29, "agony of a conflict" of fervent, anxious prayer; not conflict with the false teachers, which would have been impossible for him now in prison) I have for you."

them at Laodicea—exposed to the same danger from false teachers as the Colossians (compare Col 4:16). This danger was probably the cause of his writing to Laodicea, as well as to Colosse.

not seen my face in the flesh—including those in Hierapolis (Col 4:13). Paul considered himself a "debtor" to all the Gentiles (Ro 1:14). "His face" and presence would have been a "comfort" (Col 2:2; Ac 20:38). Compare Col 1:4, 7, 8, in proof that he had not seen, but only heard of the Colossians. Hence he strives by earnest conflict with God in anxious prayer for them, to make up for the loss of his bodily presence among them. Though "absent in the flesh, I am with you in the Spirit" (Col 2:5).