Col 1:3-4 | JFB | STEP | 3. Thanksgiving for the "faith, hope, and love" of the Colossians. So in the twin Epistle sent at the same time and by the same bearer, Tychicus ( , ). We-- I and Timothy. and the Father-- So some of the oldest manuscripts read. But others better omit the "and," which probably crept in from . praying always for you-- with thanksgiving ( ). See .

‏ Colossians 1:3-4

3. Thanksgiving for the "faith, hope, and love" of the Colossians. So in the twin Epistle sent at the same time and by the same bearer, Tychicus (Ep 1:15, 16).

We--I and Timothy.

and the Father--So some of the oldest manuscripts read. But others better omit the "and," which probably crept in from Ep 1:3.

praying always for you--with thanksgiving (Php 4:6). See Col 1:4.

4. Since we heard--literally, "Having heard." The language implies that he had only heard of, and not seen, them (Col 2:1). Compare Ro 1:8, where like language is used of a Church which he had not at the time visited.

love ... to all--the absent, as well as those present [Bengel].