Col 4:12, 17 | JFB | STEP | 12. Christ —The oldest manuscripts add "Jesus." labouring fervently —As the Greek, is the same, translate, "striving earnestly" (see on and ), literally, " striving as in the agony of a contest. " in prayers —Translate as Greek, "in his prayers." complete —The oldest manuscripts read, "fully assured." It is translated, "fully persuaded," . In the expression "perfect," he refers to what he has already said, . "Perfect" implies the attainment of the full maturity of a Christian. BENGEL joins "in all the will of God" with "stand."

Colossians 4:12

12. Christ—The oldest manuscripts add "Jesus."

labouring fervently—As the Greek, is the same, translate, "striving earnestly" (see on Col 1:29 and Col 2:1), literally, "striving as in the agony of a contest."

in prayers—Translate as Greek, "in his prayers."

complete—The oldest manuscripts read, "fully assured." It is translated, "fully persuaded," Ro 4:21; 14:5. In the expression "perfect," he refers to what he has already said, Col 1:28; 2:2; 3:14. "Perfect" implies the attainment of the full maturity of a Christian. BENGEL joins "in all the will of God" with "stand."

Colossians 4:17

17. say to Archippus—The Colossians (not merely the clergy, but the laymen) are directed, "Speak ye to Archippus." This proves that Scripture belongs to the laity as well as the clergy; and that laymen may profitably admonish the clergy in particular cases when they do so in meekness. BENGEL suggests that Archippus was perhaps prevented from going to the Church assembly by weak health or age. The word, "fulfil," accords with his ministry being near its close (Col 1:25; compare Phm 2). However, "fulfil" may mean, as in 2Ti 4:5, "make full proof of thy ministry." "Give all diligence to follow it out fully"; a monition perhaps needed by Archippus.

in the Lord—The element in which every work of the Christian, and especially the Christian minister, is to be done (Col 4:7; 1Co 7:39; Php 4:2).