Col 1:9-11 | Barnes | STEP | Verse 9. Do not cease to pray for you . . The progress which they had already made, and the love which they had shown, constituted an encouragement for prayer, and a reason why higher blessings still should be sought. We always feel stimulated and encouraged to pray for those who are doing well. That ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will . They had shown, by their faith and love, that they were disposed to do his will, and the apostle now prays that they might be fully acquainted with what he would have them do. He offered a similar prayer in behalf of the Ephesians. See the parallel place in Eph 1:17-19 , and the Notes on those verses. In all wisdom . That you may be truly wise in all things, . And spiritual understanding . In understanding those things that pertain to the "Spirit;" that is, those things taught by the Holy Spirit, and those which he produces in the work of salvation. , . Comp. . (b) "in all wisdom" (c) "spiritual" (d) "understanding"

Colossians 1:9-11

Verse 9. Do not cease to pray for you. Col 1:3. The progress which they had already made, and the love which they had shown, constituted an encouragement for prayer, and a reason why higher blessings still should be sought. We always feel stimulated and encouraged to pray for those who are doing well.

That ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will. They had shown, by their faith and love, that they were disposed to do his will, and the apostle now prays that they might be fully acquainted with what he would have them do. He offered a similar prayer in behalf of the Ephesians. See the parallel place in Eph 1:17-19, and the Notes on those verses.

In all wisdom. That you may be truly wise in all things, Eph 1:17.

And spiritual understanding. In understanding those things that pertain to the "Spirit;" that is, those things taught by the Holy Spirit, and those which he produces in the work of salvation. 1Cor 2:12, 1Cor 2:13. Comp. 1Jn 2:20, 5:20.

(b) "in all wisdom" Rom 12:2, Eph 5:10,11 (c) "spiritual" Ps 119.99 (d) "understanding" 1Jn 5:20 Verse 10. That ye might walk worthy of the Lord. That you may live as becomes the followers of the Lord. How this was to be done he states in this and the following verses.

Unto all pleasing. So as to please him in all things. Comp. Heb 11:5.

Being fruitful in every good work. This is one way in which we are to walk worthy of the Lord, and so as to please him. Jn 15:8. And increasing in the knowledge of God. This is another way in which we may walk worthy of the Lord, and so as to please him. It is by endeavouring to become better acquainted with his true character. God is pleased with those who desire to understand what he is; what he does; what he purposes; what he commands. Hence he not only commands us to study his works, (comp. Ps 111:2,) but he has made a world so beautiful as to invite us to contemplate his perfections as reflected in that world. All good beings desire that others should understand their character, and God delights in those who are sincerely desirous of knowing what he is, and who inquire with humility and reverence into his counsels and his will. Men are often displeased when others attempt to look into their plans, for they are sensible they will not bear the light of investigation. God has no plans which would not be seen to be, in the highest degree, glorious to him.

(e) "worthy of the Lord" Php 1:27 (f) "pleasing" 1Thes 4:1 (g) "fruitful" Jn 15:8,16 (h) "increasing in the knowledge" 2Pet 3:18 Verse 11. Strengthened with all might. This was also an object of Paul's earnest prayer. He desired that they might be strengthened for the performance of duty; to meet temptations; and to bear up under the various trials of life.

According to his glorious power. Not by any human means, but by the power of God. There is a manifestation of power in the spirit with which Christians are enabled to bear up under trims, which shows that it is not of human origin. It is the power which God gives them in the day of trial. This power is "glorious," or, as it is in the Greek, it is the "power of his glory." It is manifestly the power of the great and glorious God, and it tends to promote his glory, and to show forth his praise.

Unto all patience. So that you may be enabled to bear all your trials without murmuring. It is only the power of God that can enable us to do that.

And longsuffering. 1Cor 13:4.

With joyfulness. Rom 5:3; 2Cor 7:4. The Syriac version, Chrysostom, and a few Mss. attach this to the following verse, and read it, "With joyfulness giving thanks to the Father," etc. The only difference is in the pointing, and either reading makes good sense.

(i) "Strengthened" Isa 14:24 (k) "patience" Jas 1:4 (l) "joyfulness" Rom 5:3