Eph 6:10, Col 1:11 | Barnes | STEP | Verse 10. Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord . Paul had now stated to the Ephesians the duties which they were to perform. He had considered the various relations of life which they sustained, and the obligations resulting from them. He was not unaware that, in the discharge of their duties, they would need strength from above. He knew that they had great and mighty foes, and that to meet them they needed to be clothed in the panoply of the Christian soldier. He closes, therefore, by exhorting them to put on all the strength which they could to meet the enemies with which they had to contend; and in the commencement of his exhortation he reminds them that it was only by the strength of the Lord that they could hope for victory. To be "strong in the Lord," is, (1.) to be strong or courageous in his cause; (2.) to feel that he is our strength, and to rely on him and his promises. (*) "might" "in his mighty power"

Ephesians 6:10

Verse 10. Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord. Paul had now stated to the Ephesians the duties which they were to perform. He had considered the various relations of life which they sustained, and the obligations resulting from them. He was not unaware that, in the discharge of their duties, they would need strength from above. He knew that they had great and mighty foes, and that to meet them they needed to be clothed in the panoply of the Christian soldier. He closes, therefore, by exhorting them to put on all the strength which they could to meet the enemies with which they had to contend; and in the commencement of his exhortation he reminds them that it was only by the strength of the Lord that they could hope for victory. To be "strong in the Lord," is,

(1.) to be strong or courageous in his cause;

(2.) to feel that he is our strength, and to rely on him and his promises.

(*) "might" "in his mighty power"

Colossians 1:11

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