King James Version
Colossians 1
29 verses with commentary
Greeting
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother,
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother.</strong> Paul's self-designation as <em>apostolos</em> (ἀπόστολος, "sent one") establishes divine authority—not self-appointed but commissioned by Christ. The phrase <em>dia thelēmatos theou</em> (διὰ θελήματος θεοῦ, "through God's will") emphasizes divine sovereignty in calling, countering any human claim to a...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(1) **Timotheus our brother.**—Except in the mention of Timotheus (as in the other Epistles of the captivity; see Philippians 1:1; Philemon 1:1), the salutation is almost verbally coincident with the opening of the Epistle to the Ephesians (where see Note). The mention of Timotheus here, and the omission of his name there, mark the difference in character between the two Epistles. In a special Epi...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10. all heavens--**Greek, "all the heavens" (He 7:26; 4:14), Greek, "passed through the heavens" to the throne of God itself.
**might fill--**In Greek, the action is continued to the present time, both "might" and "may fill," namely, with His divine presence and Spirit, not with His glorified body. "Christ, as God, is present everywhere; as glorified man, He can be present anywhere" [Ellicott]...
Read full commentary →To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
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<strong>To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.</strong> The double designation <em>hagiois kai pistois adelphois</em> (ἁγίοις καὶ πιστοῖς ἀδελφοῖς, "holy ones and faithful brothers") emphasizes both positional sanctity and practical faithfulness. "Saints" denotes not earned holiness but God's ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **From God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.**—The best MSS. show here, that the salutation should run simply “from God the Father,” thus varying from St. Paul’s otherwise universal phraseology. Such variation can hardly be accidental. Could it have been suggested to St. Paul’s mind, in connection with his special desire to emphasize the true Godhead of Christ, so obvious in this Epistle, ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
11. Greek, emphatical. "Himself" by His supreme power. "It is He that gave," &c.
**gave some, apostles--**Translate, "some to be apostles, and some to be prophets," &c. The men who filled the office, no less than the office itself, were a divine gift [Eadie]. Ministers did not give themselves. Compare with the list here, 1Co 12:10, 28. As the apostles, prophets, and evangelists were spec...
Read full commentary →Thanksgiving and Prayer
We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,
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<strong>We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you.</strong> Paul's thanksgiving uses <em>eucharisteomen</em> (εὐχαριστοῦμεν, "we give thanks"), present tense indicating continuous gratitude, not occasional sentiment. This reflects proper recognition of divine sovereignty—all spiritual blessings originate with God, not human effort or mystical achievement...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3-8) In this expression of St. Paul’s thanksgiving for them there is as usual a peculiar correspondence to their circumstances. They had been full of faith, love, and hope, the fruit of a true gospel preached by Epaphras; there was fear now lest they should be beguiled from it, although that fear was obviously not yet realised, as had been formerly the case with the Galatians. Hence St. Paul’s em...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**12. For--**with a view to; the ultimate aim. "Unto."
**perfecting--**The Greek implies correcting in all that is deficient, instructing and completing in number and all parts.
**for--**a different Greek word; the immediate object. Compare Ro 15:2, "Let every one ... please his neighbor for his good unto edification."
**the ministry--**Greek, "ministration"; without the article. The office ...
Read full commentary →Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints,
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<strong>Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints.</strong> The phrase <em>tēn pistin en Christō Iēsou</em> (τὴν πίστιν ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ, "the faith in Christ Jesus") emphasizes both faith's object and sphere. This isn't generic religiosity but specific trust located in Christ's person and finished work. Epaphras likely brought this report (1:7-8)...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13. come in--**rather, "attain unto." Alford expresses the Greek order, "Until we arrive all of us at the unity," &c.
**faith and ... knowledge--**Full unity of faith is then found, when all alike thoroughly know Christ, the object of faith, and that in His highest dignity as "the Son of God" [De Wette] (Ep 3:17, 19; 2Pe 1:5). Not even Paul counted himself to have fully "attained" (Php 3:1...
Read full commentary →For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;
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<strong>For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel.</strong> The verb <em>apokeimenen</em> (ἀποκειμένην, "laid up") means stored or treasured, using imagery of valuables kept secure. Christian hope isn't wishful thinking but confident expectation of guaranteed future reality, reserved <em>en tois ouranois</em> (ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς, ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven.**—The union of hope with faith and love is natural enough. Compare the fuller expression of 1Thessalonians 1:3, “your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope.” But the place assigned to hope in this passage is notable. “For the hope” is really “on account of the hope.” Hence faith and love are spoken of, not merely as leading u...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
14. Translate, "To the end that"; the aim of the bestowal of gifts stated negatively, as in Ep 4:13 it is stated positively.
**tossed to and fro--**inwardly, even without wind; like billows of the sea. So the Greek. Compare Jas 1:6.
**carried about--**with every wind from without.
**doctrine--**"teaching." The various teachings are the "winds" which keep them tossed on a sea of doubts (He 13...
Read full commentary →Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit , as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:
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<strong>Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth.</strong> The gospel's universal spread (<em>en panti tō kosmō</em>, ἐν παντὶ τῷ κόσμῳ, "in all the world") demonstrates divine power, not human marketing. This worldwide movement validates the gospel's authenticity against lo...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **Which is come unto you . . .**—There is much variety of reading here, but the text followed by our version is certainly incorrect. The probable reading is, *which is come unto you, just as in all the world it is now bringing forth fruit and growing, as also it does in you.* In this sentence there are two lessons implied. First, the universality of the gospel, in which it stands contrasted, a...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**15. speaking the truth--**Translate, "holding the truth"; "following the truth"; opposed to "error" or "deceit" (Ep 4:14).
**in love--**"Truth" is never to be sacrificed to so-called "charity"; yet it is to be maintained in charity. Truth in word and act, love in manner and spirit, are the Christian's rule (compare Ep 4:21, 24).
**grow up--**from the state of "children" to that of "full-grow...
Read full commentary →As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ;
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<strong>As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ.</strong> Epaphras appears as <em>syndoulos</em> (σύνδουλος, "fellow-slave"), emphasizing shared servanthood with Paul under one Master. The adjective <em>agapētos</em> (ἀγαπητός, "beloved") shows Paul's personal affection, while <em>pistos diakonos</em> (πιστὸς διάκονος, "faithful servant")...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) **Ye also learned of Epaphras.**—Of Epaphras we know nothing, except what we gather from this passage, and from Colossians 4:12; Philemon 1:23. The name is a shortened form of Epaphroditus, but it is most unlikely that he is the same as the Epaphroditus of Philippians 2:25; Philippians 4:18. Being, it seems, a native of Colossæ itself, he was apparently its first evangelist, and is afterwards ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
16. (Col 2:19).
**fitly joined together--**"being fitly framed together," as in Ep 2:21; all the parts being in their proper position, and in mutual relation.
**compacted--**implying firm consolidation.
**by that which every joint supplieth--**Greek, "by means of every joint of the supply"; joined with "maketh increase of the body," not with "compacted." "By every ministering (supplying) joi...
Read full commentary →Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.
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<strong>Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.</strong> Epaphras's report focused on spiritual realities, specifically their <em>agapēn en pneumati</em> (ἀγάπην ἐν πνεύματι, "love in the Spirit"). This love transcends natural affection or emotional sentiment; it flows from the Holy Spirit's work, producing supernatural care for fellow believers. Such Spirit-produced love authenticates ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **Who also declared unto us.**—This refers to news recently brought by Epaphras to St. Paul at Rome. He had been a minister in St. Paul’s stead; he now, like Timothy afterwards, visited him to give account of his deputed work.
**Your love in the Spirit.**—“In the Spirit” is “in the grace of the Holy Ghost”—the Spirit of love. The love here would seem to be especially love towards St. Paul, a p...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**17. therefore--**resuming the exhortation which he had begun with, "I therefore beseech you that ye walk worthy," &c. (Ep 4:1).
**testify in the Lord--**in whom (as our element) we do all things pertaining to the ministry (1Th 4:1 [Alford]; Ro 9:1).
**henceforth ... not--**Greek, "no longer"; resumed from Ep 4:14.
**other--**Greek, "the rest of the Gentiles."
**in the vanity, &c....
Read full commentary →For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
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<strong>For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.</strong> Paul's intercessory prayer begins with <em>epignōsis</em> (ἐπίγνωσις, "full knowledge"), contrasting the false teachers' <em>gnōsis</em> (γνῶσις, "knowledge"). <em>Epignōsis</em> implies com...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9-12) From thanksgiving St. Paul passes, as always, to pray for them. The prayer is for their full and perfect knowledge of God’s will; but this is emphatically connected with practical “walking” in that will, first by fruitfulness in good work, next by showing themselves strong in Christ to endure sufferings, lastly by thankful acceptance of God’s call to inheritance among the saints in light. T...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
18. More literally, "Being darkened in their understanding," that is, their intelligence, or perceptions (compare Ep 5:8; Ac 26:18; 1Th 5:4, 5).
**alienated--**This and "darkened," imply that before the fall they (in the person of their first father) had been partakers of life and light: and that they had revolted from the primitive revelation (compare Ep 2:12).
**life of God--**that life wher...
Read full commentary →That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
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<strong>That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.</strong> The purpose clause introduces <em>peripatēsai</em> (περιπατῆσαι, "to walk"), a common biblical metaphor for daily conduct. Walking "worthy" (<em>axiōs</em>, ἀξίως) means conduct matching identity—living consistently with calling as God's chosen people...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(10) **Walk worthy** (*worthily*) **of the Lord.** Here St. Paul begins to dwell on the practical life, much in the same spirit in which, in Ephesians 4:1, he returns from the profound thought of Colossians 2, 3 to the entreaty “to walk worthy of the vocation with which they are called.” “The Lord” is here, as usual, the Lord Jesus Christ; to walk worthy of Him is to have His life reproduced in us...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**19. past feeling--**senseless, shameless, hopeless; the ultimate result of a long process of "hardening," or habit of sin (Ep 4:18). "Being past hope," or despairing, is the reading of the Vulgate; though not so well supported as English Version reading, "past feeling," which includes the absence of hope (Jr 2:25; 18:12).
**given themselves over--**In Ro 1:24 it is, "God gave them up to unclea...
Read full commentary →Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
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<strong>Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness.</strong> The participle <em>dynamoumenoi</em> (δυναμούμενοι, "being empowered") indicates continuous divine enabling, not one-time experience. "With all might" (<em>en pasē dynamei</em>, ἐν πάσῃ δυνάμει) emphasizes comprehensive strength—not partial or intermittent but complet...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(11) **His glorious power.**—Properly, *the strength of His glory, *His glory being His manifestation of Himself in love to man. (Comp. Ephesians 3:16, “According to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His spirit in the inner man.”) On this use of “the glory” of God, frequent in these Epistles, see Ephesians 1:6; Ephesians 1:12; Ephesians 1:14, and Notes there. The prayer, ho...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**20. learned Christ--**(Php 3:10). To know Christ Himself, is the great lesson of the Christian life: this the Ephesians began to learn at their conversion. "Christ," in reference to His office, is here specified as the object of learning. "Jesus," in Ep 4:21, as the person.
Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.</strong> The final participle <em>eucharistountes</em> (εὐχαριστοῦντες, "giving thanks") climaxes Paul's description of mature Christian living. Gratitude isn't occasional sentiment but continuous practice, recognizing God as source of every blessing. Thanksgiving to "the Fathe...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(12) **Giving thanks unto the Father.**—These words naturally follow the words “with joyfulness,” with which, indeed, they may be grammatically connected. But the “thankfulness” here is, as the context shows, the thankfulness of humility, sensible that from the Father’s love we have received all, and can but receive.
**Which hath made us meet.**—The same word is used in 2Corinthians 3:6, “who hath...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**21. If so be that--**not implying doubt; assuming what I have no reason to doubt, that
**heard him--**The "Him" is emphatic: "heard Himself," not merely heard about Him.
**taught by him--**Greek, "taught IN Him," that is, being in vital union with Him (Ro 16:7).
**as the truth is in Jesus--**Translate in connection with "taught"; "And in Him have been taught, according as is truth in Jesus...
Read full commentary →Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: his: Gr. the Son of his love
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<strong>Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.</strong> The verb <em>erysato</em> (ἐρύσατο, "delivered") is aorist, indicating completed rescue from <em>exousias tou skotous</em> (ἐξουσίας τοῦ σκότους, "authority of the darkness"). "Authority" implies organized hostile power—Satan's kingdom operates with structure and intention. D...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
[**2.The Doctrine of Christ.**
(1) His SALVATION AND REDEMPTION of us all (Colossians 1:13-14).
(2) His NATURE AS THE IMAGE OF THE INVISIBLE GOD, the creator and sustainer of all things heavenly and earthly (Colossians 1:15-17).
(3) His HEADSHIP OF THE CHURCH (Colossians 1:18).
(4) His MEDIATION, reconciling all to God, first generally stated, then applied especially to the Colossians (Colossians ...
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**22. That ye--**following "Ye have been taught" (Ep 4:21).
**concerning the former conversation--**"in respect to your former way of life."
**the old man--**your old unconverted nature (Ro 6:6).
**is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts--**rather, "which is being corrupted ('perisheth,' compare Ga 6:8, 'corruption,' that is, destruction) according to (that is, as might be expected from)...
Read full commentary →In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
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<strong>In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.</strong> The relative pronoun "in whom" (<em>en hō</em>, ἐν ᾧ) emphasizes location—redemption exists only in Christ, not through additional mediators or mystical experiences. "Redemption" (<em>apolytrōsin</em>, ἀπολύτρωσιν) means release through payment, using imagery from slave markets where captives were freed by...
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**23. be renewed--**The Greek (ananeousthai) implies "the continued renewal in the youth of the new man." A different Greek word (anakainousthai) implies "renewal from the old state."
**in the spirit of your mind--**As there is no Greek for "in," which there is at Ep 4:17, "in the vanity of their mind," it is better to translate, "By the Spirit of your mind," that is, by your new spiritual natur...
Read full commentary →The Supremacy of Christ
Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
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<strong>Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature.</strong> This verse begins the magnificent Christ hymn (1:15-20), possibly an early Christian hymn Paul quotes. "Image" (<em>eikōn</em>, εἰκών) means exact representation, not mere resemblance. Christ perfectly reveals God's nature; seeing Jesus is seeing God (John 14:9). This counters any teaching suggesting mediating...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(15) **The image of the invisible God.**—This all important clause needs the most careful examination. We note accordingly (1) that the word “image” (like the word “form,” Philippians 2:6-7) is used in the New Testament for real and essential embodiment, as distinguished from mere likeness. Thus in Hebrews 10:1 we read, “The law, having a shadow of good things to come, and not *the very image* of ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**24. put on the new man--**Opposed to "the old man," which is to be "put off" (Ep 4:22). The Greek here (kainon) is different from that for "re-new-ed" (Ep 4:23). Put on not merely a renovated nature, but a new, that is, altogether different nature, a changed nature (compare Note,, see on Col 3:10).
**after God, &c.--**Translate, "Which hath been created (once for all: so the Greek aorist m...
Read full commentary →For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
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<strong>For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him.</strong> The preposition <em>en</em> (ἐν, "in") indicates Christ as the sphere or agent of creation; <em>dia</em> (διά, "through") in some translations emphasizes mediation. Ei...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(16) **For by him . . . all things were created by** (*through*) **him, and for** (*to*) **him.**—Carrying out the idea of the preceding clause with accumulated emphasis, St. Paul speaks of all creation as having taken place “by Him,” “through Him,” and “for Him.” Now we note that in Romans 11:36, St. Paul, in a burst of adoration, declares of the Father that “from Him, and through Him, and to Him...
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**25. Wherefore--**From the general character of "the new man," there will necessarily result the particular features which he now details.
**putting away--**Greek, "having put away" once for all.
**lying--**"falsehood": the abstract. "Speak ye truth each one with his neighbor," is quoted, slightly changed, from Zec 8:16. For "to," Paul quotes it "with," to mark our inner connection with one a...
Read full commentary →And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
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<strong>And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.</strong> "He is before all things" (<em>autos estin pro pantōn</em>, αὐτός ἐστιν πρὸ πάντων) asserts both temporal and logical priority. Christ existed before creation (temporal) and stands supreme over it (logical). This echoes Jesus's claim "Before Abraham was, I am" (John 8:58), applying Yahweh's eternal self-existence to Chris...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(17) **He is before all things.**—The words “He is” are both emphatic. He, and He only, is; all else is created. It is impossible not to refer to the “I am” of Eternal existence, as claimed by our Lord for Himself. “Before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:58; comp. also John 1:15). Hence the word “before” should be taken, not of supreme dignity, but of pre-existence.
**By him all things consist.**—That ...
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**26. Be ye angry, and sin not--**So the Septuagint, Psa 4:4. Should circumstances arise to call for anger on your part, let it be as Christ's "anger" (Mr 3:5), without sin. Our natural feelings are not wrong when directed to their legitimate object, and when not exceeding due bounds. As in the future literal, so in the present spiritual, resurrection, no essential constituent is annihilated, but ...
Read full commentary →And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. in: or, among all
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<strong>And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.</strong> The metaphor shifts from cosmos to church. "Head" (<em>kephalē</em>, κεφαλή) indicates both authority and vital connection—as head directs body, Christ governs His church and supplies its life. This organic union refutes any ecclesiastica...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(18-20) In these verses St. Paul returns from dwelling on the eternal nature of the Son of God to describe Him in His mediatorial office as Son of Man, becoming the “Head” of all humanity, as called into “His Body, the Church.” In this he touches on a doctrine more fully developed in the Epistle to the Ephesians. (See Ephesians 1:10; Ephesians 1:20; Ephesians 1:22; Ephesians 2:19; Ephesians 2:21; ...
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**27. Neither give place--**that is, occasion, or scope, to the devil, by continuing in "wrath." The keeping of anger through the darkness of night, is giving place to the devil, the prince of darkness (Ep 6:12).
For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell.</strong> This verse delivers the theological knockout to Colossian heresy. "All fulness" (<em>pan to plērōma</em>, πᾶν τὸ πλήρωμα) likely responds to Gnostic terminology. Gnostics taught that divine <em>plērōma</em> (fullness) was distributed across many aeons or emanations, with Christ as merely one among many. Paul counters ...
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(19) **For it pleased the Father.**—(1) The construction is doubtful. There is nothing corresponding to “the Father” in the original. Our rendering involves the supply of the nominative *God, i.e., *“the Father,” or *Christ* to the verb, so that the sentence may run, *the Father* or *Christ determined of His good pleasure that, *&c. The supply of the nominative “Christ” is easier grammatically; bu...
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28. Greek, "Let him that stealeth." The imperfect or past tense is, however, mainly meant, though not to the exclusion of the present. "Let the stealing person steal no more." Bandits frequented the mountains near Ephesus. Such are meant by those called "thieves" in the New Testament.
**but rather--**For it is not enough to cease from a sin, but the sinner must also enter on the path that is its...
Read full commentary →And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. having: or, making
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.</strong> The Christ hymn climaxes with cosmic reconciliation. "Having made peace" (<em>eirēnopoiēsas</em>, εἰρηνοποιήσας) through <em>dia tou haimatos tou staurou autou</em> (διὰ τοῦ αἵματος τοῦ σταυροῦ αὐτοῦ, "through the ...
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(20) **Having made peace through the blood of his cross.**—On this verse, where St. Paul returns to the subject of the Atonement, with which he began, comp. Ephesians 2:13-18, and Notes there. In the Ephesian Epistle the treatment of the subject is fuller, and in one point more comprehensive, viz., in bringing out emphatically the unity of all, Jews and Gentiles alike, with one another, as well as...
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**29. corrupt--**literally, "insipid," without "the salt of grace" (Col 4:6), so worthless and then becoming corrupt: included in "foolish talking" (Ep 5:4). Its opposite is "that which is good to edifying."
**communication--**language.
**that which, &c.--**Greek, "whatever is good."
**use of edifying--**literally, "for edifying of the need," that is, for edifying where it is needed. Sea...
Read full commentary →And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in: or, by your mind in
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<strong>And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled.</strong> After cosmic reconciliation (v. 20), Paul personalizes: "and you." The Colossians were <em>apēllotriōmenous</em> (ἀπηλλοτριωμένους, "alienated"), estranged from God like foreigners barred from citizenship. "Enemies in your mind" (<em>echthrous tē dianoia</em>, ἐχθροὺς τῇ δια...
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(21) **Alienated.**—Not naturally aliens, but estranged. (See Note on Ephesians 2:12.)
**By wicked works.**—Properly, *in your wicked works.* The enmity of heart is not properly caused by wicked works, but shown in them, and probably intensified by reflex action through them.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**30. grieve not--**A condescension to human modes of thought most touching. Compare "vexed His Holy Spirit" (Is 63:10; Psa 78:40); "fretted me" (Eze 16:43: implying His tender love to us); and of hardened unbelievers, "resist the Holy Ghost" (Ac 7:51). This verse refers to believers, who grieve the Spirit by inconsistencies such as in the context are spoken of, corrupt or worthless conversation, ...
Read full commentary →In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:
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<strong>In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight.</strong> Paul emphasizes incarnation's necessity: reconciliation occurred "in the body of his flesh" (<em>en tō sōmati tēs sarkos autou</em>, ἐν τῷ σώματι τῆς σαρκὸς αὐτοῦ), stressing Christ's physical humanity. Against any docetic tendency denying Christ's real incarnation, Paul ins...
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(22) **In the body of his flesh.**—There seems to be some emphasis on the word “flesh:” just as in the parallel of Ephesians 2:16, the expression is “in one body,” with a characteristic emphasis on the word “one,” suiting the genius of the passage. The meaning is, of course, His natural body, as distinguished from His mystic Body, spoken of above (Colossians 1:18). But this is no sufficient reason...
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**31. bitterness--**both of spirit and of speech: opposed to "kind."
**wrath--**passion for a time: opposed to "tender-hearted." Whence Bengel translates for "wrath," harshness.
**anger--**lasting resentment: opposed to "forgiving one another."
**clamour--**compared by Chrysostom to a horse carrying anger for its rider: "Bridle the horse, and you dismount its rider." "Bitterness" begets "wra...
Read full commentary →If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;
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<strong>If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister.</strong> The conditional "if ye continue" (<em>ei ge epimenete</em>, εἴ γε ἐπιμένετε) doesn't introduce doubt but tests authenticity. Genuine believers persevere; apparent...
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(23) **If.**—The word, as in Ephesians 3:2; Ephesians 4:21 (where see Notes), conveys a supposition hardly hypothetical—“If, as I presume;” “If, as I trust.” St. Paul cannot refrain from needful warning, but he refuses to anticipate failure.
**Grounded.**—*Built on the foundation.* Comp. Ephesians 2:20, “built on the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cor...
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32. (Lu 7:42; Col 3:12).
**even as--**God hath shown Himself "kind, tender-hearted, and forgiving to you"; it is but just that you in turn shall be so to your fellow men, who have not erred against you in the degree that you have erred against God (Mt 18:33).
**God for Christ's sake--**rather as Greek, "God in Christ" (2Co 5:19). It is in Christ that God vouchsafes forgiveness to us. It cost G...
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Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:
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<strong>Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church.</strong> Paul's joy amid suffering demonstrates Christianity's paradoxical power. "I rejoice" (<em>chairō</em>, χαίρω) in present tense shows ongoing attitude, not occasional heroism. Suffering "for you" indicates vicarious purpose—Pa...
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(24-29) Here (as in Ephesians 3, in the same connection) St. Paul dwells on his own mission to set forth the universal gospel to the Gentiles. In the Ephesian Epistle this declaration is made a direct introduction to practical exhortation (comp. Col. 4, 5, 6); here it leads up to the earnest remonstrance against speculative errors in Colossians 2, which precedes a similar practical exhortation. In...
Read full commentary →Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; to fulfil: or, fully to preach the word
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<strong>Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God.</strong> Paul describes his apostolic calling using <em>diakonos</em> (διάκονος, "servant/minister"), the same word for deacons, emphasizing service over status. His ministry flows from divine appointment—"the dispensation of God" (<em>tēn oikonomian tou theou</em>, τ...
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(25) **Whereof I am made** (or, *became*) **a minister.**—Above (in Colossians 1:23) St. Paul describes himself as a “minister of the gospel,” here as a “minister (or, *servant*) of the Church.” Elsewhere he is always the “minister of God” and “of Christ”; here of the Church, as the Body of Christ, and so indissolubly united with Christ.
**The dispensation of God.**—See Ephesians 3:2-9, and Notes ...
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CHAPTER 5 Ep 5:1-33. Exhortations to Love: And against Carnal Lusts and Communications. Circumspection in Walk: Redeeming the Time: Being Filled with the Spirit: Singing to the Lord with Thankfulness: The Wife's Duty to the Husband Rests on that of the Church to Christ.
**1. therefore--**seeing that "God in Christ forgave you" (Ep 4:32).
**followers--**Greek, "imitators" of God, in respect to "...
Read full commentary →Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
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<strong>Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints.</strong> "The mystery" (<em>to mystērion</em>, τὸ μυστήριον) in Paul's usage doesn't mean permanently obscure puzzle but previously hidden truth now revealed. This contrasts pagan mystery religions offering secret knowledge to initiates. Paul's mystery was divinely concealed in prev...
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(26) **The mystery.**—On the Scriptural sense of the word “mystery,” and its relation to the modern use of the word, see Note on Ephesians 1:9. In this passage, perhaps, most of all, it is defined with perfect clearness, as “a secret long hidden, and now revealed.”
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2. And--**in proof that you are so.
**walk in love--**resuming Ep 4:1, "walk worthy of the vocation."
**as Christ ... loved us--**From the love of the Father he passes to the love of the Son, in whom God most endearingly manifests His love to us.
**given himself for us--**Greek, "given Himself up (namely, to death, Ga 2:20) for us," that is, in our behalf: not here vicarious substitution, ...
Read full commentary →To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: in: or, among
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<strong>To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.</strong> Paul reveals the mystery's content: "Christ in you" (<em>Christos en hymin</em>, Χριστὸς ἐν ὑμῖν). The "you" is plural, addressing Gentiles corporately. The mystery isn't merely that Gentiles can be saved but that they're fully incorporated in...
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(27) **To whom God would**—*i.e.*, *God willed.* The expression is emphatic. It was of God’s own pleasure, inscrutable to man. So in Ephesians 1:9, we read “the mystery of His will.” Note also, in Ephesians 1:4-6, the repeated reference to the predestination of God in His love.
**The riches of the glory.**—See Ephesians 1:18; Ephesians 3:16; and Notes there.
**Which is Christ in you.**—This myster...
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**3. once named--**Greek, "Let it not be even named" (Ep 5:4, 12). "Uncleanness" and "covetousness" are taken up again from Ep 4:19. The two are so closely allied that the Greek for "covetousness" (pleonexia) is used sometimes in Scripture, and often in the Greek Fathers, for sins of impurity. The common principle is the longing to fill one's desire with material objects of sense, outside of God. ...
Read full commentary →Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
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<strong>Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.</strong> Paul's ministry focuses on Christ—"whom we preach" (<em>hon hēmeis katangelomen</em>, ὃν ἡμεῖς καταγγέλλομεν). Authentic ministry proclaims Christ's person and work, not human philosophy or mystical techniques. The three-fold "every man" (<em>panta anthrō...
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(28) **Warning every man, and teaching.**—In “warning” is implied the idea of reproof of folly or sin. (See 1Thessalonians 5:14; 2Thessalonians 3:5.) “Teaching” is simply instruction—including, of course, practical exhortation—of those already warned.
**Perfect.**—See Ephesians 4:13; Philippians 3:15, and Notes there. Here, however, as in 1Corinthians 2:6-7, the reference may be to the sense of “p...
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**4. filthiness--**obscenity in act or gesture.
**foolish talking--**the talk of fools, which is folly and sin together. The Greek of it, and of "filthiness," occurs nowhere else in the New Testament.
**nor--**rather, "or" (compare Ep 5:3).
**jesting--**Greek, "eutrapelia"; found nowhere else in the New Testament: implying strictly that versatility which turns about and adapts itself, withou...
Read full commentary →Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily .
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<strong>Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.</strong> Paul describes intense effort using <em>kopiō</em> (κοπιῶ, "labor to exhaustion") and <em>agōnizomenos</em> (ἀγωνιζόμενος, "striving"), from which we get "agonize." The athletic imagery pictures maximum exertion—the effort that leaves competitors gasping. Ministry demands everything Paul poss...
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(29) **Whereunto I also labour.**—In this verse St. Paul passes from the plural to the singular, evidently in preparation for the strong personal remonstrance of Colossians 2:1-7.
**His working . . .**—See Ephesians 1:12, and Note there. Perhaps, as in Galatians 2:8 (“He that wrought effectually in Peter to the Apostleship of the Circumcision, the same was mighty in me towards the Gentiles”), ther...
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**5. this ye know--**The oldest manuscripts read, "Of this ye are sure knowing"; or as Alford, "This ye know being aware."
**covetous ... idolater--**(Col 3:5). The best reading may be translated, That is to say, literally, which is (in other words) an idolater. Paul himself had forsaken all for Christ (2Co 6:10; 11:27). Covetousness is worship of the creature instead of the Creator, the highest...
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