Colossians 1:7-12

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Colossians 1:9

For this cause we also ,.... Not merely for their love to the apostle, and the rest that were with him; which sense is too much contracted, and carries some appearance of meanness and selfishness; but because of their faith in Christ, their love to all the saints, and the good hope they had of eternal happiness; and because they had heard the Gospel, and truly knew it, and sincerely professed it: therefore, since the day we heard it , do not cease to pray for you, and to desire ; which... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Colossians 1:10

That ye might walk worthy of the Lord ,.... The Vulgate Latin version reads, "of God"; to which the Ethiopic version agrees; but rather the Lord Jesus Christ seems to be designed: and to "walk worthy" of him, is to walk by faith in him; to walk after his Spirit, and according to his word, and in his ordinances; to have the conversation as becomes his Gospel, and worthy of that calling wherewith the saints are called by grace to the obtaining of his kingdom and glory. The apostle prays that... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Colossians 1:11

Strengthened with all might ,.... This is still a continuation of the apostle's prayer for these believers; for having prayed for an increase of spiritual knowledge, and that this might be put into practice, he proceeds to pray for strength for them, that they might be enabled to practise what they had knowledge of; to walk worthily, to please God in all things, to bring forth fruit with patience, to persevere in knowledge, practice, fruitfulness, and in an increase thereof. It implies, that... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Colossians 1:12

Giving thanks unto the Father ,.... To God the Father, as the Vulgate Latin and the Syriac versions read the clause; and the Complutensian edition, and some copies, "God and the Father"; who is both the Father of Christ by nature, and of all his people by adoption. The Ethiopic version renders it, as an exhortation or advice, "give ye thanks to the Father"; and so the Syriac version: but the words rather seem to be spoken in the first, than in the second person, and are to be considered in... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Colossians 1:7

As ye also learned of Epaphras - who is for you - Who this Epaphras was we cannot tell; only it is likely that he was a Colossian, and became, by the call and grace of Christ, a deacon of this Church, faithfully labouring with the apostle, to promote its best interests. Some think that he is the same with Epaphroditus, Epaphras being a contraction of that name, as Demas is of Demetrius; and it is remarkable that one of the Slavonic versions has Epaphroditus in this place. That he was a... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Colossians 1:8

Your love in the Spirit - So we preached, and so ye believed. The heavenly flame in the heart of this minister communicated itself to those who heard him; it was like priest like people. They enjoyed a spiritual, energetic ministry, and they were a spiritual people; they had a loving spirit, and love through the Spirit of God which dwelt in them. And of this love of theirs in the Spirit, and particularly towards the apostle, Epaphras gave full proof, not only by describing to the apostle the... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Colossians 1:9

For this cause - See on Ephesians 1:15-16 ; (note), where the same sentiment occurs. That ye might be filled - Nothing could satisfy the apostle, either for himself or his hearers, but the fullness of the blessing of the Gospel of peace. The Colossians had knowledge, but they must have more; it is their privilege to be filled with it. As the bright shining of the sun in the firmament of heaven fills the whole world with light and heat, so the light of the Sun of righteousness is to... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Colossians 1:10

That ye might walk worthy of the Lord - Suitably to your Christian profession, exemplifying its holy doctrines by a holy and useful life. See the notes on Ephesians 4:1 ; and on Philemon 1:27 ; (note). Unto all pleasing - Doing every thing in the best manner, in the most proper time, and in a becoming spirit. Even a good work may be marred and rendered fruitless by being done improperly, out of season, or in a temper of mind that grieves the Holy Spirit. Being fruitful in every... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Colossians 1:11

Strengthened with all might - That they might be able to walk worthy of the Lord, bring forth fruit, etc. See the notes on Ephesians 3:13 , etc. According to his glorious power - According to that sufficiency of strength which may be expected from him who has all power both in the heavens and in the earth. Unto all patience - Relieving, hoping, and enduring all things. With joyfulness - Feeling the continual testimony that ye please God, which will be a spring of perpetual... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Colossians 1:12

Giving thanks unto the Father - Knowing that ye have nothing but what ye have received from his mere mercy, and that in point of merit ye can never claim any thing from him. Which hath made us meet - Ἱκανωσαντι· Who has qualified us to be partakers, etc. Instead of ἱκανωσαντι , some MSS. and versions have καλεσαντι , called; and B (the Codex Vaticanus) has both readings. Giving thanks unto the Father, who hath called and qualified us to be partakers. Of the inheritance - Εις... read more

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