Colossians 1

It is noticeable, however, that the similarity is largely in the practical exhortations (cp. Col. iii. 18-22 with Eph. v. 22, 25; vi. 1-9). It was natural and inevitable that, in addressing churches which were just emerging from paganism and existing amid pagan surroundings, the apostle should lay stress on the family life, the relation between husbands and wives, parents and children, masters and servants, or that he should also give some identical exhortations about personal purity (cp. Col. iii. 5 with Eph. v. 3-7), and a forgiving spirit (cp. Col. iii. 12, 13, with Eph. iv. 31, 32).

But in the more doctrinal parts of the earlier chapters, while there are some identical expressions, as in Eph. i. 7 and Col. i. 14, there are also notable diversities. The truth is the same, but it is presented from a different point of view. The feature of the Epistle is its exaltation of Christ in His person and work. He is the image of the invisible God (i. 15). By Him all things were created (i. 16). In Him all fulness dwells (i. 19); all the fulness of the Godhead bodily (ii. 9). His cross is the sinner’s hope (i. 14; ii. 14); His resurrection the believer’s inspiration and strength (iii. 1-3). He “is all and in all” (iii. 11).

The Epistle was written to the Church in Colossæ, in Asia Minor, a few miles from Laodicea (see iv. 13, 15, 16). Paul had never been there, but he makes mention of several of its people (iv. 9, 12, 17).

1. Timotheus. “The brother,” as in Philem. 1 (not “our”). 5 for the hope. i.e. (the love which you have to all the brethren) “for the sake of the hope,” etc. 6 in all the world. See Rom. i. 8, and note. 7 Epaphras. Epaphras appears to have been the principal teacher, if not the founder of the church at Colossæ: acting on the apostle’s behalf (the best authorities reading “for us” instead of “for you” in this verse). He was now with Paul at Rome (iv. 12): a fellow-prisoner (Philem. 23). 10 Increasing in the knowledge of God. Or (R.V. marg.), “increasing by the knowledge of God,” which is the means of spiritual growth. 11 according to His glorious power. Rather, “the might of His glory”; His might being an attribute of “His glory” or perfection. 13 His dear Son. Lit., “the Son of His love”: “the Beloved” (Eph. i. 6). 15 firstborn of every creature (of all creation). Rather, “the first-born before every creature.” 16 thrones, etc. The apostle uses these terms doubtless as implying (cp. Rom. viii. 38; Eph. i. 21) distinctions of office and dignity among the heavenly hosts. 17 by Him all things consist. Rather, “in Him they all stand together”: cp. Acts xvii. 28. “The whole universe coheres into system in Him” (Archbishop Alexander in Speaker’s Commentary). 18 the firstborn from the dead. Not only was He the first who rose from the dead to die no more; but He is also the Lord and Author of the resurrection: cp. ver. 15, and Rev. i. 5. Referring to the latter, Archbishop Alexander says that “this verse supplies another point of contact between the Christology of St. Paul and that of St. John.” In all things. In creation, providence, and grace. 19 it pleased [the Father] that in Him, etc. Or, as R.V., “it was the good pleasure [of the Father] that in Him should all the fulness dwell” [have its permanent abode]. “The fulness” means “the totality of the Divine power and attributes” (Lightfoot (see ii. 9)).

23 which was preached to every creature (in all creation). This fulfilment of our Lord’s commission was already begun in the wide extension of the gospel, especially through Paul’s ministry: cp. ver. 6; Rom. i. 8. 24 Who now rejoice. Better, “Now I rejoice” (R.V.). for you. “On account of you”: see Acts xxi. 28-36; xxii. 21, 22, etc. and fill up that which is behind, etc. That is, “to complete or supply what is still wanting in the sufferings of Christ”: meaning Christ’s sufferings in the persons of His saints (cp. Matt. xxv. 34-40). Christ Himself suffered for the redemption of His people: His members suffer for the spiritual perfecting of the whole body, the Church. Their sufferings are in a sense His own-borne by Christ’s people, in a Christ-like spirit, and for Christ’s cause. 25 dispensation. Or, “stewardship.” to fulfil. “That I may fully deliver God’s message” (Weymouth). 26 the mystery. See notes on Eph. i. 9, 10, and iii. 9. 27 would make known. Rather, “willed to make known.” among. Compare the next clause, “in you”; i.e., among the Gentiles collectively, and in you who believe individually. 28 every man. On the triple repetition of the words “every man” Archbishop Alexander (Speaker’s Commentary) says: “The thought of Catholicity has become passionately dear to the Apostle. The shadows lengthen in the sunset. Yet he feels that the glorious mystery, which embraces a whole fallen race, is to take in this man and that. No individual is to be neglected in the pastoral work.” In all wisdom. “Every man” is thus admitted to the full revelation: whereas other teachers reserved their mysteries for the initiated few—the perfect, or “fully instructed.” 29 striving. The word implies striving in conflict, as in ii. 1: cp. Luke xiii. 24. The apostle’s work involved not only toil, but conflict (Phil. i. 30). mightily. Lit., “in power”: cp. 1 Cor. xv. 10.