Colossians 1:9

For this cause we also; he doth here suggest the motive mentioned in the precedent verses, viz. their faith and love, Colossians 1:4,5, and their special love to him, Colossians 1:8, why he and his brethren had them so much upon their hearts: See Poole on "Ephesians 1:15". Since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you: it seems, from the time they were refreshed with these things they did (as he exhorts the Colossians here, Colossians 4:2) always upon all solemn occasions wait upon God for the Colossians spiritual prosperity, as Paul himself did for the Philippians: See Poole on "Luke 18:1". See Poole on "Romans 12:12". See Poole on "Philippians 1:4". See Poole on "Philippians 1:9". See Poole on "1 Thessalonians 5:17". And to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will; and the subject matter of their instant prayer was, that they might attain to a more distinct, clear, and practical knowledge of the mind of God in Christ, and a greater measure of conformity to what he requires in the gospel, Colossians 1:6 Ephesians 5:15. In all wisdom; in (rather than with) all necessary knowledge of the things of faith and manners, according to the prescript of the gospel: for sapience or wisdom doth properly respect the most excellent things, and such we learn most distinctly and satisfactorily from the revealed will of God, which we have in the Bible: this is that which Paul and other holy men spoke as taught of God amongst the perfect or grown Christians, in opposition both to the wisdom of man and of the world, 1 Corinthians 2:4,6, being agreeable to the will of God, Job 28:28 Proverbs 28:7 1 Thessalonians 6:40 1 Thessalonians 4:3. And with this Christian wisdom some would render the following words, in spiritual prudence, but if we render it understanding, or intelligence, it may be expounded to the same sense; for which there may be very good reason, for the philosopher doth sometimes by the Greek word mean that power or habit whereby men judge aright of things presented conducing to happiness, so as upon a due expense of circumstances to discern the good from the evil, the true from the false, and the real from the apparent: such a gift as Paul prays the Lord would give unto Timothy, 2 Timothy 2:7, compared with 1 Corinthians 1:5, that they might rightly distinguish between the simplicity and purity of the gospel, and those false glosses and colours that false teachers went about to sophisticate it with; not be without understanding his some who followed our Saviour, Matthew 15:16 what course they should take in the practice of piety, but be able to discern the times, 1 Chronicles 12:32, and other circumstances, Psalms 39:1, Psalms 50:23 Ecclesiastes 5:1 Luke 8:18; for the ordering their actions aright, so as they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things, as becomes the gospel, Ephesians 1:8, with Philippians 1:10,27 Col 4:5 Titus 2:10. Ignorance then can be no mother of true devotion, nor the inventions of men acceptable service to the living God, whose will alone is the rule of his worship.