Expositor's Greek Testament (Nicoll)

Colossians 4:4

ἵνα is variously connected. The usual way is best which connects it with ἀνοίξῃ. This is better than going back to προσευχ., while the connexion with λαλ. is strained. It may be taken (as Beng., Hofm., Sod.) with δέδεμαι, “bound in order that I may manifest,” but if so why should Paul have desired liberty? Soden gives a peculiar turn to the thought. He thinks Paul is bound in order that he may manifest to his judges how he can do no other (δεῖ emphatic) than preach. This seems to be met by Haupt's criticism that for this we must have had φανερώσω ὅτι δεῖ με λαλῆσαι αὐτό. φανερώσω. Soden urges in favour of his interpretation that φαν. is never used of Paul's preaching, but there seems to be no reason why it should not be. It is a stronger word than λαλ., he wants to “make it clear”. ὡς δεῖ με λαλῆσαι refers to the mode of preaching, but the precise sense is uncertain. Some think it means boldly, others in a way suited to the peculiar circumstances, others in a way that shall be equal to the greatness of the message. Or, again, a reference is assumed by many to the Judaising opposition. But probably the feeling that prompts the words is that in prison his activity was curbed, and he wished to be free that he might preach the Gospel without restriction.

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Expositor's Greek Testament (Nicoll)

Colossians 4:4

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