Colossians 2:1,2

Paul's Desire for Them In Christ

It is possible Paul specified Colossae and Laodicea because he had been to both of those cities. Hierapolis, the third of the tri-cities, would thus be designated by the words, "as many as have not seen my face in the flesh." He labored for the salvation of all Gentiles worldwide, whether he had seen them or not. The apostle used the word "comforted," or encouraged, several times in his epistles (4:8; Ephesians 6:22; 2 Thessalonians 2:17). After reading all of these, one can see Paul particularly had in mind the comfort that comes from a fuller knowledge of the truth. We must remember they did not have the complete revelation in written form, as yet. As broken bones are knit together in the healing process, the bonding element in the church is love (Ephesians 4:16). Paul wanted them to have the complete confidence in their salvation that can only come through understanding the riches which come to Christians from God. To fully appreciate the mystery of God, one must realize Christ is its embodiment (Colossians 2:1-2).