Colossians 1:29

; Colossians 2:1-5

Paul's Prayer for his Readers - 1:29-2:5

29To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily.

Paul is here expressing his prayer and desire for the Colossians. He is praying. He is also working. The terms used here have the olympic games in mind.

Strive is from the Greek word "agonizomai", meaning to put forth every effort, to agonize. (1 Corinthians 9:25)

Paul is saying that he is contending "in the gymnastic games, struggling with difficulties and dangers, endeavor with strenuous zeal." (Thayer)

29 - I am weary, putting forth every effort, even agonizing and wrestling with all the might I have.

1For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh,

Conflict is another sports term. It means "a contest." This is a great struggle. Paul is putting forth every effort on their behalf.

Paul includes Laodicea with Colosse in this struggle. There is a three-fold battle going on:

The constant struggle against false teachers.

The Colossian Heresy - Gnosticism

Paul's imprisonment.

Paul expresses concern even though they have never met in person. Paul is equally striving for those who were converted without his help. Paul was mightily working for them. He was not concerned only for those converts which he had taught.

How far does our circle of concern extend? For whom are we in a great conflict?

1 - I wish I could express to you, and to the Laodiceans, the many struggles and contests which I am enduring for you.

2that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ,

It was Paul's prayer and desire that they be braced and prepared. "Comfort" is from the Greek word "paraklesis - to call to one's side." (Thayer) Vincent "not so much tranquillized as braced" See John 14:16.

We sing "Blessed Assurance" but seldom consider the import. Paul wanted them bound together, knit and woven, with the security of knowing the secret.

There are three things that Paul says we must know.

The mystery - 1:27

The Father.

Christ.

When you know God and His Son, and you understand the mind of God, the "wisdom of this world" has nothing to offer you.

2 - It is my desire and prayer that your hearts are braced by the security of knowing, not only the mystery, but also knowing the Father and the Christ.

3in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Christ, the Son of God, is the source for wisdom and knowledge. Not some special, chosen ones.

All the value of wisdom and knowledge are available to all in Christ. All of God's vast treasure (knowledge, wisdom, power) are in Christ. Everything worth knowing and every doctrine worth believing are in Christ.

3 - Christ has everything worth knowing and believing. All of God's treasure is found in Christ.

4Now this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words.

Beguile (KJV) includes the idea of being deceived or deluded. Vine "to reason falsely, delude"

Study James 1:22. Don't be fooled by enticing speech. Don't be deceived by others who are:

Educated fools.

False teachers.

Outspoken critics.

We must not allow ourselves to be fooled by self-deception.

4 - Beware! Don't let men deceive you with enticing speech.

5For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.

Even though Paul is in prison and is not able to visit there in person, the restrictions of his prison can not keep his spirit confined. His joy is in knowing that his work is not in vain.

Paul used a military term for marching in order. We must march in step and keep walking orderly. The negative term is found in 2 Thessalonians 3:6.

We must remain steadfast. SEB "how strong your faith" Vine "steadfast means a support, foundation."

5 - Even though I am in prison, I am with you in spirit. I rejoice knowing that you are marching in a straight line and that your faith is on a sure foundation - Christ.