Colossians 2:1

For. would have you know how greatly. strive for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;

'FOR. WOULD HAVE YOU KNOW' -Paul always wanted his brethren to be informed (Romans 1:13; Romans 11:25; 1 Corinthians 10:1; 1 Corinthians 11:3; 1 Corinthians 12:1; 2 Corinthians 1:8; 1 Thessalonians 4:3). Paul likes everything in the open, upfront and fully known.

'HOW GREATLY. STRIVE FOR YOU' -'what. battle. am fighting for you' (Wms); 'what anxiety. feel over you' (Knox). Notice Paul's honesty and transparency.

'STRIVE' -73. agon ag-one'; from 71; properly,. place of assembly (as if led), i.e. (by implication). contest (held there); figuratively, an effort or anxiety: -conflict, contention, fight, race.

-'Here of inward conflict, anxiety, prayer, as in Colossians 4:12.' (Vincent p. 482)

Points to Note:

1. 'the energy and abruptness of language characterizing this second chapter bear witness to the inward wrestling which the Colossian difficulty occasioned in the apostle's mind.' (P.P. Comm. p. 82)

2. 'In the previous paragraph he has stated the strenuous character of his ministry (Colossians 1:29); here he gives. specific instance. There he referred to his outward activities; here he reveals the anxieties and struggles of his sould...There later he would not conceal. He wishes his readers to "know" and appreciate them. It may lead them to realize the seriousness of their situation and the peril in which they stand.' (Erdman p. 67)

3. Paul was even concerned about the spiritual state of churches he hadn't personally founded (2 Corinthians 11:28 'concern for all the churches.'). 'He had no little jealousies and no favourtism, but all the believing communities, whatever their age, place, or origin, found in him immediate sympathy and co-operation.' (Eadie p. 104)

4. 'means deep and earnest solicitude, accompanied with toil and peril. 1 Peter 1:30; 1 Thessalonians 2:2; 1 Timothy 6:12.' (Eadie p. 105)

5. 'He must have longed to go to Colosse himself. He must have longed to face the false teachers and deal with their arguments and recall those who were straying from the truth. But he was in prison. There had come. time when there was nothing left to do but to prayer..' (Barclay p. 128)

6. There is no such thing as an "easy" Christianity. Too many are looking for. membership in the body of Christ with no emotional strings attached. N.T. Christianity involves being emotionally involved in the ups and downs of God's people (Romans 12:15).

7. Paul's example leaves us without any excuse. We aren't in prison, we are free. So what is our excuse for not sharing the gospel with the lost and for not trying to bring the wayward back? (Galatians 6:1; Matthew 18:15; James 5:19)

'AND FOR THEM AT LAODICEA, AND FOR AS MANY AS HAVE NOT SEEN MY FACE IN THE FLESH' -'for all who do not know me personally' (Gspd); 'haven't seen me face to face' (Beck).

'THEM AT LAODICEA' -'is also mentioned, from its proximity to Colosse, and perhaps because it was exposed to similar seductions.' (Eadie p. 106) 'The danger which had come to. head in Colossae was doubtless threatening its neighbors.' (P.P. Comm. p. 82)

'AND FOR AS MANY' -Including the members at Hierapolis (Colossians 4:13), the other congregation located in the Lycus valley. 'Including all who come under the same category as the Colossians and Laodicaeans. Hence equivalent to "all who, like yourselves, have not seen..' (Vincent p. 482)

'HAVE NOT SEEN MY FACE' -

Points to Note:

1. Paul knew some of the members here, (i.e. Philemon). But the vast majority he had never met.

2. It appears that Paul may have passed through the city of Colossae in past years (Acts 18:23 /Colossians 19:1), but this appears to have occurred prior to any congregation being established in Colossae (Acts 19:10).

WHAT PAUL YEARNED FOR CONCERNING THESE CHRISTIANS: