Colossians 1:5

For the hope] i.e. based on the hope.

6, 7. It is the gospel as Epaphras taught it them, not that urged on them by the false teachers, which is exercising this worldwide influence. The universal corrects the local.

7b. RV 'who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf' is probably right. The Apostle of the Gentiles could not himself visit Colossæ. Epaphras has done this part of his work for him. Epaphras is not to be identified with Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:25; Philippians 4:18).

9-14. St. Paul's prayer that the Colossians may be filled with wisdom, strength, and thanksgiving.

Paraphrase. '(9) Since we heard the glad report, as you pray for us so we pray without ceasing for you, that you may be filled with a knowledge of God's will touching your conduct, a knowledge characterised by wisdom and insight. (10) Such knowledge is not indeed an end in itself. It must lead to a life well pleasing to Christ; you must bear fruit and increase in every good work by means of your knowledge of God. (11) This you can do only as God Himself strengthens you, and this He will do not simply according to your need, but in the measure of His own power. Thus you will be strengthened for the supreme test, the trial of steadfastness and forbearance, which you will meet with joy. (12-14) Give thanks also to the Father, who qualified you to share in the lot of the saints which is situated in the realm of light, by rescuing you from the dominion of darkness and translating you into the kingdom of that Son on whom His love rests, in whom we possess deliverance, the forgiveness of our sins.'