Colossians 2:2

That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; 'That their hearts may be comforted.' The "their," compared with "you" (Colossians 2:4), proves that in Colossians 2:1 the words "have not seen my face in the flesh" is a general designation of those for whom Paul declares he has "striving" including the species, 'you (Colossians) and them at Laodicea.' For the prayer 'that their hearts may be comforted,' must include the Colossians, for whom he says, 'I have striving.' Thus it is abbreviated for, 'That your and their hearts may be comforted' ...

2._That their hearts may receive consolation. _He now intimates what he desires for them, and shews that his affection is truly apostolic; for he declares that nothing else is desired by him than that they may be united together in faith and love. He shews, accordingly, that it was by no unreasonable affection (as happens in the case of some) that he had been led to take upon himself so great a concern for the Colossians and others, but because the duty of his office required it. The term _consolation _is taken here to denote that true quietness in which they may repose. This he declares they will at length come to enjoy in the event of their being _united in love _and faith. From this it appears where the chief good is, and in what things it consists — when mutually agreed in one faith, we are also joined together in mutual love. This, I say, is the solid joy of a pious mind — this is t...

1-7 The soul prospers when we have clear knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus. When we not only believe with the heart, but are ready, when called, to make confession with the mouth. Knowledge and faith make a soul rich. The stronger our faith, and the warmer our love, the more will our comfort be. The treasures of wisdom are hid, not from us, but for us, in Christ. These were hid from proud unbelievers, but displayed in the person and redemption of Christ. See the danger of enticing words; how many are ruined by the false disguises and fair appearances of evil principles and wicked practices! Be aware and afraid of those who would entice to any evil; for they aim to spoil you. All Christians have, in profession at least, received Jesus Christ the Lord, consented to him, and taken him for theirs. We cannot be built up in Christ, or grow in him, unless we are first rooted in him, or...

Verse Colossians 2:2. _THAT THEIR HEARTS MIGHT BE COMFORTED_] That they might have continual happiness in God, having constant affiance in him. _BEING KNIT TOGETHER IN LOVE_] The word συμβιβασθεντων, or συμβιβασθεντες, which is the true reading, but both of equal import here, signifies being united, as the beams or the timbers of a building, by mortices and pins. The visible Church of Christ cannot be in _union_ with God unless it have _unity_ in itself, and without _love_ this unity is impossible. _UNTO ALL RICHES OF THE FULL ASSURANCE OF UNDERSTANDING_] That is, that they might have the most indubitable certainty of the truth of Christianity, of their own salvation, and of the general design of God to admit the Gentiles into his Church. This is the grand mystery of God, which was now laid open by the prea

THAT THEIR HEARTS MIGHT BE COMFORTED - Like all other Christians in the times of the apostles, they were doubtless exposed to trials and persecutions. BEING KNIT TOGETHER IN LOVE - The same word which is used here (συμβιβάζω sumbibazō) occurs in Ephesians 4:16, and is rendered compacted; see the notes at that place. In Acts 9:22, it is rendered proving; Acts 16:10, assuredly gathering; 1 Corinthians 2:16, instruct; and here, and in...

EXPOSITION COLOSSIANS 2:1 SECTION IV. THE APOSTLE'S CONCERN FOR THE COLOSSI. AN CHURCH. So far the contents of the letter have been of a general and preparatory character. New the writer begins to indicate the special purpose he has in view by declaring, in connection with his concern for the welfare of the Gentile Churches at large (Colossians 1:24), _the deep anxiety which he at present feels respecting the Colossian and neighbouring Churches._ COLOSSIANS 2:1...

THAT THEIR HEARTS MIGHT BE COMFORTED,.... Here follow the reasons why the apostle had so great a conflict, on account of the above persons, and why he was so desirous they should know it; one is, the consolation of their hearts. The hearts of God's people often need comfort, by reason of indwelling sin, the temptations of Satan, the hidings of God's face, and afflictive providences; and by reason of false teachers, who greatly trouble them, unsettle their minds, weaken their faith, and fill them with doubts and perplexities, and which was the case with these churches: now the business of Gospel ministers is to comfort such; this is the commission they are sent with; the doctrines of the Gospel are calculated for this very purpose, such as full redemption, free justification, complete pardon of sin, peace and reconciliation; and the bent of their ministry is to comfort distressed minds, u...

Colossians 2:1. _For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;_ Paul had not met these Colossian Christians, but he had heard of their faith, and hope, and love, and he so desired their good that he had a continual care for them in his heart. He carried that care to God in prayer, yet he still bore them in loving remembrance. They were always on his heart as a sick child is ever on the heart of its mother. Colossians 2:2. _That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ._ In whom are hid all the treasures of wi

MYSTERY OF GOD The "mystery of God" is Christ, as incarnating the fulness of the Godhead, and all the divine wisdom and knowledge for the redemption and reconciliation of man. MYSTERY (_ See Scofield) - (Matthew 13:11). _ AND OF The best authorities omit "and of the Father, and of Christ....

COLOSSIANS 2:2 tou/ qeou/( Cristou/ {B} Among what at first sight seems to be a bewildering variety of variant readings, the one adopted for the text is plainly to be preferred (_a_) because of strong external testimony (î46 B Hilary Pelagius Ps-Jerome) and (_b_) because it alone provides an adequate explanation of the other readings as various scribal attempts to ameliorate the syntactical ambiguity of tou/ qeou/( Cristou/. 2 ------------------------- 2 For a fuller discussion see Metzger, _The Text of the New Testament,_ pp. 236—38....