Colossians 4:13

For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis. A GREAT ZEAL. 'Aleph (') A B C, Vulgate, have 'much labour' [ ponon (G4192) for zeelon (G2205)]. FOR YOU - lest you should be seduced (Colossians 2:4). How anxious then you should be for yourselves! THEM ... IN LAODICEA ... HIERAPOLIS - churches probably founded by Epaphras, as the church in Colosse was. Hierapolis, 20 miles north west of Colosse, famed for mineral springs and a mephitic cavern, 'Plutonium,' connected with the worship of Cybele....

10-18 Paul had differed with Barnabas, on the account of this Mark, yet he is not only reconciled, but recommends him to the churches; an example of a truly Christian and forgiving spirit. If men have been guilty of a fault, it must not always be remembered against them. We must forget as well as forgive. The apostle had comfort in the communion of saints and ministers. One is his fellow-servant, another his fellow-prisoner, and all his fellow-workers, working out their own salvation, and endeavouring to promote the salvation of others. The effectual, fervent prayer is the prevailing prayer, and availeth much. The smiles, flatteries, or frowns of the world, the spirit of error, or the working of self-love, leads many to a way of preaching and living which comes far short of fulfilling their ministry. But those who preach the same doctrine as Paul, and follow his example, may expect the D...

Verse 13. _HE HATH A GREAT ZEAL FOR YOU_] Instead of ζηλον πολυν, much zeal, ABCD**, several others, with _versions_ and _fathers_, read πολυν πονον, _much labour_; they are here nearly of the same meaning, though the latter appears to be the better and genuine reading. _LAODICEA, AND-HIERAPOLIS_] These were both cities of Phrygia, between which Colosse, or the city of _Colassa_, was situated. See Colossians 2:1. The latter was called _Hierapolis_, or the _holy city_, from the multitude of its temples. Apollo, Diana, AEsculapius, and Hygeia, were all worshipped here, as appears by the coins of this city still extant....

FOR I BEAR HIM RECORD - Paul had had abundant opportunity to know what were his feelings in regard to these churches. A GREAT ZEAL FOR YOU - A great desire to promote your welfare. AND THEM THAT ARE IN LAODICEA - Laodicea was the capital of Phrygia, and not far from Colossae, There was a church there. See the Introduction, and the notes at Colossians 4:16. AND THEM IN HIERAPOLIS - This was also a city in Phrygia, and not far from Laodicea and Colossae. It was situated under a hill to the north, and had on the south a large plain about five miles over. On the south of that plain, and opposite to Hierapolis, was Laodicea, with the river Lycus running between them, nearer to Laodicea than to Hierapolls. This place is now called by

EXPOSITION COLOSSIANS 4:1 (See Colossians 3:1.) COLOSSIANS 4:2 SECTION IX. PRAYER AND SOCIAL CONVERSE. There are added some brief exhortations of a more general tenor, the contents of which are summed up in the heading given to this section. COLOSSIANS 4:2 CONTINUE STEADFAST IN PRAYER, BEING WATCHFUL (or, _wakeful_) THEREIN, WITH THANKSGIVING. "Steadfast

FOR I BEAR HIM RECORD,.... The apostle was an eye and ear witness of his fervent prayers, his labour of love, and zealous affection for these saints and others; and therefore, as he judged he ought, he bears a testimony for him, THAT HE HATH A GREAT ZEAL FOR YOU; for their spiritual welfare, that the Gospel might continue with them, and they in that, against false teachers, and their attempts to subvert them; that they might grow in the grace of the Gospel, and walk worthy of it, and be at peace among themselves: AND THEM THAT ARE IN LAODICEA, AND THEM IN HIERAPOLIS; cities in Phrygia, which lay near to Colosse, the one being situated by the river Lycus, and the other by the Maeander; here were many believers, for whom Epaphras had a like zeal and affections as for the Colossians, and to whom very likely he had been useful, either in conversion or edification, or both. The apostle take...

COLOSSIANS 4:13 polu.n po,non Instead of po,non, which is a rare word in the New Testament (it occurs only here and in Revelation 16:10, Revelation 16:11; Revelation 21:4), copyists have introduced various substitutions: polu.n ko,pon D* F G; polu.n zh/lon Db, c 33 1906 1908; zh/lon polu,n K L Y most minuscules syrp,...

CHAPTER 4 __ 1. Prayer and ministry (Colossians 4:2) 2. Walking in wisdom (Colossians 4:5) 3. The fellowship of the saints in their service (Colossians 4:7) 4. The conclusion (Colossians 4:18) Colossians 4:2 The first verse of this chapter belongs to the preceding one. Prayer is the most needed thing for those who are risen with Christ and know that they are complete in Him. Without continued prayer the full realization of the great truths unfolded in this Epistle is impossible. Communi

COMMENDATIONS AND SALUTATIONS. Colossians 4:7. Tychicus: _cf._ Acts 20:4; Ephesians 6:21; Titus 3:12; 2 Timothy 4:12. Colossians 4:9. Onesimus: there is a touch of gentle humour in this reference to the returning runaway, both in what it says, and in what it omits. Colossians 4:10. Aristarchus: _ cf._...

THE PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS OF THE CHRISTIAN (Colossians 3:18-25 ; Colossians 4:1) _ 4:1 Wives, be submissive to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not treat them harshly._ Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing in the Lord. Fathers, do not irritate your children, that they may not lose heart. Slaves, obey in all things those who are your human masters, not only when you are watched, like those whose only desire is to please men, but in sincerity of heart, reverencing the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it heartily, as if you were doing it for the Lord and not for men; and never forget that you will receive from the Lord your just recompense, even your share in the inheritance. Show yourselves t