_CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES_ Colossians 3:23. WHATSOEVER YE DO, DO IT HEARTILY.— Ephesians 6:7, “With good will doing service.” R.V. gives the distinction which is obliterated by “do, do” of A.V. Whatsoever ye do, work heartily (margin, from the soul). Colossians 3:25. HE THAT DOETH WRONG.—The... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES_ Colossians 4:2. WATCH IN THE SAME.—“Being wakeful.” Here again the apostle changes his language from that used in enjoining the same precepts in Ephesians. Remaining sleepless (Ephesians 6:18) is the same thing as being wakeful. Colossians 4:3. A DOOR OF UTTERANCE.—... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES_ Colossians 4:5. WALK IN WISDOM.— Ephesians 5:15. Walk circumspectly. R.V. “carefully.” It would appear from this as if the adverb in Ephesians 5:15 should go with “walk” rather than with “look,” as in R.V. TOWARD THEM THAT ARE WITHOUT.—Who do not participate in the... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES_ Colossians 4:11. A COMFORT TO ME.—The word for “comfort” is only found in this place in the New Testament. It is a medical term, and points to relief given in suffering—then, by way of ministering to a mind diseased or in trouble, is used of the speech which soothes... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES_ Colossians 4:12. ALWAYS LABOURING FERVENTLY FOR YOU.—R.V. “always striving.” Lit. “agonising.” Like the mighty wrestler who held the Angel till daybreak, Epaphras intercedes for his Colossian brethren. COMPLETE IN ALL THE WILL OF GOD.—R.V. “fully assured.” “From the... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES_ Colossians 4:17. AND SAY TO ARCHIPPUS, TAKE HEED TO THE MINISTRY.—He is again closely connected with Colossæ in the epistle to Philemon. A monition perhaps needed by Archippus. IN THE LORD.—The element in which every work of the Christian, and especially the Christi... [ Continue Reading ]