Colossians 2:4

τοῦτο λέγω. The exact phrase here only, but with δέ [1 Corinthians 1:12]; Galatians 3:17, and οὗν Ephesians 4:17 (cf. 1 Thessalonians 4:15), in all of which cases the reference is to what follows and not, as here, primarily to what has preceded.

τοῦτο does not designate only Colossians 2:3, but Colossians 2:1-3, for St Paul’s reference to himself in Colossians 2:5 seems to be based upon Colossians 2:1-2. On the other hand τοῦτο would appear to have too particular a reference for it to include any part of the first chapter. He probably means I tell you of the trouble I take for you (whatever the false teachers may urge against me) that, etc. He then (Colossians 2:5) shows that his interest in them, and even knowledge of them, is unabated.

ἵνα, strictly final.

ὑμᾶς παραλογίζηται. In N.T. James 1:22†. Of (a) false reckoning, Isoc. 283 D, (b) false reasoning, and thus (c) cheating by false reasoning, e.g. 1 Samuel 28:12, (d) cheat generally, and so Genesis 29:25 al. In our passage and James 1:22 there is no occasion to forsake the stricter meaning; “cheat you by false reasoning.” “The system against which St Paul here contends professed to be a φιλοσοφία (Colossians 2:8), and had a λόγον σοφίας (Colossians 2:23)” (Lightfoot); compare also Ignat. Magn. § 3.

πιθανολογίᾳ. Here only in the Greek Bible. “  ‘The use of probable arguments’ as opp. to demonstration (ἀπόδειξις), Plat. Theaet. 163 A” (Lidd. and Scott); cf. 1 Corinthians 2:4. Here evidently with some degree of depreciation (as often in πιθανός). “in plausibili sermone” (Beng.); cf. also Romans 16:18. We may suppose that one part of their argument was the unworthiness of human nature, not only in the practical life, Colossians 2:18; Colossians 2:23, but also doctrinally as regards Christ. Among such plausible arguments may have been these: that as men we are inferior to angels and therefore ought to worship them, and again that Christ by virtue of becoming man is Himself not superior to them. “Erant qui Judaismum et philosophiam orientalem commiscerent” (Beng.); compare Introd., ch. IV.