Colossians 2:1

CHAPTER II.

The apostle shows his great concern for the Church at Colosse

and at Laodicea; and exhorts them to steadfastness in the

faith, and to beware of being seduced by specious and enticing

words, 1-5.

And to walk in Christ, as they had been taught, and to abound in

faith and holiness, 6, 7.

To beware of false teachers, who strove to pervert the Gospel,

and to lead their minds from him in whom the fulness of the

Godhead dwells; with whom they were filled; by whom they had

received spiritual circumcision; and into whom they were

baptized and were quickened, and raised from a death of sin to

a life of righteousness, 8-12.

He points out their former state, and the great things which

Christ had done for them, 13-15.

Warns them against particular tenets of the Judaizing teachers

relative to meats, drinks, holydays, festivals, and the

specious pretences of deceivers, 16-19.

And shows that all the things taught by these, though they had

a show of wisdom, yet perished in the using, and were the

commandments and doctrines of men, 20-23.

NOTES ON CHAP II.

Verse Colossians 2:1. What great conflict] The word αγων, which we here render conflict, is to be understood as implying earnest care and solicitude, accompanied, undoubtedly, with the most fervent application to the throne of grace in their behalf. The αγωνιζομενος of the preceding verse gave the apostle occasion to use the word αγων here. He agonized with God, and his agony was for them.

Laodicea] A city of Asia Minor, on the borders of Caria, Phrygia, and Lydia. It was originally called Diospolis, or the city of Jupiter, and afterwards Rhoas; but obtained the name of Laodicea from Laodice, the wife of Antiochus. It is now called Ladik. It was formerly celebrated for its commerce, and the fine black wool of its sheep. Colosse, or the city of the Colossians, lay between it and Hierapolis. This Hierapolis was also a town of Phrygia, famous for its hot baths: it is now called Bambukholasi.

As many as have not seen my face in the flesh] From this it has been conjectured that St. Paul had never been at either Colosse or Laodicea, and this, from the letter of the text, appears probable; and yet, his having passed more than once through this country, preaching and strengthening the Churches, renders it very improbable. It is, therefore, most likely that we should understand the apostle as speaking collectively; that he had the most earnest concern, not only for the welfare of those Churches with which he was acquainted, such as Colosse and Laodicea, but also for those to whom he was not personally known.