Chapter Nine
Colossians 1:29-2:5 Keep Growing in Him
In the Bible, Paul unveiled several previously hidden, behind-the-scenes views into how God’s plan for humanity’s salvation was to work. In chapter one he revealed the concept of the church and how it is to show the world the greatness of God’s riches through the gospel message and that Jesus, the Hope of Glory, lives in each of us. Paul further states that we are to proclaim, warn and teach about Jesus to a lost world.
1:29 For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.
Paul tells the church at Colossae that he toils and struggles with proclaiming Jesus as the Savior (read 1 Timothy 4:6-11). The Greek word for struggling (‘agonizomai’) is where we get the English word ‘agonizing’ from, meaning to contend or fight (like a public game or wrestling match). Paul again refers to the fact that even he has difficulty in ministry, even when it is God’s energy that works within him (read Ephesians 1:18-23). This may sound to some people reading that Paul is complaining or is having difficulty in being a disciple of Jesus, on the contrary, Paul is trying to encourage the church by letting them know that there is no easy ministry, not for him and not for them. Paul once again points out that, as Christians, we need to labor, even when it is Christ’s power in us.
2:1 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face,
Continuing in the theme of work and struggle, Paul says he wanted to let the church know how much he labored for them, the church at Laodicea and for those he never physically met. The phrasing in this verse can be a bit awkward so here is the verse from the Lexham English Bible, “For I want you to know how great a struggle I have on behalf of you, and those in Laodicea, and all those who have not seen my face in person” (Colossians 2:1, LEB) Note how this translation emphasizes the words, “on behalf of you” demonstrating how Paul’s ministry, even though not directly responsible for planting their church, was a recipient of his past outreach efforts and his continued support through prayer and loving care.
It is interesting to note that this is the first mention of the church at Laodicea in the Bible. The city of Laodicea was also located on the Lycus River, just a few miles west of Colossae. The church was believed to be started by some believers from the church at Ephesus. Based on a comment in Colossians 4:16, many believe that Paul wrote them a letter too, however that letter was never found. Though, there was a letter called the “Epistle to the Laodiceans” that was found, it was discovered to be a forgery. The city of Laodicea was ultimately destroyed many years later by the Muslims. The book of Revelation records seven letters that were dictated by Jesus to the Apostle John. The seventh letter was written to the church at Laodicea (see Revelation 3:14-22). In that letter Jesus, in an often-misunderstood comment, says that He is outside knocking waiting for someone to let Him in. The sad part is that this was a letter to a church, we should ask, what was Jesus doing on the outside of the church? He was forced out! Churches can get so involved in other things that they forget what they are supposed to do, apparently, they did not heed Jesus’ warnings nor understood Paul’s words, as the church and the city remain in ruble to this day.
2:2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
These Christians at the church of Colossae had been struggling with the rising pressure regarding the issue questioning the sufficiency of Jesus being enough for salvation. It is during adverse times, especially during continuous aggravation, when a Christian can struggle to remain firm in their convictions. Even though knowing that Christ is all they need, believers can succumb to pressure when wrestling between the truth and false teaching, especially when the arguments sound so convincing. That is why all of the New Testament epistle authors warned about false teaching and why all Christians need to know God’s Word!
Paul’s remedy? Love! It is the greatest motivator. Paul continued by encouraging them to remain “knitted together” in love. Our love for each other and for unbelievers is what holds everyone in a church together. Love is essential for the success of any church. Paul comes back to a word he used in verse 27 of chapter one, ‘ploutos’, referring to God’s riches (not earthly wealth) with full assurance knowing that Jesus is the Christ. As Christians, we can know for certain that we have salvation through Jesus Christ. Even though the Messiah (Hebrew word for ‘anointed’ or Christ) was promised and clearly taught in the Old Testament, Paul is stating again, revealing the mystery, that Jesus is that Messiah, the Christ. In that previously veiled mystery were additional “hidden treasures” (the Greek word that is translated here is ‘thēsauros’, a place where things of great value are kept, it is also the word where we get the English word ‘thesaurus’ from). These treasures include wisdom (Greek word ‘sophia’, the correct application of knowledge) and knowledge (Greek word ‘gnosis’, means deeper knowledge and understanding) from God. In Jesus, the “hidden God” was revealed, the previously invisible God was now made visible, manifested for all to see. In his first letter to Timothy, Paul explained it this way: “Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.” (1 Timothy 3:16, ESV)
2:4 I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments.
Paul tells them the reason he is reminding them about Jesus. He does not want them to be persuaded by plausible arguments. Paul is concerned that these believers may listen to someone who has a reasonable-sounding argument and become deluded (the Greek word translated as ‘deluded’ is ‘parelogizomai’, meaning to reckon wrong or deceive by false reckoning). Paul recognizes the fact that many will argue against Jesus being the Savior, using potentially convincing facts, otherwise no one would listen or give them a second thought. We are again warned about the dangers of false teaching (see Romans 16:18; Ephesians 5:6; 2 Peter 2), without knowing the Word of God, we can easily fall for what might be an otherwise logical argument (read Acts 17:11, always check the facts, always go back to the Bible).
2:5 For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.
Paul wanted them to know that even though he was not with them (he was in jail) that he was thinking about them. The New Living Translation states it this way: “For though I am far away from you, my heart is with you.” (Colossians 2:5a, NLT) He further states that he rejoices to see their “good order,” acknowledging that they are living as they should while maintaining a strong faith. The word that is translated as “good order” is the Greek word ‘taxis’ which is often considered a military term referring to good discipline within the ranks.
How does a Christian stand firm in their faith (see 1 Corinthians 15:1; 16:13; Galatians 5:1; Philippians 1:27; 4:1; 1 Thessalonians 3:8; 2 Thessalonians 2:15), especially when there are people, even when some may be close friends or family, trying to knock you down because of what you believe in? In closing his first epistle, Peter wrote some encouraging words for his readers, we would be wise to follow his advice today.
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 5:6-11, ESV)
Note how Peter began with humility, if we are “full of ourselves,” we cannot be very effective in reaching others with the gospel, nor be a successful follower of Jesus.