The Colossian Believers’ Reception of the Transforming Power of the Gospel Colossians 1:1-14 Part II
As stated in our Introductory Notes, the Epistle of Colossians is one of Paul’s prison epistles. The Epistles of Ephesians, Philippians, Philemon, and Colossians were written during Paul’s first imprisonment in Rome in A.D. 61. It was during Paul’s ministry in Ephesus (Acts 19:10, 26) that the gospel had made its way outward to Colosse, a city located on the Lycus River in the Roman province of Asia. The church that came from this effort was primarily Gentile (Colossians 1:27).
Epaphras, who was instrumental in taking the gospel to the Colossians, had visited Paul and brought news of the church (Colossians 1:7-8). Some of the news was disturbing, for false teaching was threatening the faith of believers. So, to combat this issue, Paul presented some sound teachings, especially about the Person and work of Christ. Our text, Colossians 1:1-14, may be outlined as follows: I. The Beneficial Effects of the Gospel in the Lives of the Colossian Believers – Colossians 1:1-8; II. Paul’s Prayer for the Colossian Believers’ Spiritual Growth – Colossians 1:9-14.
- Paul’s Prayer for the Colossian Believers’ Spiritual Growth
Colossians 1:9-14
Paul’s thanksgiving for the Colossian believers was followed by a heartfelt prayer for their continued spiritual growth. The expression, “For this cause” in verse 9 refers to the good report Epaphras had brought. This good report spurred Paul to engage in unceasing prayer for the Colossian believers’ progress. Paul was well aware that spiritual growth depends on spiritual comprehension.
Paul prayed that the believers “might be filled with the knowledge of His will.” “Knowledge” here refers to knowledge that comes by experience. Paul prayed further that “full knowledge” might be known “in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.” “Understanding” refers to having critical discernment; that is, having the ability to discern the difference between right and wrong, truth and error, important and unimportant.
The Colossian believers were exposed to a heretical teaching that claimed to have superior knowledge; therefore, the believers needed to have “full knowledge” of God’s will to combat this error. Having prayed for the believers’ spiritual comprehension in verse 9, Paul now prays that the Colossian believers would display their spiritual comprehension in godly conduct (vv. 10-11). Comprehension, which is very valuable, must be revealed in godly character. One who knows God’s will is obligated to practice it. To walk worthy of the Lord is to conduct oneself in a manner becoming to one who bears His name. Our conduct must be pleasing to God in every respect. Believers having an obedient attitude will produce fruit, and the strength to bear fruit comes from the Holy Spirit within (v. 10).
In verse 11, the power of God enables believers to maintain stability in unfavorable circumstances. “Strengthened with all might” in verse 11 denotes “empowered with all power.” God’s mighty Arm is stretched out to give the needed stability. God’s infusion of Divine power brings patience, long suffering, and joy. God’s awesome power is available to help us persist in the face of unbearable circumstances! The virtue of long-suffering refers to our reaction to persons. It involves holding or putting a check to our anger and irritability. As believers, we can experience the power of God’s uncommon joy. Only by the power of God can we be steadfast and long-suffering with joy (v. 11).
Finally, in verses 12-14, Paul prayed that the Colossian believers be thankful. He revealed three things for which they should give thanks. First, they should thank God that He qualified them to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. Our inheritance still awaits us in the realm of God’s light, but we have title to it already. Second, in verse 13, thanks should be given to God for rescuing us from the power of darkness. At one time, we belonged to the domain of darkness over which Satan rules (Ephesians 6:12), but now God has delivered us from that horrific domain of Satan. Third, we should thank God because He “hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son” (v. 13). The word “translated” means we have been transported from Satan’s kingdom of darkness and transported to the kingdom of God.
Christ is here called “His dear Son” or “the Son of His love.” The greatest bond of love exists between the Father and the Son. And the Father’s love for mankind was displayed in the giving of His Son to expiate our sins. The Son is the One “in whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins” (v. 14). Redemption speaks of setting free by the payment of a ransom. We are ransomed away from the slavery that once held us. Through this redemption, purchased by His blood, we now enjoy the forgiveness of our sins. The power of darkness no longer controls us.
May God Bless!
