 |  |  |  |
| |||||||
| Parallel Chapters and Verses, Greek and Hebrew Lexicon, Commentaries, Strong's Bible Dictionary, Concordances and Cross References for Colossians 1 Colossians: Colossians 1:1 New American Standard Bible: Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, God's Word Translation: From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God's will, and from our brother Timothy. King James Version: Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother, Bible in Basic English: Paul, an Apostle of Jesus Christ, by the purpose of God, and Timothy our brother, Weymouth New Testament: Paul, an Apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God--and Timothy our brother: World English Bible: Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, and Timothy our brother, Alphabetical: an and apostle brother by Christ God Jesus of our Paul the Timothy will GSB: 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the {a} will of God, and Timotheus [our] brother, (a) By the free bountifulness of God. PNT: 1:1 The Preeminence of the Son SUMMARY OF COLOSSIANS 1: Greeting. Thanksgiving for the Faith of the Colossian Church. Prayer for Their Progress. Becoming Meet for the Inheritance of the Saints. In the Kingdom of the Son. The Glories of the Son. The Work of Christ on Reconciling Men to Himself. Joy in Sufferings. The Mystery Among the Gentiles. Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God. Not by human appointment, but by divine. Timotheus, our brother. The other Epistles written at this time that Timothy was then in Rome. He is named six times in the address of Paul's letters to the churches: here and 2Co 1:1 Php 1:1 1Th 1:1 2Th 1:1 Phm 1. MHC: 1:1-8 All true Christians are brethren one to another. Faithfulness runs through every character and relation of the Christian life. Faith, hope, and love, are the three principal graces in the Christian life, and proper matter for prayer and thanksgiving. The more we fix our hopes on the reward in the other world, the more free shall we be in doing good with our earthly treasure. It was treasured up for them, no enemy could deprive them of it. The gospel is the word of truth, and we may safely venture our souls upon it. And all who hear the word of the gospel, ought to bring forth the fruit of the gospel, obey it, and have their principles and lives formed according to it. Worldly love arises, either from views of interest or from likeness in manners; carnal love, from the appetite for pleasure. To these, something corrupt, selfish, and base always cleaves. But Christian love arises from the Holy Spirit, and is full of holiness. Colossians 1:2 New American Standard Bible: To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father. God's Word Translation: To God's holy and faithful people, our brothers and sisters who are united with Christ in the city of Colossae. Good will and peace from God our Father are yours! King James Version: To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Bible in Basic English: To the saints and true brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father. Weymouth New Testament: To the people of God and the believing brethren at Colossae who are in Christ. May grace and peace be granted to you from God our Father. World English Bible: to the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. Alphabetical: and are at brethren brothers Christ Colossae Colosse faithful Father from God Grace holy in our peace saints the To who you GSB: 1:2 To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at {b} Colosse: Grace [be] unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (b) Colosse is situated in Phrygia, not far from Hierapolis and Laodicea, on that side that faces toward Lycia and Pamphylia. PNT: 1:2 To the saints. A designation in apostolic ages of all Christians. And faithful brethren. Two characteristics are named; they were believing brethren also. At Colosse. For an account of Colosse, see topic 9206. Grace [be] unto you, and peace. See PNT Ro 1:7. WES: 1:2 The saints - This word expresses their union with God. And brethren - This, their union with their fellow - Christians. MHC: Colossians 1:3 New American Standard Bible: We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, God's Word Translation: We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, in our prayers for you. King James Version: We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, Bible in Basic English: We give praise to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, making prayer for you at all times, Weymouth New Testament: We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, constantly praying for you as we do, World English Bible: We give thanks to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, Alphabetical: always Christ Father for give God Jesus Lord of our pray praying thank thanks the to We when you GSB: 1:3 {1} We give thanks to God and the {c} Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, (1) He commends the doctrine that was delivered to them by Epaphras, and their readiness in receiving it. (c) We cannot otherwise think of God to be our salvation, except that he is Christ's Father, in whom we are adopted. PNT: 1:3 We. Both Paul and Timothy. Give thanks. When offerings prayers in behalf of the Colossians, as he was wont to do for all the churches under his care, he had grounds for thanks. WES: 1:3 We give thanks - There is a near resemblance between this epistle, and those to the Ephesians and Philippians. MHC: Colossians 1:4 New American Standard Bible: since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love which you have for all the saints; God's Word Translation: We thank God because we have heard about your faith in Christ Jesus and your love for all of God's people. King James Version: Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, Bible in Basic English: After hearing of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which you have for all the saints, Weymouth New Testament: because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love which you cherish towards all God's people, World English Bible: having heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which you have toward all the saints, Alphabetical: all and because Christ faith for have heard in Jesus love of saints since the we which you your PNT: 1:4 Since we heard of your faith... and love. He probably heard through Epaphras, a member at Colosse, who was at that time with him in Rome (Col 1:7 4:12). MHC: Colossians 1:5 New American Standard Bible: because of the hope laid up for you in heaven, of which you previously heard in the word of truth, the gospel God's Word Translation: You have these because of the hope which is kept safe for you in heaven. Some time ago you heard about this hope in the Good News which is the message of truth. King James Version: For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; Bible in Basic English: Through the hope which is in store for you in heaven; knowledge of which was given to you before in the true word of the good news, Weymouth New Testament: on account of the hope treasured up for you in Heaven. Of this hope you have already heard in the Message of the truth of the Good News. World English Bible: because of the hope which is laid up for you in the heavens, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the Good News, Alphabetical: about already and because faith for from Gospel have heard heaven hope in is laid love of previously spring stored that the truth up which word you GSB: 1:5 For the {d} hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; (d) For the glory that is hoped for. PNT: 1:5 For the hope. He gives thanks for their hope of heaven. Which is laid up for you in heaven. This suggests that they have a treasure laid up in heaven which they hope to use. Their treasure is above. Whereof ye heard before. They heard of this hope when the gospel was preached to them. WES: 1:5 Ye heard before - I wrote to you. In the word of truth, of the gospel - The true gospel preached to you. MHC: Colossians 1:6 New American Standard Bible: which has come to you, just as in all the world also it is constantly bearing fruit and increasing, even as it has been doing in you also since the day you heard of it and understood the grace of God in truth; God's Word Translation: This Good News is present with you now. It is producing results and spreading all over the world as it did among you from the first day you heard it. At that time you came to know what God's kindness truly means. King James Version: Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth: Bible in Basic English: Which has come to you; and which in all the world is giving fruit and increase, as it has done in you from the day when it came to your ears and you had true knowledge of the grace of God; Weymouth New Testament: For it has reached you, and remains with you, just as it has also spread through the whole world, yielding fruit there and increasing, as it has done among you from the day when first you heard it and came really to know the grace of God, World English Bible: which has come to you; even as it is in all the world and is bearing fruit and growing, as it does in you also, since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth; Alphabetical: All also among and as bearing been come constantly day doing even fruit God God's gospel grace growing has heard in increasing is it its just of over since that the this to truth understood which world you PNT: 1:6 Which is come unto you. The gospel had come to them, being now spread abroad in all the world. That is not to be taken literally, but affirms the wide diffusion of the gospel. Bringeth forth fruit. It always bears fruit in holy lives wherever received. WES: 1:6 It bringeth forth fruit in all the world - That is, in every place where it is preached. Ye knew the grace of God in truth - Truly experienced the gracious power of God. MHC: Colossians 1:7 New American Standard Bible: just as you learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow bond-servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf, God's Word Translation: You learned about this Good News from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant. He is taking your place here as a trustworthy deacon for Christ King James Version: As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ; Bible in Basic English: As it was given to you by Epaphras, our well-loved helper, who is a true servant of Christ for us, Weymouth New Testament: as you learned it from Epaphras our dearly-loved fellow servant. He is to you a faithful minister of Christ in our stead, World English Bible: even as you learned of Epaphras our beloved fellow servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf, Alphabetical: a as behalf beloved bond-servant Christ dear Epaphras faithful fellow from is it just learned minister of on our servant who You PNT: 1:7 As ye also learned of Epaphras. Also in the Common Version is not found in the best MSS. They had learned of the gospel, its truth, its hope, and fruit from Epaphras, who probably planted the church under Paul's direction. Where he was converted we are not informed, but possibly at Ephesus, the capital of the province, during Paul's stay of three years there. Some have held that he is the same as the Epaphroditus of Php 2:25; 4:18, but this is not probable. He is highly commended here and in Col 4:12 and in the latter place is identified with the Colossian church. WES: 1:7 The fellowservant - Of Paul and Timotheus. MHC: Colossians 1:8 New American Standard Bible: and he also informed us of your love in the Spirit. God's Word Translation: and has told us about the love that the Spirit has given you. King James Version: Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit. Bible in Basic English: And who, himself, made clear to us your love in the Spirit. Weymouth New Testament: and moreover he has informed us of your love, which is inspired by the Spirit. World English Bible: who also declared to us your love in the Spirit. Alphabetical: also and he in informed love of Spirit the told us who your GSB: 1:8 {2} Who also declared unto us your love in the {e} Spirit. (2) He declares his good will towards them, telling them that they must not still remain at one place, but go on further both in the knowledge of the Gospel, and also in the true use of it. (e) Your spiritual love, or your love which comes from the Spirit. PNT: 1:8 Who also declared unto us. Epaphras was at the date of the letter attending the apostle at Rome. WES: 1:8 Your love in the Spirit - Your love wrought in you by the Spirit. MHC: Colossians 1:9 New American Standard Bible: For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, God's Word Translation: For this reason we have not stopped praying for you since the day we heard about you. We ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through every kind of spiritual wisdom and insight. King James Version: For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; Bible in Basic English: For this reason, we, from the day when we had word of it, keep on in prayer for you, that you may be full of the knowledge of his purpose, with all wisdom and experience of the Spirit, Weymouth New Testament: For this reason we also, from the day we first received these tidings, have never ceased to pray for you and to entreat that you may be filled with a clear knowledge of His will accompanied by thorough wisdom and discernment in spiritual things; World English Bible: For this cause, we also, since the day we heard this, don't cease praying and making requests for you, that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, Alphabetical: about all also and ask asking be ceased day fill filled For God have heard his in it knowledge may not of pray praying reason since spiritual stopped that the this through to understanding we will wisdom with you GSB: 1:9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard [it], do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of {f} his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; (f) God's will. PNT: 1:9 For this cause. What he had heard, named in Col 1:4-8. Since the day we heard. He had something which had aroused his solicitude. That ye may be filled with the knowledge of his will. This would be their best security against false teaching, and an assurance of a faithful life. In all wisdom and spiritual understanding. The wisdom and understanding conferred by walking as led by the Spirit. See Eph 1:3,8 1Co 12:8. WES: 1:9 We pray for you - This was mentioned in general, Col 1:3, but now more particularly. That ye may be filled with the knowledge of his will - Of his revealed will. In all wisdom - With all the wisdom from above. And spiritual understanding - To discern by that light whatever agrees with, or differs from, his will. MHC: 1:9-14 The apostle was constant in prayer, that the believers might be filled with the knowledge of God's will, in all wisdom. Good words will not do without good works. He who undertakes to give strength to his people, is a God of power, and of glorious power. The blessed Spirit is the author of this. In praying for spiritual strength, we are not straitened, or confined in the promises, and should not be so in our hopes and desires. The grace of God in the hearts of believers is the power of God; and there is glory in this power. The special use of this strength was for sufferings. There is work to be done, even when we are suffering. Amidst all their trials they gave thanks to the Father of our Lord Jesus, whose special grace fitted them to partake of the inheritance provided for the saints. To bring about this change, those were made willing subjects of Christ, who were slaves of Satan. All who are designed for heaven hereafter, are prepared for heaven now. Those who have the inheritance of sons, have the education of sons, and the disposition of sons. By faith in Christ they enjoyed this redemption, as the purchase of his atoning blood, whereby forgiveness of sins, and all other spiritual blessings were bestowed. Surely then we shall deem it a favour to be delivered from Satan's kingdom and brought into that of Christ, knowing that all trials will soon end, and that every believer will be found among those who come out of great tribulation. Colossians 1:10 New American Standard Bible: so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; God's Word Translation: We ask this so that you will live the kind of lives that prove you belong to the Lord. Then you will want to please him in every way as you grow in producing every kind of good work by this knowledge about God. King James Version: That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Bible in Basic English: Living uprightly in the approval of the Lord, giving fruit in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Weymouth New Testament: so that your lives may be worthy of the Lord and perfectly pleasing to Him, while you exhibit the results of right action of every sort and grow into a fuller knowledge of God. World English Bible: that you may walk worthily of the Lord, to please him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Alphabetical: a all And bearing every fruit God good growing him in increasing knowledge life live Lord manner may of order please pray respects so that the this to walk way we will work worthy you PNT: 1:10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord. Thus they would be equipped so as to please the Lord in all things in their walk. Being fruitful in every good work. Some things are named which please the Lord. The first is to abound in good works. Increasing in the knowledge of God. The second is to increase in the knowledge of God. WES: 1:10 That, knowing his whole will, ye may walk worthy of the Lord, unto all pleasing - So as actually to please him in all things; daily increasing in the living, experimental knowledge of God, our Father, Saviour, Sanctifier. MHC: Colossians 1:11 New American Standard Bible: strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously God's Word Translation: We ask him to strengthen you by his glorious might with all the power you need to patiently endure everything with joy. King James Version: Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Bible in Basic English: Full of strength in the measure of the great power of his glory, so that you may undergo all troubles with joy; Weymouth New Testament: Since His power is so glorious, may you be strengthened with strength of every kind, and be prepared for cheerfully enduring all things with patience and long-suffering; World English Bible: strengthened with all power, according to the might of his glory, for all endurance and perseverance with joy; Alphabetical: according all and attaining being endurance for glorious great have his joyfully joyously may might of patience power so steadfastness strengthened that the to with you GSB: 1:11 {3} Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with {g} joyfulness; (3) The gift of continuance is not from us, but it proceeds from the power of God, which he freely gives us. (g) It must not be unwilling, and as it were drawn out of us by force, but proceed from a merry and joyful mind. PNT: 1:11 Strengthened with all might. Made mightily by the divine power. Unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness. Nothing requires more grace than patience and long-suffering under wrong, or even fancied wrong. It is especially hard to endure wrong with joyfulness. WES: 1:11 Strengthened unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness - This is the highest point: not only to know, to do, to suffer, the whole will of God; but to suffer it to the end, not barely with patience, but with thankful joy. MHC: Colossians 1:12 New American Standard Bible: giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light. God's Word Translation: You will also thank the Father, who has made you able to share the light, which is what God's people inherit. King James Version: Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Bible in Basic English: Giving praise to the Father who has given us a part in the heritage of the saints in light; Weymouth New Testament: and give thanks to the Father who has made us fit to receive our share of the inheritance of God's people in Light. World English Bible: giving thanks to the Father, who made us fit to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; Alphabetical: Father giving has in inheritance kingdom light of qualified saints share thanks the to us who you GSB: 1:12 {4} Giving thanks unto the {5} Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in {h} light: (4) Having ended the preface, he goes to the matter itself, that is to say, to an excellent description (although it is but short) of complete Christianity, which is fitly divided into three treatises: for first of all he expounds the true doctrine according to the order of the causes, beginning from this verse to Col 1:12-21. And from there he begins to apply the same to the Colossians with various exhortations to Col 1:22-2:6. And last of all in the third place, even to Col 2:6-23, he refutes the corruptions of true doctrine. (5) The efficient cause of our salvation is only the mercy of God the Father, who makes us fit to be partakers of eternal life, delivering us from the darkness in which we were born, and bringing us to the light of the knowledge of the glory of his Son. (h) In that glorious and heavenly kingdom. PNT: 1:12 Giving thanks unto the Father. In the midst of the trials which call for patience and long-suffering, still joyful and thankful to the Father that he hath made us fit to be partakers. Fit to have a share. Once, then, they were unfit. Of the inheritance of the saints. God's infinite love had called them to be children, heirs, and joint-heirs with Christ. The heavenly inheritance is meant. To have a share with the saints in light is to be heirs of heavenly felicity. In light. Light is a symbol of purity and blessedness. It is in contrast with darkness in Col 1:13. WES: 1:12 Who, by justifying and sanctifying us, hath made us meet for glory. MHC: Colossians 1:13 New American Standard Bible: For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, God's Word Translation: God has rescued us from the power of darkness and has brought us into the kingdom of his Son, whom he loves. King James Version: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: Bible in Basic English: Who has made us free from the power of evil and given us a place in the kingdom of the Son of his love; Weymouth New Testament: It is God who has delivered us out of the dominion of darkness, and has transferred us into the Kingdom of His dearly-loved Son, World English Bible: who delivered us out of the power of darkness, and translated us into the Kingdom of the Son of his love; Alphabetical: and beloved brought darkness domain dominion For from has he His into kingdom loves of rescued Son the to transferred us PNT: 1:13 Who hath delivered us. The language implies that we were captive. We were under the power of darkness. Compare Lu 22:53. Satan is the power of darkness. Those in sin are held under his power. Hath translated [us] into the kingdom of his dear Son. God, through the gospel, had rescued them, and has translated them into Christ's kingdom. This was effected when they were converted. Some teach that Christ's kingdom is yet future, but this passage shows that it already had an existence. The church was its visible form. It was inaugurated on Pentecost. WES: 1:13 Power detains reluctant captives, a kingdom cherishes willing subjects. His beloved Son - This is treated of in the fifteenth and following verse s. Col 1:15 MHC: Colossians 1:14 New American Standard Bible: in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. God's Word Translation: His Son paid the price to free us, which means that our sins are forgiven. King James Version: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Bible in Basic English: In whom we have our salvation, the forgiveness of sins: Weymouth New Testament: in whom we have our redemption--the forgiveness of our sins. World English Bible: in whom we have our redemption, the forgiveness of our sins; Alphabetical: forgiveness have in of redemption sins the we whom GSB: 1:14 {6} In whom we have redemption through his blood, [even] the forgiveness of sins: (6) The matter itself of our salvation is Christ the Son of God, who has obtained remission of sins for us by the offering up of himself. PNT: 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood. We are redeemed from sin. We were in bondage, but have been purchased. Satan holds us under bondage until our sins are blotted out. The price paid is his blood. Compare Eph 1:7. WES: 1:14 In whom we have redemption - This is treated of from the middle of Col 1:18. The voluntary passion of our Lord appeased the Father's wrath, obtained pardon and acceptance for us, and, consequently, dissolved the dominion and power which Satan had over us through our sins. So that forgiveness is the beginning of redemption, as the resurrection is the completion of it. MHC: Colossians 1:15 New American Standard Bible: He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. God's Word Translation: He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. King James Version: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: Bible in Basic English: Who is the image of the unseen God coming into existence before all living things; Weymouth New Testament: Christ is the visible representation of the invisible God, the Firstborn and Lord of all creation. World English Bible: who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. Alphabetical: all And creation firstborn God He image invisible is of over the GSB: 1:15 {7} Who is the image of the invisible God, {i} the firstborn of every creature: (7) A graphic description of the person of Christ, by which we understand, that in him alone God shows himself to be seen: who was begotten of the Father before anything was made, that is, from everlasting. And by him also all things that are made, were made without any exception, by whom also they continue to exist, and whose glory they serve. (i) Begotten before anything was made: and therefore the everlasting Son of the everlasting Father. PNT: 1:15 Who is the image of the invisible God. He came in order to reveal the Father in his own person. See Joh 14:10 Heb 1:3. The love of God is revealed in Christ. He was the visible representative of the invisible God. The firstborn of every creature. The thought is that he existed before creation began; born of God instead of being created by the divine fiat; born before any creature was called into existence. The passage does not say that he was the first created, but the first-born. He was before creation. See Joh 1:1,2. WES: 1:15 Who is - By describing the glory of Christ, and his pre - eminence over the highest angels, the apostle here lays a foundation for the reproof of all worshippers of angels. The image of the invisible God - Whom none can represent, but his only begotten Son; in his divine nature the invisible image, in his human the visible image, of the Father. The first begotten of every creature - That is, begotten before every creature; subsisting before all worlds, before all time, from all eternity. MHC: 1:15-23 Christ in his human nature, is the visible discovery of the invisible God, and he that hath seen Him hath seen the Father. Let us adore these mysteries in humble faith, and behold the glory of the Lord in Christ Jesus. He was born or begotten before all the creation, before any creature was made; which is the Scripture way of representing eternity, and by which the eternity of God is represented to us. All things being created by Him, were created for him; being made by his power, they were made according to his pleasure, and for his praise and glory. He not only created them all at first, but it is by the word of his power that they are upheld. Christ as Mediator is the Head of the body, the church; all grace and strength are from him; and the church is his body. All fulness dwells in him; a fulness of merit and righteousness, of strength and grace for us. God showed his justice in requiring full satisfaction. This mode of redeeming mankind by the death of Christ was most suitable. Here is presented to our view the method of being reconciled. And that, notwithstanding the hatred of sin on God's part, it pleased God to reconcile fallen man to himself. If convinced that we were enemies in our minds by wicked works, and that we are now reconciled to God by the sacrifice and death of Christ in our nature, we shall not attempt to explain away, nor yet think fully to comprehend these mysteries; but we shall see the glory of this plan of redemption, and rejoice in the hope set before us. If this be so, that God's love is so great to us, what shall we do now for God? Be frequent in prayer, and abound in holy duties; and live no more to yourselves, but to Christ. Christ died for us. But wherefore? That we should still live in sin? No; but that we should die to sin, and live henceforth not to ourselves, but to Him. Colossians 1:16 New American Standard Bible: For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities-- all things have been created through Him and for Him. God's Word Translation: He created all things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible. Whether they are kings or lords, rulers or powers- everything has been created through him and for him. King James Version: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: Bible in Basic English: For by him all things were made, in heaven and on earth, things seen and things unseen, authorities, lords, rulers, and powers; all things were made by him and for him; Weymouth New Testament: For in Him was created the universe of things in heaven and on earth, things seen and things unseen, thrones, dominions, princedoms, powers--all were created, and exist through and for Him. World English Bible: For by him all things were created, in the heavens and on the earth, things visible and things invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things have been created through him, and for him. Alphabetical: all and authorities authorities-all been both by created dominions earth For have heaven heavens him in invisible on or powers rulers the things thrones through visible were whether GSB: 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether [they be] {k} thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: (k) He sets forth the angels with glorious names, so that by the comparison of most excellent spirits, we may understand how far surpassing the excellency of Christ is, in whom alone we have to content ourselves with, and let go of all angels. PNT: 1:16 By him were all things created. Hence he must have existed before any creation. Compare Joh 1:3 Heb 1:2. As God manifested himself by means of the Son in the gospel, so in creation he manifested himself through the Son. The visible universe is a manifestation of God through the Son. THE WORD is the power that gives all things existence that exist. Thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers. The angelic hierarchy; different ranks of angels, according to the teachings of some of the Jewish doctors. A heresy had already been proposed that divided these into ranks, assigned them an undue prominence, and held that Christ was only an angel. Paul does not pause to say whether these divisions are correct, but declares All things were created by him, and for him. That Christ is above them all, created them, and that they were created for him. One of these heresies he wished to counteract was the doctrine of angel worship. WES: 1:16 For - This explains the latter part of the preceding verse . Through implies something prior to the particles by and for; so denoting the beginning, the progress, and the end. Him - This word, frequently repeated, signifies his supreme majesty, and excludes every creature. Were created all things that are in heaven - And heaven itself. But the inhabitants are named, because more noble than the house. Invisible - The several species of which are subjoined. Thrones are superior to dominions; principalities, to powers. Perhaps the two latter may express their office with regard to other creatures: the two former may refer to God, who maketh them his chariots, and, as it were, rideth upon their wings. MHC: Colossians 1:17 New American Standard Bible: He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. God's Word Translation: He existed before everything and holds everything together. King James Version: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. Bible in Basic English: He is before all things, and in him all things have being. Weymouth New Testament: And HE IS before all things and in and through Him the universe is a harmonious whole. World English Bible: He is before all things, and in him all things are held together. Alphabetical: all and before He him hold in is things together PNT: 1:17 And he is before all things. He was before them all in time, by him all things consist. Through him they came into existence. WES: 1:17 And he is before all things - It is not said, he was: he is from everlasting to everlasting. And by him all things consist - The original expression not only implies, that he sustains all things in being, but more directly, All things were and are compacted in him into one system. He is the cement, as well as support, of the universe. And is he less than the supreme God? MHC: Colossians 1:18 New American Standard Bible: He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. God's Word Translation: He is also the head of the church, which is his body. He is the beginning, the first to come back to life so that he would have first place in everything. King James Version: And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. Bible in Basic English: And he is the head of the body, the church: the starting point of all things, the first to come again from the dead; so that in all things he might have the chief place. Weymouth New Testament: Moreover He is the Head of His Body, the Church. He is the Beginning, the Firstborn from among the dead, in order that He Himself may in all things occupy the foremost place. World English Bible: He is the head of the body, the assembly, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. Alphabetical: also among And beginning body church come dead everything first firstborn from have he head Himself in is might of place so supremacy that the to will GSB: 1:18 {8} And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the {l} firstborn from the dead; that in all [things] he might have the preeminence. (8) Having gloriously declared the excellent dignity of the person of Christ, he describes his office and function, that is, that he is the same to the Church as the head is to the body, that is to say, the prince and governor of it, and the very beginning of true life. And as he rose first from death, he is the author of eternal life, so that he is above all, in whom alone there is most plentiful abundance of all good things, which is poured out upon the Church. (l) Who so rose again that he should die no more, and who raises others from death to life by his power. PNT: 1:18 And. In Col 1:15-17, Paul portrays Christ as the center and source of the creation. In this section he shows that he is the Head of the new creation. He is the head of the body, the church. In the church he is pre-eminent. It is his spiritual body, and he is the supreme head. Compare 1Co 11:3 Eph 1:10,22. Who is the beginning. The new creation began from him and in him. He is first of all in time. The first-born from the dead. He first conquered death, and not for himself alone, but the great company of those found in him who have been born from the dead. WES: 1:18 And - From the whole he now descends to the most eminent part, the church. He is the head of the church - Universal; the supreme and only head both of influence and of government to the whole body of believers. Who is - The repetition of the expression {Col 1:15} points out the entrance on a new paragraph. The beginning - Absolutely, the Eternal. The first begotten from the dead - From whose resurrection flows all the life, spiritual and eternal, of all his brethren. That in all things - Whether of nature or grace. He might have the pre - eminence - Who can sound this depth? MHC: Colossians 1:19 New American Standard Bible: For it was the Father's good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, God's Word Translation: God was pleased to have all of himself live in Christ. King James Version: For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; Bible in Basic English: For God in full measure was pleased to be in him; Weymouth New Testament: For it was the Father's gracious will that the whole of the divine perfections should dwell in Him. World English Bible: For all the fullness was pleased to dwell in him; Alphabetical: all dwell Father's For fullness God good have him his in it pleased pleasure the to was GSB: 1:19 For it pleased [the Father] that in him should {m} all fulness dwell; (m) Most plentiful abundance of all things pertaining to God. PNT: 1:19 In him should all fulness dwell. All power and blessing. Completeness in all things. If limitations were placed upon his power to create, to save and to bless, all fulness would not dwell in him. WES: 1:19 For it pleased the Father that all fulness - All the fulness of God. Should dwell in him - Constantly, as in a temple; and always ready for our approach to him. MHC: Colossians 1:20 New American Standard Bible: and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven. God's Word Translation: God was also pleased to bring everything on earth and in heaven back to himself through Christ. He did this by making peace through Christ's blood sacrificed on the cross. King James Version: And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. Bible in Basic English: Through him uniting all things with himself, having made peace through the blood of his cross; through him, I say, uniting all things which are on earth or in heaven. Weymouth New Testament: And God purposed through Him to reconcile the universe to Himself, making peace through His blood, which was shed upon the Cross--to reconcile to Himself through Him, I say, things on earth and things in Heaven. World English Bible: and through him to reconcile all things to himself, by him, whether things on the earth, or things in the heavens, having made peace through the blood of his cross. Alphabetical: all and blood by cross earth having heaven him himself his I in made making of on or peace reconcile say shed the things through to whether GSB: 1:20 {9} And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile {n} all things unto himself; by him, [I say], whether [they be] things in earth, or things in heaven. (9) Now he teaches how Christ executed that office which his Father gave and commanded to him, that is, by suffering the death of the cross (which was joined with the curse of God) according to his decree, that by this sacrifice he might reconcile to his Father all men, both those who believed in the Christ to come, and were already under this hope gathered into heaven, as well as those who should upon the earth believe in him afterwards. And in this way justification is described by the apostle, which is one and the chiefest part of the benefit of Christ. (n) The whole Church. PNT: 1:20 Having made peace through the blood of his cross. See notes on Eph 2:14,17. Christ came to make peace between Jew and Gentile, man and man, man and God. The means employed was the blood shed on the cross. Through it the law, the partition wall between Jew and Gentile, was removed, and both alike have access to God. By him to reconcile all things to himself. It pleased the Father (1:19)... by him (Christ) to reconcile all things to himself (the Father). All who accept Christ are reconciled to him, and found in him, are reconciled thus to God. Whether things in earth. Human beings. Things in heaven. Chrysostom explains: Christ not only reconciles man on the earth, but raises him, who had been an enemy to God, to heaven and gives him a place there are peace with God, so that in heavens the fruits of reconciliation are seen forever. WES: 1:20 Through the blood of the cross - The blood shed thereon. Whether things on earth - Here the enmity began: therefore this is mentioned first. Or things in heaven - Those who are now in paradise; the saints who died before Christ came. MHC: Colossians 1:21 New American Standard Bible: And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds, God's Word Translation: Once you were separated from God. The evil things you did showed your hostile attitude. King James Version: And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled Bible in Basic English: And you, who in the past were cut off and at war with God in your minds through evil works, he has now made one Weymouth New Testament: And you, estranged as you once were and even hostile in your minds, amidst your evil deeds, World English Bible: You, being in past times alienated and enemies in your mind in your evil works, Alphabetical: alienated although and because behavior deeds enemies engaged evil formerly from God hostile in mind minds of Once were you your GSB: 1:21 {10} And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in [your] mind by wicked works, yet now hath {o} he reconciled (10) Sanctification is another work of God in us by Christ, in that that he restored us (who hated God extremely and were wholly and willingly given to sin) to his gracious favour in such a way that he in addition purifies us with his Holy Spirit, and consecrates us to righteousness. (o) The Son. PNT: 1:21 You, that were sometime alienated. In a state of estrangement before conversion. Enemies in [your] mind by wicked works. Hostile on account of wicked works. A wicked life will fill a man with hostile thoughts to God. Yet now hath he reconciled. Christ has changed them by the gospel to that they are enemies no longer. God needs no change. The change must be wrought in man. WES: 1:21 And you that were alienated, and enemies - Actual alienation of affection makes habitual enmity. In your mind - Both your understanding and your affections. By wicked works - Which continually feed and increase inward alienation from, and enmity to, God. He hath now reconciled - From the moment ye believed. MHC: Colossians 1:22 New American Standard Bible: yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach-- God's Word Translation: But now Christ has brought you back to God by dying in his physical body. He did this so that you could come into God's presence without sin, fault, or blame. King James Version: In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: Bible in Basic English: In the body of his flesh through death, so that you might be holy and without sin and free from all evil before him: Weymouth New Testament: He has now, in His human body, reconciled to God by His death, to bring you, holy and faultless and irreproachable, into His presence; World English Bible: yet now he has reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and without blemish and blameless before him, Alphabetical: accusation and before beyond blameless blemish body But by Christ's death fleshly free from has he Him his holy in now order physical present reconciled reproach- sight through to without yet you GSB: 1:22 In the body of his {p} flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: (p) In that fleshly body, to show us that his body was not an unreal body, but a real one. PNT: 1:22 In the body of his flesh through death. It is through the sufferings of Christ that they are enabled to come to God. Without Christ and the cross there could be no gospel. To present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight. Through his blood their sins are cleansed, so that they are holy in the sight of God. WES: 1:22 By the body of his flesh - So distinguished from his body, the church. The body here denotes his entire manhood. Through death - Whereby he purchased the reconciliation which we receive by faith. To present you - The very end of that reconciliation. Holy - Toward God. Spotless - In yourselves. Unreprovable - As to your neighbour. MHC: Colossians 1:23 New American Standard Bible: if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, was made a minister. God's Word Translation: This is on the condition that you continue in faith without being moved from the solid foundation of the hope that the Good News contains. You've heard this Good News of which I, Paul, became a servant. It has been spread throughout all creation under heaven. King James Version: If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; Bible in Basic English: If you keep yourselves safely based in the faith, not moved from the hope of the good news which came to you, and which was given to every living being under heaven; of which I, Paul, was made a servant. Weymouth New Testament: if, indeed, you are still firmly holding to faith as your foundation, without ever shifting from your hope that rests on the Good News that you have heard, which has been proclaimed in the whole creation under Heaven, and in which I Paul have been appointed to serve. World English Bible: if it is so that you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the Good News which you heard, which is being proclaimed in all creation under heaven; of which I, Paul, was made a servant. Alphabetical: a all and away become been continue creation creature established every faith firm firmly from gospel has have heard heaven held hope I if in indeed is made minister moved not of out Paul proclaimed servant steadfast that the This to under was which you your GSB: 1:23 {11} If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and [be] not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, [and] which was preached to {q} every creature which is under heaven; {12} whereof I Paul am made a minister; (11) The second treatise of this part of the epistle, in which he exhorts the Colossians not to allow themselves by any means to be moved from this doctrine, showing and declaring that there is nowhere else any other true Gospel. (q) To all men: by which we learn that the Gospel was not confined to Judea alone. (12) He gains authority for this doctrine by his apostleship, and takes a most sure proof of it, that is, his afflictions, which he suffers for Christ's name, to instruct the Churches with these examples of patience. PNT: 1:23 If ye continue in the faith. Their continued acceptance depends on their clinging to Christ who redeemed them. Grounded and settled. Having an immovable foundation, so that they could not be moved from the hope of the gospel by any wind of doctrine (Eph 4:14). Which hath been preached, etc. See PNT Col 1:6. WES: 1:23 If ye continue in the faith - Otherwise, ye will lose all the blessings which ye have already begun to enjoy. And be not removed from the hope of the gospel - The glorious hope of perfect love. Which is preached - Is already begun to be preached to every creature under heaven. MHC: Colossians 1:24 New American Standard Bible: Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I do my share on behalf of His body, which is the church, in filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions. God's Word Translation: I am happy to suffer for you now. In my body I am completing whatever remains of Christ's sufferings. I am doing this on behalf of his body, the church. King James Version: Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church: Bible in Basic English: Now I have joy in my pain because of you, and in my flesh I undergo whatever is still needed to make the sorrows of Christ complete, for the salvation of his body, the church; Weymouth New Testament: Now I can find joy amid my sufferings for you, and I fill up in my own person whatever is lacking in Christ's afflictions on behalf of His Body, the Church. World English Bible: Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and fill up on my part that which is lacking of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the assembly; Alphabetical: afflictions and behalf body Christ's church do fill filling flesh for his I in is lacking my Now of on regard rejoice sake share still suffered sufferings the to up was what which you your GSB: 1:24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for {r} you, and fill up {s} that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church: (r) For our profit and benefit. (s) The afflictions of the Church are said to be Christ's afflictions, by reason of that fellowship and knitting together that the body and the head have with one another. And this is not because there is any more need to have the Church redeemed, but because Christ shows his power in the daily weakness of his own, and that for the comfort of the whole body. PNT: 1:24 Who now rejoice. Rather, I now rejoice. My sufferings for you. He was a prisoner and a sufferer because he preached the gospel of the Gentiles. And fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ. Christ endured afflictions for us. We must have a fellowship of his sufferings (1Pe 4:13). Paul also suffers that he might share the afflictions of Christ. Not only did he suffer with Christ, but Christ suffers with his afflicted people. See Ac 9:4. Hence, afflictions suffered for Christ may be called his afflictions. All the suffering required for the sake of the church is behind of the afflictions of Christ. WES: 1:24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up - That is, whereby I fill up. That which is behind of the sufferings of Christ - That which remains to be suffered by his members. These are termed the sufferings of Christ, Because the suffering of any member is the suffering of the whole; and of the head especially, which supplies strength, spirits, sense, and motion to all. Because they are for his sake, for the testimony of his truth. And these also are necessary for the church; not to reconcile it to God, or satisfy for sin, (for that Christ did perfectly,) but for example to others, perfecting of the saints, and increasing their reward. MHC: 1:24-29 Both the sufferings of the Head and of the members are called the sufferings of Christ, and make up, as it were, one body of sufferings. But He suffered for the redemption of the church; we suffer on other accounts; for we do but slightly taste that cup of afflictions of which Christ first drank deeply. A Christian may be said to fill up that which remains of the sufferings of Christ, when he takes up his cross, and after the pattern of Christ, bears patiently the afflictions God allots to him. Let us be thankful that God has made known to us mysteries hidden from ages and generations, and has showed the riches of his glory among us. As Christ is preached among us, let us seriously inquire, whether he dwells and reigns in us; for this alone can warrant our assured hope of his glory. We must be faithful to death, through all trials, that we may receive the crown of life, and obtain the end of our faith, the salvation of our souls. Colossians 1:25 New American Standard Bible: Of this church I was made a minister according to the stewardship from God bestowed on me for your benefit, so that I might fully carry out the preaching of the word of God, God's Word Translation: I became a servant of the church when God gave me the work of telling you his entire message. King James Version: Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; Bible in Basic English: Of which I became a servant by the purpose of God which was given to me for you, to give effect to the word of God, Weymouth New Testament: I have been appointed to serve the Church in the position of responsibility entrusted to me by God for your benefit, so that I may fully deliver God's Message-- World English Bible: of which I was made a servant, according to the stewardship of God which was given me toward you, to fulfill the word of God, Alphabetical: a according become benefit bestowed by carry church commission for from fullness fully gave God have I in its made me might minister of on out preaching present servant so stewardship that the this to was word you your GSB: 1:25 {13} Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; (13) He brings another proof of his apostleship, that is, that God is the author of it, by whom also he was appointed especially as apostle for the Gentiles, to the end that by this means, that same might be fulfilled by him, which the Prophets foretold concerning the calling of the Gentiles. PNT: 1:25 According to the dispensation. God made him a minister of the church. That ministry was a stewardship (dispensation) committed to him. He refers to the great responsibility of the apostolic office. He as a steward of the grace of God (Eph 3:2). To fulfil the word of God. Not only to do what the word required, but to preach the word everywhere. WES: 1:25 According to the dispensation of God which is given me - Or, the stewardship with which I am intrusted. MHC: Colossians 1:26 New American Standard Bible: that is, the mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations, but has now been manifested to His saints, God's Word Translation: In the past God hid this mystery, but now he has revealed it to his people. King James Version: Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: Bible in Basic English: The secret which has been kept from all times and generations, but has now been made clear to his saints, Weymouth New Testament: the truth which has been kept secret from all ages and generations, but has now been revealed to His people, World English Bible: the mystery which has been hidden for ages and generations. But now it has been revealed to his saints, Paul's Second Letter to the Thessalonians Alphabetical: ages and been but disclosed for from generations has hidden His is kept manifested mystery now past saints that the to which GSB: 1:26 [Even] the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his {t} saints: (t) Whom he chose to sanctify to himself in Christ. Moreover, he says that the mystery of our redemption was hidden since the world began, except that it was revealed to a few, who also were taught it extraordinarily. PNT: 1:26 Even the mystery... is made manifest to his saints. The mystery of the gospel, of salvation through Christ, hidden from past ages, but now revealed to the saints. A mystery, as Paul uses the term, is a thing hidden in the past, but now made known. WES: 1:26 The mystery - Namely, Christ both justifying and sanctifying gentiles, as well as Jews. Which hath been comparatively hid from former ages and past generations of men. MHC: Colossians 1:27 New American Standard Bible: to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. God's Word Translation: God wanted his people throughout the world to know the glorious riches of this mystery-which is Christ living in you, giving you the hope of glory. King James Version: To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Bible in Basic English: To whom God was pleased to give knowledge of the wealth of the glory of this secret among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Weymouth New Testament: to whom it was His will to make known how vast a wealth of glory for the Gentile world is implied in this truth--the truth that 'Christ is in you, the hope of glory.' World English Bible: to whom God was pleased to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory; Alphabetical: among chosen Christ Gentiles glorious glory God has hope in is known make mystery of riches the them this To what which whom willed you GSB: 1:27 To whom God {u} would make known what [is] the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: (u) In this way Paul restrains the curiosity of men. PNT: 1:27 To whom God would make known. To the saints he would reveal the glory of the mystery. The glory of the mystery is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Christ dwelling in the saved and filling their hearts with the hope of glory. WES: 1:27 Christ dwelling and reigning in you, The hope of glory - The ground of your hope. MHC: Colossians 1:28 New American Standard Bible: We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ. God's Word Translation: We spread the message about Christ as we instruct and teach everyone with all the wisdom there is. We want to present everyone as mature Christian people. King James Version: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: Bible in Basic English: Whom we are preaching; guiding and teaching every man in all wisdom, so that every man may be complete in Christ; Weymouth New Testament: Him we preach, admonishing every one and instructing every one, with all possible wisdom, so that we may bring every one into God's presence, made perfect through Christ. World English Bible: whom we proclaim, admonishing every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus; Alphabetical: admonishing all and Christ complete every everyone him in man may perfect present proclaim so teaching that We wisdom with GSB: 1:28 {14} Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in {x} all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: (14) He protests that he faithfully executes his apostleship in every place, bringing men to Christ only through the Lord's plentiful blessing of his labours. (x) Perfect and sound wisdom, which is perfect in itself, and will in the end make those perfect who follow it. PNT: 1:28 Whom we preach. Christ. Every man. Note that this is repeated three times in the verse. The apostle impresses the fact that the gospel is not for a favored few, but for every one. In all wisdom. In every form of wisdom. Perfect in Christ Jesus. We should all aim at perfection; the apostle aims to bring all to this ideal. The high ideal is before, for which we all should aim. However, he whose sins are all blotted out will be counted perfect in the great day. WES: 1:28 We teach the ignorant, and admonish them that are already taught. MHC: Colossians 1:29 New American Standard Bible: For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me. God's Word Translation: I work hard and struggle to do this while his mighty power works in me. King James Version: Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily. Bible in Basic English: And for this purpose I am working, using all my strength by the help of his power which is working in me strongly. Weymouth New Testament: To this end, like an earnest wrestler, I exert all my strength in reliance upon the power of Him who is mightily at work within me. World English Bible: for which I also labor, striving according to his working, which works in me mightily. Alphabetical: according all also end energy For his I in labor me mightily power powerfully purpose so striving struggling this To which with within works PNT: 1:29 According to his working. Christ within us is a life and a power. If we conquer the flesh and give ourselves entirely up to him he will work mightily. MHC: NASB, GWT, KJV, NIV, GWT, NLT, ASV, Matthew Henry's Commentary, Chapter and Verse Old and New Testament Christian Bible Study, Concordance, Chain Links, Cross Reference for pastors, teachers and students |