Chapter Two
Col. 2:1. I wish you to know what a great struggle I have for you and for those in Laodicea and Hierapolis, and for all who have not seen my face in the flesh,
Intending to proceed to teaching, he first points out his great love for them, in order to gain greater trust. I am concerned, he says, about you. But he places alongside them also the believers in Laodicea and others, evidently so that they would not become confused, thinking that the reason for this was their weakness. Why then are you concerned? Do you perhaps notice something bad in us? Because, he says, you have not seen my face. But he added: "in the flesh," wonderfully showing that they unceasingly saw him in the Spirit.
Col. 2:2. that their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love
Finally, he now proceeds to the teaching; but he neither condemns them nor entirely frees them from accusation. In these same words is also contained the answer. I have a struggle, he says. For what purpose? So that they would not think differently, but would be in agreement and united in one faith. In what way? Not by compulsion and force, but "in love." He said this because disagreement is what gives rise to schism.
Col. 2:2. for all riches: (και είς πάν πλοΰτον) of perfect understanding,
That is, so that they would doubt nothing, so that their understanding, that is, the knowledge of the mystery, would be strengthened in every way. And he did not simply say "for riches," but "for all riches." I know, he says, that you have knowledge of the mystery, but I desire that the assurance in this knowledge would also be strong in you. Or: I desire that you would be convinced rationally, and not unreflectively.
Col. 2:2. for the knowledge of the mystery of God and the Father
The mystery of God — how is it so? It is that through the Son our drawing near to God is accomplished, and not through angels.
Col. 2:2. and of Christ,
Col. 2:3. in Whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
He alone knows all things. And if He alone is wise, then wisely, of course, He came in the last days and not long ago, and certain foolish people attack this in vain. By saying "treasures," he points to their multitude, and by the word "all," he shows that nothing is unknown to God, and by the expression "hidden" – that He alone knows, and from Him one must ask for wisdom and knowledge. But note, even if it seems that he said something especially great, even this – "in Whom are hidden the treasures" – he said in a manner suited to the understanding of very simple people. For God is wisdom itself and knowledge itself.
Col. 2:4. I say this so that no one may deceive you with persuasive words;
"This," that is, that in Christ is all knowledge, I said so that no one would deceive you. What does it matter if someone speaks eloquently? Know in advance that if such a person does not speak of Christ, then he speaks nothing but paralogisms and sophisms.
Col. 2:5. For though I am absent in the body, yet I am with you in spirit,
Though by the connection of the speech he ought to have said: although I am absent in the flesh, yet spiritually I see the deceivers. But he turned this word into a commendation. Listen.
Col. 2:5. Rejoicing and seeing your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.
For not only, he says, have you not fallen, but among you no one has disturbed the order and firm faith that is yours. Just as in a battle formation good order makes the phalanx strong, so too the Church is firm when there is good order in it, love unites all, and there are no divisions. But faith already in itself constitutes a firm foundation, because it does not allow other thoughts to creep in which, by introducing division, shake the inner order.
Col. 2:6. Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord,
We introduce nothing new, but what you have received, that we desire again. The Lord Jesus Christ, and not angels.
Col. 2:6. so also walk in Him,
For He is the way that leads to the Father. Such a way is not in angels; for that way does not lead there.
Col. 2:7. being rooted
That is, standing immovable and not inclining now toward Christ, now toward angels. For those who are rooted are never moved.
Col. 2:7. and established in Him