Paul's Great Conflict for the Churches Colossians 2:1

As we begin the second chapter of Paul's letter to the Colossians, we should remember that the chapters and verses within the Bible were inserted to aid us in finding particular passages. As far as Paul was concerned, he was just continuing his letter, and as we recall his final words from the last chapter, “Whereunto I also labor, striving according to his working, which works in me mightily.”, we remember that Paul was sharing with the church members his reasons for bringing them the gospel of Jesus Christ. In chapter two and verse one, Paul explains more of the difficulties he experienced on behalf of the churches about which he cared so deeply. We read:

For I would that you knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea,

and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;

The verse begins, “For I would that you knew what great conflict I have for you,...” Paul desired that the church of Colosse “knew” which means “to perceive, notice, discern, or discover” “what great conflict” or “battle, struggle or contest” “I have for you” or “to hold one's self to a thing, to lay hold of a thing, to adhere or cling to or possess”. Paul cared so deeply for the Colossian church members that it was though he was in a “battle” for their eternal welfare.

The verse goes on to say, “and for them at Laodicea,” In addition to the Colossian church, Paul included the church “at Laodicea” which was another church located near Colosse which John the apostle also included in the Revelation. No doubt Paul's concern was for both churches because of the heresies that were being spread among them.

Finally the verse says, “and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;” As another hint toward Paul's deep care and concern for the churches he wrote, “for as many as have not seen my face” which means they “never saw him”. Paul had never visited the church in Colosse nor Laodicea, and because of the false teachings that were among them, he desired that they see him “in the flesh”.

When we think about these words, we can sense Paul's great passion toward the church members who were among not only the Colossian church, but also the church of Laodicea as well. Paul mentioned the church in Laodicea in the latter part of this letter as he instructed the Colossians not only to greet the church members there, but to also read this letter to them. Paul's concern over the churches should inspire us to care for others in the same manner as he, and as we meditate upon his ways, perhaps the Lord Jesus will give us the same compassion for others that He inspired in Paul. Lord Jesus, please instill in us the compassion that you have for others we have not seen.

Next time Paul writes about the importance of unity in the churches, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

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