A note from our Pastor:

“For I would that ye 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;”

Colossians 2:1

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

This week we progress into the 2nd chapter of Colossians. While our Bibles mark this as a transition, the thoughts of the Apostle Paul continue uninterrupted from the first chapter. In fact, our study verse in context is attached to the statements in chapter 1 verse 29. The divisions into chapters and verses are beneficial for citation and reference, but should not break apart joined thoughts.

In the prior verse, the Apostle Paul states that he labors in the ministry through the power of God. The power of God gave the Apostle the knowledge of the truth of Jesus Christ. The work of the Holy Spirit gave him the wisdom on how to share that knowledge. And his faith and hope in Jesus Christ gave him the strength to continue through his tribulations.

In our study verse, the Apostle addresses a unique audience. Those gathered in Colossae and in Laodicea were going to be read this letter. However, many of them had never met the Apostle in person. They had never heard him preach. The only thing they knew of him was the letters they read and the conversations others had about him.

Thus, in this verse, the Apostle is essentially telling these audiences that his labor, although not in person, is no less for them. His imprisonment limits his travel, but it does not limit his prayers, his thoughts, or his desire to teach them the things of Jesus Christ. The conflict, at least in some part, that was within him was knowing his imprisonment was due to his faithfulness to God but that it also limited his ministry to the saints of God.

The message of this verse is important because it provides a portion of the foundation for the rest of this letter. The Apostle was establishing that despite his distance he earnestly desired that the people in the congregations in Colossae and Laodicea grow in their knowledge and wisdom regarding the things of Jesus Christ.

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah