Colossians 1:11 - Printer Friendly

ESV: being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy;

NIV: being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience,

NASB: strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all perseverance and patience; joyously

CSB: being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, so that you may have great endurance and patience, joyfully

NLT: We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy,

KJV: Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

NKJV: strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy;

Paul continues his prayer for the Colossian Christians by asking that they be given additional power. Specifically, Paul prays for them to receive the power of God. The Lord's might, or mighty power, is a common theme in Scripture (Zechariah 4:6). Genesis 49:24 also refers to God as the "Mighty One of Jacob."

Paul also explains that believers have God's power in their lives. First, God's power gives endurance, which is the ability to withstand hardship without failing. The Lord is the "God of endurance" (Romans 15:5), a quality needed by all Christians (Hebrews 10:36). Second, God's power gives patience. Patience is part of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23) and is an essential part of Christian maturity. Third, God's power gives joy. Joy is also part of the fruit of the Spirit and is one of the clearest differences between the life of the believer and the unbeliever.

Colossians 1:9–14 is a prayer on behalf of the Colossian Christians. Paul prays for their continued spiritual growth, including knowledge of God, knowledge of His will, and wisdom. Paul also prays for their strength and endurance. In so praying, Paul reminds the believers of Colossae that salvation is entirely the work of God, who drastically changed their fate by rescuing them from sin.

In chapter 1, Paul introduces himself, along with his co-author Timothy. As he often does, Paul gives thanks for what he hears about the faith of the believers in Colossae. Paul includes a prayer for their growth and spiritual strength. The letter then transitions to praise of Jesus, describing Him as absolutely supreme. All created things were made through, by, and for Him. And, since it was His sacrifice which saved us from sin, we can have confidence in our eternal destiny.

Colossians chapter 1 is mostly focused on describing Christ as supreme. Jesus is not only the God of creation, He is the ultimate authority over all created things. The penalty for sin has been completely removed because of His perfect sacrifice. These are foundational ideas which Paul will use to set up his later points. In chapters 2, 3, and 4, Paul will explain why contrary claims are untrue, and show the right way for Christians to live out what we believe about Jesus.

The book of Colossians describes Christ as superior to all other teachers, faiths, and philosophies. In this letter, written from prison, Paul once again tackles false teachings. Among these errors are claims that Christians need to give up all physical enjoyments, that they should worship angels, and that they need to rely on the wisdom of an elite few. These problems are consistent with an ancient heresy known as Gnosticism. In response, Paul explains that Christ is supreme, and sufficient for our salvation.

Accessed 5/3/2024 11:32:04 AM