Colossians 2:1

KJV

¶ 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;

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} I would {G2309} that ye {G5209} knew {G1492} what great {G2245} conflict {G73} I have {G2192} for {G4012} you {G5216}, and {G2532} for them at {G1722} Laodicea {G2993}, and {G2532} for as many as {G3745} have {G3708} not {G3756} seen {G3708} my {G3450} face {G4383} in {G1722} the flesh {G4561};

Complete Jewish Bible

For I want you to know how hard I work for you, for those in Laodicea, and for the rest of those who have not met me personally.

Berean Standard Bible

For I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me face to face,

American Standard Version

For I would have you know how greatly I strive for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Colossians 2:1, the Apostle Paul articulates the profound depth of his pastoral burden and the intense spiritual struggle he experiences on behalf of the believers in Colossae, those in the nearby city of Laodicea, and indeed, all who have embraced the Gospel but have not had the opportunity to meet him personally. This verse powerfully introduces the subsequent warnings and exhortations within the chapter, emphasizing Paul's earnest concern for their spiritual steadfastness and protection from the various philosophical and theological threats assailing their nascent faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Colossians 2:1 serves as a pivotal transition from Paul's opening thanksgiving and prayer (Colossians 1:3-14) and his profound theological exposition on the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ (Colossians 1:15-23). Having established Christ as the head of all creation and the church, and having affirmed his own ministry as a steward of this mystery (Colossians 1:24-29), Paul now reveals the personal cost and intensity of his apostolic labor. This verse sets the stage for the specific warnings against false teachings that dominate the rest of chapter 2, indicating that his "conflict" is directly related to the spiritual dangers the Colossians and others faced. It underscores that his theological arguments are not abstract but flow from a deep, personal, pastoral heart.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul, likely imprisoned in Rome at the time of writing, had not personally founded the church in Colossae; it was established through the ministry of Epaphras, who had brought the Gospel to the region (Colossians 1:7). The city of Colossae, located in the Lycus Valley of Asia Minor, was part of a triad of cities including Laodicea and Hierapolis. These churches faced a unique blend of syncretistic philosophies: elements of Jewish legalism (circumcision, dietary laws, Sabbath observance), asceticism (severe self-discipline), angel worship, and a nascent form of Gnosticism that promoted secret knowledge and diminished the deity and sole mediatorial role of Christ. Paul's letter, and specifically his expressed "conflict" in this verse, is a direct response to these specific threats, aiming to anchor the believers firmly in the all-sufficiency of Christ against these deceptive influences.
* **Key Themes:** Colossians 2:1 powerfully introduces several key themes that permeate the letter. First, it highlights **Apostolic Burden and Pastoral Care**, demonstrating Paul's profound spiritual and emotional investment in the churches, even those he had not personally visited. His "great conflict" (Greek: _agōn_) is not a casual concern but an intense, wrestling effort for their spiritual well-being, reflecting the heart of a true shepherd. Second, it underscores the reality of **Spiritual Warfare and Vigilance**. Paul’s struggle is against spiritual forces and deceptive doctrines, not merely human adversaries, aligning with his broader teaching on the nature of Christian battle (e.g., [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare")). Finally, the verse expands the scope of his concern to include Laodicea and others unseen, emphasizing the **Unity and Interconnectedness of the Body of Christ**, where pastoral care transcends geographical and personal acquaintance boundaries. This broader concern reinforces the universality of Christ's headship over all believers, regardless of their direct ties to an apostle.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Conflict (Greek, _agṓn'_):** From this word, we derive "agony" or "agonize." It denotes an intense struggle, a contest, a wrestling match, or a strenuous effort. It is not merely a feeling of worry or anxiety, but an active, demanding engagement, often implying a struggle against an adversary. Paul's use of _agṓn_ here vividly portrays his deep spiritual and emotional exertion for the Colossians and others, indicating the seriousness with which he viewed the spiritual threats they faced. It suggests a battle waged through prayer, teaching, and steadfast endurance.
* **Would (Greek, _thélō'_):** This verb signifies a strong desire, a determination, or a choice made from subjective impulse. It implies Paul's earnest and deliberate wish for the Colossians to comprehend the depth of his struggle. It's not a passive hope but an active intention for them to grasp the reality of his pastoral commitment and the spiritual intensity of the situation.
* **Knew (Greek, _eídō'_):** Primarily meaning "to see" (literally or figuratively), in its perfect tense, as used here, it carries the sense of "to know" or "to be aware." Paul desires that they come to a full, experiential understanding or realization of his conflict. It's not just about intellectual assent but a deep apprehension of the spiritual reality of his burden for them.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For I would that ye knew":** Paul begins by expressing a profound personal desire. The conjunction "For" (G1063, _gár_) introduces the reason or explanation for what he has just said or is about to say, connecting his personal struggle to the preceding theological exposition. He wants them to truly grasp, not just intellectually but experientially, the depth of his concern.
* **"what great conflict I have for you":** This is the core of Paul's revelation. The "great conflict" (G2245 _hēlíkos agṓn_) highlights the immense spiritual and emotional struggle he endures. The preposition "for" (G4012 _perí_) indicates that this conflict is "on behalf of" or "concerning" them, directly related to their spiritual welfare and protection from error. It's a wrestling, an agony, undertaken for their sake.
* **"and for them at Laodicea":** Paul extends the scope of his pastoral burden beyond the immediate recipients in Colossae to include the neighboring church in Laodicea (G2993 _Laodíkeia_). This demonstrates his expansive apostolic care, recognizing the interconnectedness of the churches in the region and the similar spiritual challenges they likely faced.
* **"and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh":** This phrase further broadens Paul's concern to encompass all believers whom he has not personally encountered. It underscores the universal nature of his apostolic ministry and his deep commitment to the spiritual health of the entire body of Christ, regardless of personal acquaintance or geographical distance. His struggle is not limited to those he knows but extends to the wider Christian community.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several **literary devices** in this concise verse. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, as "great conflict" (ἀγών) vividly exaggerates the intensity of his struggle, emphasizing the profound spiritual and emotional burden he carries. This is not a literal physical contest but an internal, spiritual wrestling. The use of **Apostolic Pathos** is also evident, as Paul reveals his deep personal emotion and vulnerability to connect with his readers on a more intimate level, demonstrating that his theological arguments are rooted in genuine love and concern. Furthermore, there is a subtle use of **Synecdoche** in "not seen my face in the flesh," where "face" and "flesh" represent his entire physical presence and personal acquaintance, signifying a lack of direct, personal interaction. This device effectively communicates his concern for the broader, unseen Christian community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Colossians 2:1 profoundly illustrates the essence of true pastoral ministry: a deep, self-sacrificial burden for the spiritual well-being of God's people, even those unseen. Paul's "great conflict" is a theological statement about the reality of spiritual warfare and the necessity of intercessory prayer in contending for the truth of the Gospel against deceptive forces. It underscores the profound unity of the body of Christ, where the spiritual health of one community or individual is inextricably linked to the concern and intercession of others, particularly those in leadership. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that the defense of sound doctrine and the nurturing of spiritual maturity are not passive endeavors but require intense spiritual exertion and unwavering commitment.

* [Philippians 1:30](/philippians/1-30 "Philippians 1:30 - Paul's Conflict")
* [1 Thessalonians 2:17](/1_thessalonians/2-17 "1 Thessalonians 2:17 - Paul's Desire to See Them")
* [Romans 15:30](/romans/15-30 "Romans 15:30 - Paul's Plea for Prayer")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's confession in Colossians 2:1 invites us to examine the depth of our own spiritual concern for others. His "great conflict" was not a casual worry but a profound, agonizing burden for the spiritual steadfastness of believers, even those he had never met. This challenges us to move beyond superficial interactions and cultivate a genuine, empathetic love for the wider body of Christ, recognizing that spiritual battles are real and require active engagement. Our prayers for fellow believers, for our local church, and for the global church should be marked by this same intensity and spiritual wrestling. It calls us to vigilance against deceptive teachings and worldly pressures, grounding ourselves and others firmly in the sufficiency of Christ. Paul's example reminds us that true Christian community extends beyond personal acquaintance, demanding a broad, intercessory heart that contends for the truth and spiritual flourishing of all God's people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does Paul's "great conflict" reveal about the nature of true pastoral care and intercessory prayer?**
* **How does this verse challenge my own level of concern for the spiritual well-being of others, both those I know and those in the wider Christian community?**
* **In what ways can I actively engage in "conflict" or spiritual wrestling on behalf of the church and those facing spiritual challenges today?**

### FAQ

**What kind of "conflict" is Paul referring to in Colossians 2:1?**

Answer: The "conflict" Paul refers to (Greek: _agṓn_) is not a physical struggle or a personal dispute, but an intense spiritual and emotional exertion. It signifies a wrestling match, a strenuous effort, or an agony. This "conflict" encompasses his fervent prayers on their behalf, his deep concern for their spiritual steadfastness, and his active opposition to the false teachings and philosophies that threatened to undermine their faith. It's a battle waged in the spiritual realm for the truth of the Gospel and the purity of their faith, reflecting the spiritual warfare described in [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Colossians 2:1, with Paul's declaration of "great conflict," finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Paul's agony for the church mirrors, albeit imperfectly, the infinitely greater agony and conflict that Christ Himself endured for humanity. Jesus's life was a constant "agony" against the forces of sin, death, and the devil, culminating in His Gethsemane struggle and His ultimate sacrifice on the cross. His prayer in [John 17:20-23](/john/17-20-23 "John 17:20-23 - Jesus' Prayer for Unity") for those who would believe through the apostles' message, including those who had not seen His face, perfectly encapsulates the expansive, unseen concern Paul describes. Just as Paul wrestled for the spiritual maturity and protection of believers from deceptive philosophies, Christ, as the Head of the Church and the embodiment of all wisdom and knowledge ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in Whom are Hidden All Treasures")), continually intercedes for His people ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Intercession")). Paul's conflict is a participation in Christ's ongoing work of sanctification and preservation, ensuring that believers are not "carried away by every wind of doctrine" ([Ephesians 4:14](/ephesians/4-14 "Ephesians 4:14 - No Longer Children")). Thus, Paul's pastoral burden is a Christ-shaped burden, flowing from the very heart of the Shepherd who laid down His life for the sheep and continues to contend for their eternal well-being.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Colossians 1:29

Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

Philippians 1:30

Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear [to be] in me.

Colossians 4:12

Epaphras, who is [one] of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

Colossians 4:13

For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them [that are] in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.

Revelation 1:11

Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send [it] unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.

Revelation 3:14

¶ And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;

Revelation 3:22

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.