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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Colossians 2:1–3. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
We may observe here the great concern which Paul had for these Colossians and the other churches which he had not any personal knowledge of. The apostle had never been at Colosse, and the church planted there was not of his planting; and yet he had as tender a care of it as if it had been the only people of his charge (Col 2:1): For I would that you knew what great conflict I have for you, and for those at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh. Observe, 1. Paul's care of the church was such as amounted to a conflict. He was in a sort of agony, and had a constant fear respecting what would become of them. Herein he was a follower of his Master, who was in an agony for us, and was heard in that he feared. (2.) We may keep up a communion by faith, hope, and holy love, even with those churches and fellow-christians of whom we have no personal knowledge, and with whom we have no conversation. We can think, and pray, and be concerned for one another, at the greatest distance; and those we never saw in the flesh we may hope to meet in heaven. But,
I.What was it that the apostle desired for them? That their hearts may be comforted, being knit together in love, etc., Col 2:2.
It was their spiritual welfare about which he was solicitous. He does not say that they may be healthy, and merry, and rich, and great, and prosperous; but that their hearts may be comforted. Note, The prosperity of the soul is the best prosperity, and what we should be most solicitous about for ourselves and others. We have here a description of soul-prosperity.
1.When our knowledge grows to an understanding of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ, - when we come to have a more clear, distinct, methodical knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus, then the soul prospers: To understand the mystery, either what was before concealed, but is now made known concerning the Father and Christ, or the mystery before mentioned, of calling the Gentiles into the Christian church, as the Father and Christ have revealed it in the gospel; and not barely to speak of it by rote, or as we have been taught it by our catechisms, but to be led into it, and enter into the meaning and design of it. This is what we should labour after, and then the soul prospers.
2.When our faith grows to a full assurance and bold acknowledgment of this mystery.
(1.)To a full assurance, or a well-settled judgment, upon their proper evidence, of the great truths of the gospel, without doubting, or calling them in question, but embracing them with the highest satisfaction, as faithful sayings and worthy of all acceptation.
(2.)When it comes to a free acknowledgment, and we not only believe with the heart, but are ready, when called to it, to make confession with our mouth, and are not ashamed of our Master and our holy religion, under the frowns and violence of their enemies. This is called the riches of the full assurance of understanding. Great knowledge and strong faith make a soul rich. This is being rich towards God, and rich in faith, and having the true riches, Luk 12:21; Luk 16:11; Jam 2:5.
3.It consists in the abundance of comfort in our souls: That their hearts might be comforted. The soul prospers when it is filled with joy and peace (Rom 15:13), and has a satisfaction within which all the troubles without cannot disturb, and is able to joy in the Lord when all other comforts fail, Hab 3:17, Hab 3:18.
4.The more intimate communion we have with our fellow-christians the more the soul prospers: Being knit together in love. Holy love knits the hearts of Christians one to another; and faith and love both contribute to our comfort. The stronger our faith is, and the warmer our love, the greater will our comfort be. Having occasion to mention Christ (Col 2:2), according to his usual way, he makes this remark to his honour (Col 2:3): In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. He had said (Col 1:19) that all fulness dwells in him: here he mentions particularly the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. There is a fulness of wisdom in him, as he has perfectly revealed the will of God to mankind. Observe, The treasures of wisdom are hidden not from us, but for us, in Christ. Those who would be wise and knowing must make application to Christ. We must spend upon the stock which is laid up for us in him, and draw from the treasures which are hidden in him. He is the wisdom of God, and is of God made unto us wisdom, etc., Co1 1:24, Co1 1:30.
II.His concern for them is repeated (Col 2:5):
Though I am absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying, and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ. Observe,
1.We may be present in spirit with those churches and Christians from whom we are absent in body; for the communion of saints is a spiritual thing. Paul had heard concerning the Colossians that they were orderly and regular; and though he had never seen them, nor was present with them, he tells them he could easily think himself among them, and look with pleasure upon their good behaviour.
2.The order and stedfastness of Christians are matter of joy to ministers; they joy when they behold their order, their regular behaviour and stedfast adherence to the Christian doctrine.
3.The more stedfast our faith in Christ is, the better order there will be in our whole conversation; for we live and walk by faith, Co2 5:7; Heb 10:38.
Historical interpretation
Two Centuries of Reception
2 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
For that the knowledge does not appertain to all, he expressly adds: "Being knit together in love, and unto all the riches of the full assurance of knowledge, to the acknowledgment of the mystery of God in Christ, in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and of knowledge.".
And again in another place he says: "To the acknowledgment of the mystery of God in Christ, in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."
Now henceforward he is hastening and in pangs to enter upon the doctrine, neither accusing them, nor clearing them of accusation. "I strive," he saith. To what end? That they may be knit together. What he means is something like this; that they may stand firm in the faith. He doth not however so express himself; but extenuates the matter of accusation. That is, that they may be united with love, not with necessity nor with force. For as I have said, he always avoids offending, by leaving it to themselves; and therefore "striving," because I wish it to be with love, and willingly. For I do not wish it to be with the lips merely, nor merely that they shall be brought together, but "that their hearts may be comforted."
"Being knit together in love unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding." That is, that they may doubt about nothing, that they may be fully assured in all things. But I meant full assurance which is by faith, for there is a full assurance which cometh by arguments, but that is worthy of no consideration. I know, he saith, that ye believe, but I would have you fully assured: not "unto riches" only, but "unto all riches"; that your full assurance may be intense, as well as in all things. And observe the wisdom of this blessed one. He said not, "Ye do ill that ye are not fully assured," nor accused them; but, ye know not how desirous I am that ye may be fully assured, and not merely so, but with understanding. For seeing he spoke of faith; suppose not, he saith, that I meant barely and unprofitably, but with understanding and love. "That they may know the mystery of God the Father and of Christ." So that this is the mystery of God, the being brought unto Him by the Son. "And of Christ, in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." But if they are in Him, then wisely also no doubt He came at this time. Wherefore then do some foolish persons object to Him, "See how He discourseth with the simpler sort." "In whom are all the treasures." He himself knows all things. "Hid," for think not in truth that ye already have all; they are hidden also even from Angels, not, from you only; so that you ought to ask all things from Him. He himself giveth wisdom and knowledge. Now by saying, "treasures," he shows their largeness, by "All," that He is ignorant of nothing, by "hid," that He alone knoweth.
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Summary
Colossians 2:2 encapsulates the Apostle Paul's fervent prayer for the believers in Colossae, expressing his profound desire for their spiritual well-being and resilience against encroaching false teachings. He prays that their hearts might be comforted and unified in love, leading them into the abundant riches of a confident and complete understanding of divine truth. The ultimate aim of this spiritual stability and insight is a full acknowledgement of the profound mystery of God, which is fully revealed in the person and work of the Father and Christ.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse immediately follows Paul's declaration of his intense struggle and labor for the Colossian believers and others he had not met personally (Colossians 2:1). It serves as the direct articulation of the spiritual blessings he desires for them as a result of this struggle. The prayer in Colossians 2:2 sets the stage for Paul's subsequent warnings against the various philosophical and religious deceptions threatening the church, which he addresses in detail from Colossians 2:4-23. Thus, this verse is not merely a general benediction but a specific prayer for the spiritual fortification necessary to withstand doctrinal error.
Historical & Cultural Context: The church in Colossae was facing a complex blend of false teachings, often referred to as the "Colossian heresy." This heresy appears to have combined elements of Jewish legalism (e.g., dietary laws, festivals, circumcision), ascetic practices (severe self-discipline), angel worship, and a philosophical system that emphasized secret knowledge (proto-Gnosticism) and diminished the unique supremacy of Christ. These teachings threatened to lead believers away from the simple sufficiency of Christ for salvation and spiritual growth. Paul's prayer for comfort, unity, understanding, and acknowledgement of the mystery of God in Christ directly counters these specific threats by grounding the Colossians firmly in the truth of the Gospel, centered entirely on Jesus Christ.
Key Themes:
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
From Strong's G3870, this word means "to call near, i.e. invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)." It encompasses more than mere emotional solace; it implies strengthening, encouraging, and exhorting. Paul desires that the Colossians be inwardly strengthened and supported, enabling them to stand firm amidst trials and false teachings. This comfort is not passive but an active empowerment.
From Strong's G4822, this term signifies "to drive together, i.e. unite (in association or affection), (mentally) to infer, show, teach." It denotes a strong, purposeful joining, much like the interlocking fibers of a knitted fabric or the close integration of a body's parts. It emphasizes a deep, organic unity within the community of believers, a coherence of mind and heart that resists fragmentation.
From Strong's G4136, this word means "entire confidence." It signifies a complete conviction, full confidence, or abundant certainty. It suggests a state of mind where one is fully persuaded and leaves no room for wavering or doubt, signifying a deep, unshakeable grasp of truth that is both intellectual and experiential.
Verse Breakdown
"That their hearts might be comforted"
Paul's earnest prayer begins with a desire for internal strength and solace for the Colossian believers. The "hearts" (Greek kardía) represent the center of their being—their thoughts, feelings, will, and spiritual life. This comfort is a divine strengthening against the anxieties and uncertainties caused by external pressures and false doctrines.
"being knit together in love"
This clause reveals the means and context through which comfort is experienced and sustained. True comfort and stability are found within a community that is organically and purposefully unified by agápē love. This unity is not superficial but a deep, cohesive bond that enables mutual support and collective resilience.
"and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding"
The unity in love leads to a profound spiritual outcome: a rich, abundant, and complete certainty in their grasp of divine truth. This "full assurance" (Greek plērophoría) is an unwavering conviction that banishes doubt and provides deep stability, protecting them from the deceptive arguments of false teachers. It is not just intellectual assent but a deep, experiential knowledge.
"to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ"
This is the ultimate goal and culmination of the comfort, unity, and understanding. The "acknowledgement" (Greek epígnōsis) signifies a full, experiential knowledge and recognition. The "mystery of God" refers to God's previously hidden plan of salvation, now fully revealed. Paul clarifies that this mystery is found in the triune expression of "God, and of the Father, and of Christ," emphasizing that Christ is the very embodiment and revelation of God's saving purpose and nature.
Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs several literary devices in Colossians 2:2 to convey his profound spiritual desire. The phrase "knit together in love" is a powerful Metaphor that vividly portrays the desired unity within the believing community. It evokes the image of a tightly woven fabric or interconnected limbs, emphasizing organic cohesion, strength, and mutual reliance, in contrast to the fragmentation that false teaching could cause. The expression "all riches of the full assurance of understanding" utilizes Hyperbole and Emphasis to underscore the completeness and abundance of the spiritual certainty Paul desires for them. "All riches" suggests an overflowing, limitless treasure of confident knowledge, far beyond superficial acquaintance. Finally, the concluding phrase "of God, and of the Father, and of Christ" employs a form of Climax or Triadic Structure, building from the general "God" to the intimate "Father," and culminating in "Christ." This structure emphasizes that Christ is the ultimate and most complete revelation of the divine mystery, the very embodiment of God's saving plan, and the focal point of all true understanding.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Colossians 2:2 is a profound theological statement on the nature of Christian community, knowledge, and revelation. It underscores that spiritual maturity and resilience are not solitary pursuits but are deeply intertwined with communal life. The comfort and understanding Paul prays for are fostered within a loving, unified body of believers, highlighting the essential role of the church as a bulwark against error. The verse also emphasizes that true understanding is not merely intellectual but involves a "full assurance" – a deep, confident conviction that stabilizes the soul. Crucially, this understanding culminates in the "acknowledgement of the mystery of God... and of Christ," asserting Christ's centrality as the ultimate revelation of God's person and plan. All genuine knowledge of God finds its apex and coherence in Him, providing the antidote to any philosophy or teaching that attempts to diminish His unique supremacy. This Christocentric focus is foundational to Paul's entire argument in Colossians.
Reflection and Application
Colossians 2:2 offers timeless principles for believers navigating a complex world filled with competing ideologies and spiritual claims. It calls us to cultivate a faith that is both deeply communal and intellectually robust. In an age often marked by individualism and superficiality, Paul's prayer reminds us that spiritual comfort and resilience are often found in being "knit together in love" with other believers. This means actively pursuing unity, offering comfort, and fostering genuine relationships within our church communities. Furthermore, the call to "all riches of the full assurance of understanding" challenges us to move beyond shallow faith or borrowed opinions. We are encouraged to diligently study God's Word, seek deep theological insight, and allow the Holy Spirit to cultivate an unwavering conviction in the truths of the Gospel. This deep understanding is our primary defense against the subtle deceptions and intellectual fads of our time. Ultimately, our pursuit of truth must culminate in a profound "acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ," ensuring that Christ remains the supreme and sufficient center of our faith, our knowledge, and our lives.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "mystery of God" mean in Paul's writings?
In Paul's writings, the term "mystery" (Greek: mystḗrion) does not refer to something unknowable or obscure. Instead, it denotes a divine truth that was previously hidden or partially revealed in the Old Testament but has now been fully disclosed by God, primarily through the person and work of Jesus Christ and the preaching of the Gospel. In Colossians 2:2, and indeed throughout the book, this mystery is unequivocally identified with Christ Himself. He is the embodiment of God's eternal plan for salvation and reconciliation. As Paul explains in Romans 16:25-26, this mystery has been "kept secret for long ages past, but now revealed."
How does "knit together in love" relate to church unity today?
The phrase "knit together in love" (Greek: symbibázō in agápē) speaks to a deep, organic, and purposeful unity within the body of Christ. It implies more than mere agreement; it suggests an interlocking of lives, a mutual dependence, and a shared affection that binds believers together. In today's context, it calls the church to move beyond superficial fellowship to cultivate genuine, Christ-like love that fosters deep relationships, mutual comfort, and collective strength. This unity, rooted in agápē love, is crucial for the church's resilience against internal divisions and external pressures, enabling believers to stand firm together in truth, as admonished in Ephesians 4:1-3.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Colossians 2:2 finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "mystery of God" that Paul speaks of is not an abstract concept but is fully and perfectly embodied in Christ Himself. He is the source of all true comfort, for it is through His Spirit that believers are strengthened and consoled in their hearts (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). It is Christ who "knits together" His body, the church, in love, for He is the head from whom the whole body is joined and held together (Ephesians 4:15-16). Furthermore, the "riches of the full assurance of understanding" are found exclusively in Him, for as Paul declares in the very next verse, "in Him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3). He is the ultimate revelation of the Father, for "Whoever has seen me has seen the Father" (John 14:9). Thus, Paul's prayer for the Colossians to acknowledge the mystery of God, the Father, and Christ is a prayer for them to fully embrace and live in the sufficiency and supremacy of Jesus Christ, who is the sum and substance of all divine truth and the foundation of all genuine spiritual life.