Colossians 1:9-14
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For this verse, I have used both black and blue color coding. The initial segment of the verse is specific to the Colossians, hence the black coding. However, as we delve deeper into the content of the prayer, it becomes clear that the sentiments and requests expressed are applicable to members of the Body of Christ today. Consequently, this portion of the verse has been coded in blue to indicate its ongoing relevance and applicability.
Moving forward, we will interpret the 2nd person plural pronouns (subject = ye, object = you) as being applicable to the Body of Christ. This interpretation will be maintained unless there is strong evidence suggesting that Paul is addressing a matter specific only to the Colossian context.
Paul's wish for his followers is to have a comprehensive understanding or knowledge of God's will. The Greek term 'ἐπίγνωσις' (epignosis) intensifies the word "knowledge," implying a precise and thorough understanding. He further clarifies this with the phrase "in all wisdom and spiritual understanding," which provides additional detail on how this filling will be accomplished. Thus “knowledge of his will” is the goal, and “wisdom and spiritual understanding” is the process.
In times past, knowing God's will was fairly straightforward. The people simply followed the pillar of fire by night and the pillar of cloud by day (Exodus 13:21). They obeyed the "thou shalt" and "thou shalt not" commands of the Mosaic Law, which acted as a form of checklist for obedience. However, "now that faith has come" (Galatians 3:25), the dynamic has changed. Obedience is no longer about simply following a set of rules. Instead, it is about having a personal relationship with God and understanding His will on a deeper level. This is why there is a need for "wisdom and spiritual understanding" in full measure, in order to truly have the "knowledge of His will."
However, it should be noted that this does not imply a need for a mystical experience to gain knowledge of His will. Instead, it requires a comprehensive understanding of His revelation through His word and applying that knowledge in a wise and spiritually mature manner. This points towards a practical application of God’s word in our daily lives, rather than a purely experiential or mystical apprehension.
Knowing God's will (v. 9) leads to a significant byproduct: the ability to "walk worthy of the Lord" (v. 10). This walk is then characterized in several manners. Firstly, it involves "being fruitful in every good work," which essentially means to produce good works or deeds that mirror God's values and principles. Secondly, it includes "increasing in the knowledge of God," signifying an ongoing process of understanding and knowing God at a deeper level. Lastly, it involves being "strengthened with all might," which culminates in patience and longsuffering with joyfulness. These characteristics portray an enduring and resilient faith that is accompanied by a sense of joy despite enduring hardships or trials.
We should note that though we are not saved by good works nor unto good works, growing in a knowledge of God's will certainly has a fruit of good works. Yet, even then, these good works should and can never be evidence for a faith in the Lord since the ability to perform good works is largely contextual, depending on opportunities of health, family, location, finances, and more.
Verse 12 presents a significant interpretive challenge. First, who is giving thanks here? Is it the Colossians, who are mentioned as being strengthened in verse 11, or is it Paul and Timothy, noted for praying in verse 9? Although either interpretation is grammatically possible, I favor Paul and Timothy as the ones giving thanks.
With this interpretation, it is Paul and Timothy who are deemed fit to partake in the inheritance. Therefore, this phrase should not be associated with the Colossians, at least directly, if at all. This interpretation aligns with the use of the first-person plural 'us', which I believe refers to Paul and Timothy.
The majority, which interprets 'us' as referring to both the Colossian church and the broader Body of Christ, needs to explain why Paul used the second-person plural in verses 9-11, switched to the first-person plural in verses 12-14, and then, after a parenthetical statement in verses 15-20, returned to the second-person plural in verse 21. It seems to me to be a careless interpretation of grammar to assume "us" and "you" represent the same group.
"The inheritance of the saints in light" is defined in Matthew 25:34 as "the kingdom prepared from the foundation of the world." If this inheritance applies to all believers, another passage of scripture without specific pronouns would need to be referenced as evidence.
This grammatical analysis leads to deeper theological questions. Why would Paul and Timothy, both Jews, need to be made fit to partake? The answer lies in the evidence of their actions that contradicted their faith. Paul persecuted the church, and Timothy, despite his familiarity with the Scriptures, was not circumcised. Such overt rejection of God's Messiah and covenant guidelines would exclude them from participation.