Colossians 1:9 Exposition and Application to Christian Life
Exposition of Colossians 1:9
Colossians 1:9 reads, "For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding" [1]. This verse is part of Paul's prayer for the Colossian believers, expressing his desire for their spiritual growth.
The phrase "knowledge of his will" is crucial, as it highlights the importance of understanding God's plan and purposes. The term "knowledge" (epignosis) implies a deep and intimate understanding, rather than mere intellectual awareness [2]. Paul prays that the Colossians might be filled with this knowledge, indicating a desire for a profound and comprehensive grasp of God's will.
The context of this verse is Paul's thanksgiving and prayer for the Colossians, as he reflects on their faith, love, and hope (Col 1:3-8). He is thankful for their reception of the gospel and prays that they might continue to grow in their understanding of God's will [3].
The phrase "in all wisdom and spiritual understanding" further emphasizes the nature of the knowledge Paul desires for the Colossians. "Wisdom" (sophia) refers to the practical application of knowledge, while "spiritual understanding" (sunesis pneumatikē) implies a comprehension guided by the Holy Spirit [2]. This suggests that Paul is praying for the Colossians to not only understand God's will intellectually but also to live it out in a way that is guided by the Spirit.
Application to Christian Life
The application of Colossians 1:9 to Christian life is multifaceted. Firstly, it highlights the importance of prayer for spiritual growth and understanding. Paul's example encourages believers to pray for one another, that they might be filled with the knowledge of God's will [4].
Secondly, the verse emphasizes the need for a deep and intimate understanding of God's will. This requires a commitment to spiritual growth and a willingness to be guided by the Holy Spirit. As Calvin notes, the Christian life is characterized by a desire for righteousness and a willingness to regulate one's life according to God's will [5].
The patristic tradition also underscores the importance of spiritual understanding. The early church fathers, such as Origen, emphasized the need for a spiritual interpretation of Scripture, which is in line with Paul's prayer for the Colossians [6].
Sources
- King James Version “[KJV] 1 Thessalonians 1:9 — For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;”
- Colossians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Colossians 1:9: 1:9-10 Paul prays that God would grant his readers deeper understanding of the Good News and its full expression in their lives. Spiritual growth yields a clearer and deeper comprehension of Christian truth and conduct that pleases the Lord, through which a believer will have the endurance and patience to stand firm against evil (1:11).”
- Colossians (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Colossians 1 (introduction): We have here, I. The inscription, as usual (Col 1:1, Col 1:2). II. His thanksgiving to God for what he had heard concerning them - their faith, love, and hope (Col 1:3-8). III. His prayer for their knowledge, fruitfulness, and strength (Col 1:9-11). IV. An admirable summary of the Christian doctrine concerning the operation of the Spirit, the person of the Redeemer, the work of redemption, and the preaching of it in the gospel (v. 12-29).”
- Romans (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Romans 1:9: For God . . . whom I serve--the word denotes religious service. with my spirit--from my inmost soul. in the gospel of his Son--to which Paul's whole religious life and official activity were consecrated. is my witness, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers--so for the Ephesians (Eph 1:15-16); so for the Philippians (Phi 1:3-4); so for the Colossians (Col 1:3-4); so for the Thessalonians (Th1 1:2-3). What catholic love, what all-absorbing spirituality, what impassioned devotion to the glory of Christ among men!”
- CCEL (Reformed) “John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, section 61: 2001 CHAPTER 6. THE LIFE OF A CHRISTIAN MAN. SCRIPTURAL ARGUMENTS EXHORTING TO IT. This and the four following chapters treat of the Life of the Christian, and are so arranged as to admit of being classed under two principal heads. First, it must be held to be an universally acknowledged point, that no man is a Christian who does not feel some special love for righteousness, chap. 6. Secondly, in regard to the standard by which every man ought to regulate his life, although it seems to be considered in chap. 7 only, yet the three f”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “ANF Vol 4: Tertullian IV, Minucius Felix, Commodian, Origen — CHAP. XXVIII.: And since this Jew of Celsus makes it a subject of reproach that Christians should make use of the prophets, who predicted the events of Christ's life, we have to say, in addition to what we have already advanced upon this head, that it became him to spare individuals, as he says, and to expound the prophecies themselves, and after admitting the probability of the Christian interpretation of them, to show how the use which they make of them may be overturned.[1] For in this way he would not appear hastily to assume so”