Colossians 1:11

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does Colossians 1:11 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “strengthened with all power, according to the might of his glory, unto all patience and longsuffering with joy;” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

strengthened with all power, according to the might of his glory, unto all patience and longsuffering with joy;
Colossians 1:11 — American Standard Version

Context — Colossians 1

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
11strengthened with all power, according to the might of his glory, unto all patience and longsuffering with joy;

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Strengthened with all might, etc.] This is still a continuation of the apostle's prayer for these believers; for having prayed for an increase of spiritual knowledge, and that this might be put into practice, he proceeds to pray for strength for them, that they might be enabled to practise what they had knowledge of; to walk worthily, to please God in all things, to bring forth fruit with patience, to persevere in knowledge, practice, fruitfulness, and in an increase thereof. It implies, that believers are weak in themselves, and insufficient to do or bear anything of themselves, but stand in need of strength from above, even of “all might”; of all kind of spiritual might and strength,…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Greek, "Being made mighty with (literally, 'in') all might." according to his glorious power--rather, "according to the power (the characteristic of 'His glory,' here appropriate to Paul's argument, Eph 1:19; Eph 6:10; as its exuberant 'riches,' in Eph 3:16) of His glory." His power is inseparable from His glory (Rom 6:4). unto all patience--so as to attain to all patient endurance; persevering, enduring continuance in the faith, in spite of trials of persecutors, and seductions of false teachers. long-suffering--towards those whom one could repel. "Patience," or "endurance," is exercised in respect to those whom one cannot repel [CHRYSOSTOM]. with joyfulness--joyful endurance (Act 16:25;…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Strengthened with all might - This was also an object of Paul’s earnest prayer. He desired that they might be strengthened for the performance of duty; to meet temptations; and to bear up under the various trials of life. According to his glorious power - Not by any human means, but by the power of God. There is a manifestation of power in the spirit with which Christians are enabled to bear up under trials, which shows that it is not of human origin. It is the power which God gives them in the day of trial. This power is “glorious,” or, as it is in the Greek, it is the “power of his glory.” It is manifestly the power of the great and glorious God, and it tends to promote his glory, and to…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Strengthened unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness - This is the highest point: not only to know, to do, to suffer, the whole will of God; but to suffer it to the end, not barely with patience, but with thankful joy. Colossians 1:12”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Strengthened: Isa 45:24; Co2 12:9; Eph 3:16, Eph 6:10; Phi 4:13 his: Exo 15:6; Psa 63:2; Act 1:8; Co2 4:7; Jde 1:25 unto: Pro 24:10; Act 5:41; Rom 2:7, Rom 5:3-5; Co2 6:4-6, Co2 12:9, Co2 12:10; Eph 4:2; Th1 3:3, Th1 3:4; Ti2 2:1-3; Heb 10:34-38, Heb 11:34-38, Heb 12:1, Heb 12:2; Jam 1:2-4; Jam 5:7, Jam 5:8; Pe2 1:6; Rev 14:12 Colossians 1:12”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification