Colossians 2:1

“For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, etc.] This is occasioned by what he had said in (<510129>Colossians 1:29), that he laboured and strove according to the energy of divine power in him, to present every man perfect in Christ; and lest these Colossians should think that these labours and strivings of his were only for all and every of those persons among whom he was, and to whom he personally preached, he would have them know, observe, and assure themselves, that the great conflict, strife, and agony, in which he was engaged, was for them also; by which he means, his fervent prayers and wrestlings with God, the conflicts he had in his own mind, with his own spirit,…”

“HIS STRIVINGS IN PRAYER FOR THEIR STEADFASTNESS IN CHRIST; FROM WHOM HE WARNS THEM NOT TO BE LED AWAY BY FALSE WISDOM. (Col. 2:1-23) For--He explains in what respect he "labored striving" (Col 1:29). Translate as Greek, "I wish you to know how great a conflict (the same Greek word as in Col 1:29, "agony of a conflict" of fervent, anxious prayer; not conflict with the false teachers, which would have been impossible for him now in prison) I have for you." them at Laodicea--exposed to the same danger from false teachers as the Colossians (compare Col 4:16). This danger was probably the cause of his writing to Laodicea, as well as to Colosse. not seen my face in the flesh--including those in…”

“For I would that ye knew - I wish you knew or fully understood. He supposes that this would deeply affect them if they understood the solicitude which he had had on their account. What great conflict - Margin, fear, or care. The Greek word is “agony” - ἀγῶνα agōna. It is not, however, the word rendered “agony” in Luke 22:44 - ἀγωνία agōnia - though that is derived from this. The word is rendered conflict in Philippians 1:30; contention, 1 Thessalonians 2:2; fight, 1 Timothy 6:12; 2 Timothy 4:7; and race, Hebrews 12:1. It properly refers to the combats, contests, struggles, efforts at the public games; the toil and conflict to obtain a victory. It refers here to the anxious care, the…”

“How great a conflict - Of care, desire, prayer. As many as have not seen my face - Therefore, in writing to the Colossians, he refrains from those familiar appellations, "Brethren," "Beloved." Colossians 2:2”

“2:1-5 Paul introduces his concern to strengthen his relationship with the Colossians, whom he had not met, and to counter the heretical ideas which threatened their Christian community. • Laodicea was located 10 miles northwest of Colosse.”

“what: Col 1:24, Col 1:29, Col 4:12; Gen 30:8, Gen 32:24-30; Hos 12:3, Hos 12:4; Luk 22:44; Gal 4:19; Phi 1:30; Th1 2:2; Heb 5:7 conflict: or, fear, or, care at: Col 4:13, Col 4:15, Col 4:16; Rev 1:11, Rev 3:14-22 not: Col 2:5; Act 20:25, Act 20:38; Pe1 1:8 Colossians 2:2”