Colossians 4:8

“Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, etc.] That is, to relate to them his affairs both temporal and spiritual; and also, that he might know your estate. The Arabic version renders it, “that I may know your estate” by him when he returned again; as whether they continued steadfast in the Gospel, and observed the order, ordinances, and discipline of it; how it prospered, and was succeeded among them, to their comfort and edification, and to the conversion of others; and what reception the false teachers had among them; and what love, concord, and harmony were among themselves; or what were their afflictions and distresses from their enemies. The Ethiopic version renders it, “that ye…”

“for the same purpose--Greek, "for this very purpose." that he might know your estate--Translate, "that he may know your state": answering to Col 4:7. So one very old manuscript and Vulgate read. But the oldest manuscripts and the old Latin versions, "that YE may know OUR state." However, the latter reading seems likely to have crept in from Eph 6:22. Paul was the more anxious to know the state of the Colossians, on account of the seductions to which they were exposed from false teachers; owing to which he had "great conflict for" them (Col 2:1). comfort your hearts--distressed as ye are by my imprisonment, as well as by your own trials.”

“All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you - See these verses explained in the notes at Ephesians 6:21-22. return to 'Top of Page'”

“I have: Co1 4:17; Co2 12:18; Eph 6:22; Phi 2:28; Th1 3:5 and comfort: Col 2:2; Isa 40:1, Isa 61:2, Isa 61:3; Co2 1:4, Co2 2:7; Th1 2:11, Th1 3:2, Th1 4:18, Th1 5:11, Th1 5:14; Th2 2:17 Colossians 4:9”