Colossians 2:1Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

So that it might not seem that the cause of such desire was their weakness, he added others also, and still he does not reproach them.

“Those who have not seen my face in the flesh.” Here he clearly shows that they constantly saw him in spirit, and he testifies to his great love for them.

Therefore he also added: “that their hearts may be comforted.”

“I have a struggle,” he says. For what purpose? That they may be united. This means that they may stand firm in the faith.

But he does not say it in that way, removing everything that tends toward accusation. He wants them to be united by love, not by necessity or force.

As I have said, he instructed them tirelessly and constantly. Therefore he says, “I strive,” because I want this to happen by love and voluntarily.

As he prepares to begin his teaching, he first points to his great love for them, so that he may receive greater trust. He says, "I am anxious for you." But he places alongside them the believers in Laodicea and others, clearly so that they may not be troubled by thinking that their weakness is the reason. Why, then, are you anxious? Do you notice anything evil in us? He says, because you have not seen my face. But he added, "in the flesh," wonderfully showing that they continually saw him in the Spirit.

Great is the labor of the struggle which I perform in prayers, not for you alone, but also for the Laodiceans and for all who have not seen my face in the flesh.

I wish to assure you how great my concern is both for you and for the Laodiceans. It is not only for you and the Laodiceans, but for all, even those who have not yet seen me. That this was the Apostle's meaning is clear also from what follows.

"And as many," καὶ όσοι, "as have not seen my face in the flesh." The Apostle cares not only for those who had seen him, but for all, even those who had not yet seen him. This does not take away from Epaphras the honor of being the founder of the Church of Colossae, and it accords better with the Apostle's care. The Apostle clearly shows that they constantly saw him in spirit.

By all these exhortations, and by applying to himself and to the Colossians what has been said about the mystery of men’s salvation through Jesus Christ, the Apostle prepares the way for his further exhortations and warnings to the Colossians.

It is as though he wishes to dispose them to attention and win their complete trust. For one may say that the main purpose of his whole epistle consists precisely in these exhortations and warnings.

With this aim, among others, the Apostle adds: “I want you to know what great struggle I have for you, and for those in Laodicea and Hierapolis, and for all who have not seen my face in the flesh.”

Having earlier mentioned his apostolic labors and struggles, the Apostle now testifies a second time that the progress of the Colossians and their neighbors also lies within the circle of his concern.

All need to know this, especially those who had not seen the Apostle personally. Rejoicing in the Apostle’s endurance, all were to be stirred by his love and example, and each was to help another attain the possible height of perfect understanding and knowledge of God the Father and Christ.

This includes all the mysteries revealed through His redemption and salvation, which constitute the summit of the most precious wisdom and knowledge, not only human but angelic. Even the angels desired to look into this mystery (1 Pet 1:12).

What the Apostle said above about his labors in general was said so that the Colossians might understand how great his cares are for them and for others.

These others had not heard his instruction personally from him, and therefore were less strengthened in Christian convictions.

Now, with the appearance of false teachers in view, the Apostle makes special efforts to comfort and calm the hearts of the Colossians, which had been troubled by this occurrence.

He also wishes them, having strengthened the bond of love among themselves, to attain the fullness of Christian convictions. These convictions are founded on the exact understanding of the great mystery of the calling of the Gentiles and its meaning, the mystery of God and the Father and of Christ.

Before this he mentioned his labors and struggles in general, in relation to every believer. Now he declares that he has the same concern for them. By this he bears witness to his love for them, so that they may listen obediently and attentively to saving, though somewhat reproving, exhortations and admonitions.

“I want you to know” is a turn of speech usual for the Apostle, like another: “I do not want you to be ignorant.” “I want you to know” is not the same as the cold phrase, “I inform you.”

It expresses the need of a loving heart that the beloved not doubt that it regards his good as its own, and cares for him sincerely. “I desire to assure you” (Blessed Theodoret).