“For I wish you to know [that is, to understand] how greatly I agonize [or strive in every way] for you and for them at Laodicea, and for all who have not seen my face in the flesh” (Colossians 2:1).

Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians are very much alike. In these three epistles of the Apostle Paul we find many of the same thoughts and expressions almost word for word and in these epistles we find some of the most spiritual and wonderful expressions that there are in the New Testament. Colossians 2 begins, “For,” and the thought linked by that conjunction refers to something previously stated. This would be the last two verses of the preceding chapter.

Paul has just finished speaking there of the riches of the glory of a “mystery” among the gentiles which is, “Christ in you the hope of glory.” This “mystery” is the development of a Christ-like nature, disposition, and new creature in you as a member of the body of Christ. Our Lord is the head, and we have the hope of sharing his glory, the glory of the divine nature and all that is associated with it. When we admonish every “man” (Colossians 1:28) and teach every “man” in all “wisdom” – that is, very carefully, very prayerfully – our aim is that we may present every “man” perfected in Christ.

We can see from Paul’s life and works, from the suffering he endured, from the things he accomplished, and from the messages he wrote, that the Lord was working through him with a great deal of power. Paul was given more visions and revelations than all the other apostles up to that point. Some of these visions and revelations were things that were not lawful to be uttered. What assurance this gives to us that Paul is relating the message from the Lord.

What an encouragement when Paul writes, “For I would have you know how greatly I strive for you.” To me this seems not nearly as wonderful or as beautiful as the text itself from the Greek-English Diaglott rendering. The first word in the Greek text is the word “wish” and it was put first because it is the most important word in the sentence. The thought is that his “wish” is a deep, strong one. We might fittingly render this, “I wish you to know how greatly I strive for you.”

But he wants them to “know,” and the word for “know” is not the usual word we might expect, but rather it is a word that means, “to see” or “perceive.” That is, to perceive or understand with the mind. And this position of emphasis in the sentence means that Paul has a very strong desire that the brethren might enjoy and realize how important the calling of each member is, how great its cost is, and also the depth of his love for them. This word for “strive” is the same root from which we get the word “agony.” The thought was a desperate, a very intense struggle of the mind and the heart in prayer, and wish and every effort to help them to make their calling and election sure.

The apostle himself realized by the visions and revelations that were given him what experiences were yet before the church. How great a glory! How wonderful a blessing! How certain the help the Lord would have for us along every step of the way! Jesus understood it. He had passed through it, and being the head, he understood it all. Both Jesus and Paul suffered and agonized in order that you and I might be sufficiently convinced that we would hold on faithfully until the end of the way.

They agonized in order that we would never give up. As Paul says in Hebrews, “Cast not away therefore your confidence which hath grave recompense and reward.” Also he said that we are made “partakers,” that is sharers with Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end. And the holding “steadfast” in the Greek has the thought of putting your foot down upon it – you are determined not to let it get away from you. Though many had not seen him personally, such as those of Laodicea, he nevertheless was praying, hoping, struggling, and writing for them and for the others that they all might be strengthened, encouraged, lifted up, and that their hearts might be comforted.

– adapted from a discourse by Bro. John A. Meggison

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