When Paul tells the Colossians that he is praying for them, he specifically outlines what he is praying. Luckily for us, Paul’s prayers are sermons in and of themselves. We can appropriate Paul’s prayers for ourselves, and we can pray Paul’s words over others. The insight that this prayer brings to us is quite deep. This prayer is the religion of man. While there are misdirected religions, Paul sums up the religion that all men should espouse. It is not a denomination, it is the simple basic principals to which all other religions should compare to, on our search for the Creator. Paul also tells us a secret.
The separation of the verses in Colossians is a little quirky. It seems like Paul uses a lot of run-on sentences, but this is probably due to Paul reciting this to someone who was scribing it. Therefore we have to bear with the sentence divisions and try to keep Paul’s thoughts together.
Paul writes to the Colossians and tells them that he and Timothy are praying and thanking God for them.
Colossians 1:1-3 (KJV)
1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother,
2 To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,
Paul then points out the pistis and agape that the Colossians have for the saints. Why do the Colossians have faith and love for others?
Colossians 1:4 G191 having heard G3588 the G4102 belief G1473 of yours G1722 in G5547 Christ G* Jesus, G2532 and G3588 the G26 love, G3588 the one G1519 towards G3956 all G3588 the G39 holy ones,
4102
πίστις
pistis pis'-tis From G3982; persuasion, that is, credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly constancy in such profession; by extension the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself
KJV Usage: assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity.
26
ἀγάπη
agapē ag-ah'-pay From G25; love, that is, affection or benevolence; specifically (plural) a love feast KJV Usage: (feast of) charity ([-ably]), dear, love.
The faith and love towards the saints that the Colossians had was by means of the hope of heaven. What is the hope of heaven? What hope is reserved in the heavens?
Colossians 1:5 G1223 on account of G3588 the G1680 hope, G3588 the one G606 being reserved G1473 for you G1722 in G3588 the G3772 heavens, G3739 which G4257 you heard before G1722 in G3588 the G3056 word G3588 of the G225 truth G3588 of the G2098 good news,
1680 LSJ Gloss:ἐλπίς hope, expectation
Dodson:ἐλπίς hope, expectation hope, expectation, trust, confidence.
Thayer:
1) expectation of evil, fear
2) expectation of good, hope
2a) in the Christian sense
2a1) joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation
3) on hope, in hope, having hope
3a) the author of hope, or he who is its foundation
3b) the thing hoped for
ἐλπίς
elpis el-pece' From ἔλπω elpō which is a primary word (to anticipate, usually with pleasure); expectation (abstract or concrete) or confidence KJV Usage: faith, hope.
606 LSJ Gloss:ἀπόκειμαι to be laid away
Dodson:ἀπόκειμαι I have been put away, am stored, am reserved for.
Thayer:
1) to be laid away, laid by, reserved
2) reserved for one, awaiting him
ἀπόκειμαι
apokeimai ap-ok'-i-mahee From G575 and G2749; to be reserved; figuratively to await KJV Usage: be appointed, (be) laid up.
They had faith and love towards the saints because of the religious hope that is reserved in the heavens which they heard, which was the logos, word, of alētheia, truth, the euaggelion, the gospel. James tells us that true religion is to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction and to stay uncontaminated from the world. The Colossians had faith and love for the saints because they knew the hope of heaven. They knew that heaven was ahead of them, appointed for them. This is the word of truth of the gospel that they had heard. This is the religion of man, the good news that there is a hope in heaven, reserved for us. This is how people are sustained in doing the works that James suggests, because heaven is reserved for us. This hope is in us and it’s the word of truth of the good news.
Colossians 1:6 G3588 the one G3918 being at hand G1519 in G1473 you, G2531 as G2532 also G1722 in G3956 all G3588 the G2889 world, G2532 and G1510.2.3 is G2592 bearing fruit, G2531 as G2532 also G1722 among G1473 you G575 from G3739 which G2250 day G191 you heard G2532 and G1921 realized G3588 the G5484 favor G3588 G2316 of God G1722 in G225 truth;
1921
ἐπιγινώσκω
epiginōskō ep-ig-in-oce'-ko From G1909 and G1097; to know upon some mark, that is, recognise; by implication to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge KJV Usage: (ac-, have, take) know (-ledge, well), perceive.
5484
χάριν
charin khar'-in Accusative case of G5485 as preposition; through favor of, that is, on account of KJV Usage: be- (for) cause of, for sake of, + . . . fore, X reproachfully.
The gospel is bearing fruit because of their faith and love. It is not just new believers who are the fruit, it is also the blessing that they are receiving in their own lives. The fruit is in them from the day they heard the gospel because they knew the favor of God in truth. Epaphras was the one who shared the good news with the Colossians.
Colossians 1:7 G2531 as G2532 also G3129 you learned G575 from G* Epaphras G3588 the G27 beloved G4889 fellow-servant G1473 of ours, G3739 who G1510.2.3 is G4103 a trustworthy G5228 [2for G1473 3you G1249 1servant] G3588 of the G5547 Christ,
8 G3588 the one G2532 also G1213 having manifested G1473 to us G3588 G1473 your G26 love G1722 in G4151 spirit.
Epaphras is a trustworthy servant in Christ and he made plain and declared their love in the Spirit to Paul and Timothy. Paul then tells them that he prays they are filled with the full knowledge of God’s will.
Colossians 1:9 G1223 On account of G3778 this G2532 also, G1473 we G575 from G3739 which G2250 day G191 heard, G3756 cease not G3973 G5228 [2for G1473 3you G4336 1praying], G2532 and G154 asking G2443 that G4137 you should be filled with G3588 the G1922 full knowledge G3588 G2307 of his will, G1473 G1722 in G3956 all G4678 wisdom G2532 and G4907 [2understanding G4152 1spiritual];
4137
πληρόω
plēroō play-ro'-o From G4134; to make replete, that is, (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute (an office), finish (a period or task), verify (or coincide with a prediction), etc. KJV Usage: accomplish, X after, (be) complete, end, expire, fill (up), fulfil, (be, make) full (come), fully preach, perfect, supply.
1922
ἐπίγνωσις
epignōsis ip-ig'-no-sis From G1921; recognition, that is, (by implication) full discernment, acknowledgement KJV Usage: (ac-) knowledge (-ing, -ment).
2307 LSJ Gloss:θέλημα will
Dodson:θέλημα will, wish, desire
an act of will, will; plur: wishes, desires.
Thayer:
1) what one wishes or has determined shall be done
1a) of the purpose of God to bless mankind through Christ
1b) of what God wishes to be done by us
1b1) commands, precepts
2) will, choice, inclination, desire, pleasure
θέλημα
thelēma thel'-ay-mah From the prolonged form of G2309; a determination (properly the thing), that is, (actively) choice (specifically purpose, decree; abstractly volition) or (passively) inclination KJV Usage: desire, pleasure, will.
4678 LSJ Gloss:σοφία skill
Dodson:σοφία wisdom wisdom, insight, skill (human or divine), intelligence.
Thayer:
1) wisdom, broad and full of intelligence; used of the knowledge of very diverse matters
1a) the wisdom which belongs to men
1a1) spec. the varied knowledge of things human and divine, acquired by acuteness and experience, and summed up in maxims and prov
σοφία
sophia sof-ee'-ah From G4680; wisdom (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual) KJV Usage: wisdom.
4907 LSJ Gloss:σύνεσις ibo)
Dodson:σύνεσις understanding a putting together in the mind, hence: understanding, practical discernment, intellect.
Thayer:
1) a running together, a flowing together with
2) knowledge
2a) understanding
2b) the understanding, i.e the mind so far forth as it understands
For Synonyms see entry G5826
σύνεσις
sunesis soon'-es-is From G4920; a mental putting together, that is, intelligence or (concretely) the intellect KJV Usage: knowledge, understanding.
4152 LSJ Gloss:πνευματικός of spirit, spiritual
Dodson:πνευματικός spiritual.
Thayer:
1) relating to the human spirit, or rational soul, as part of the man which is akin to God and serves as his instrument or organ
1a) that which possesses the nature of the rational soul
2) belonging to a spirit, or a being higher than man but inferior to God
3) belonging to the Divine Spirit
3a) of God the Holy Spirit
3b) one who is filled with and governed by the Spirit of God
4) pertaining to the wind or breath; windy, exposed to the wind, blowing
πνευματικός
pneumatikos phyoo-mat-ik-os' From G4151; non-carnal, that is, (humanly) ethereal (as opposed to gross), or (daemoniacally) a spirit (concretely), or (divinely) supernatural, regenerate, religious KJV Usage: spiritual.
Paul is praying that they are crammed full with the discernment of the determination and desires of the Father, in wisdom and spiritual intellect. What a wonderful prayer, but Paul is not done.
Colossians 1:10 G4043 for you to walk G1473 G516 worthily G3588 of the G2962 Lord, G1519 [2to G3956 3all G699 1pleasing], G1722 in G3956 every G2041 [2work G18 1good] G2592 bearing fruit, G2532 and G837 growing G1519 in G3588 the G1922 full knowledge G3588 G2316 of God;
Paul continues to pray that they walk or live appropriately of the Lord, pleasing and compliant in all good labor so that they bear fruit and increase in the full discernment of God in all dunamis.
Colossians 1:11 G1722 in G3956 all G1411 power, G1412 being strengthened G2596 according to G3588 the G2904 might G3588 G1391 of his glory G1473 G1519 in G3956 all G5281 patience G2532 and G3115 long-suffering G3326 with G5479 joy;
1391
δόξα
doxa dox'-ah From the base of G1380; glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literally or figuratively, objectively or subjectively)
KJV Usage: dignity, glory (-ious), honour, praise, worship.
Paul prays that they are enabled according to great vigor of His glory in all endurance or steadfastness, forbearance or longsuffering, with delight. And that they would give thanks to the God and Father.
Colossians 1:12 G2168 giving thanks G3588 to the G2316 God G2532 and G3962 father, G3588 to the one G2427 making us fit G1473 G1519 in G3588 the G3310 portion G3588 of the G2819 lot G3588 of the G39 holy ones G1722 in G3588 the G5457 light;
5457 Dodson:φῶς light, a source of light light, a source of light, radiance.
Thayer:
1) light
1a) the light
1a1) emitted by a lamp
1a2) a heavenly light such as surrounds angels when they appear on earth
1b) anything emitting light
1b1) a star
1b2) fire because it is light and sheds light
1b3) a lamp or torch
1c) light, i.e brightness
1c1) of a lamp
2) metaph.
2a) God is light because light has the extremely delicate, subtle, pure, brilliant quality
2b) of truth and its knowledge, together with the spiritual purity associated with it
2c) that which is exposed to the view of all, openly, publicly
2d) reason, mind
2d1) the power of understanding esp. moral and spiritual truth
For Synonyms see entry G5817
φῶς
phōs foce From an obsolete φάω phaō (to shine or make manifest, especially by rays; compare G5316 and G5346); luminousness (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative) KJV Usage: fire, light.
Paul prays that the Father enables them/us in the portion or share of the inheritance of the saints in radiance. This is where Paul transitions into his sermon. The Father rescued us out of the authority of darkness. Darkness, the devil, the satan, demons, fallen angels, have no authority over the saints in light. We should recognize our position in the cosmos.
Colossians 1:13 G3739 who G4506 rescued G1473 us G1537 from out of G3588 the G1849 authority G3588 of the G4655 darkness, G2532 and G3179 changed us over G1519 to G3588 the G932 kingdom G3588 of the G5207 son G3588 G26 of his love; G1473
4655 LSJ Gloss:σκότος darkness, gloom
Dodson:σκότος darkness darkness, either physical or moral.
Thayer:
1) darkness
1a) of night darkness
1b) of darkened eyesight or blindness
2) metaph.
2a) of ignorance respecting divine things and human duties, and the accompanying ungodliness and immorality, together with their consequent misery in hell
2b) persons in whom darkness becomes visible and holds sway
σκότος
skotos skot'-os From the base of G4639; shadiness, that is, obscurity (literally or figuratively) KJV Usage: darkness.
We are delivered out from the exousia, power, of shadiness and gloom and transferred into the kingdom of the Son of His agape, love. We are holy phōs, illumination, as compared to skotos, shadiness or obscurity. Only holy luminaries enter into the kingdom of the Son. Paul says that it is through Jesus in who we have been released by ransom through his blood.
Colossians 1:14 G1722 in G3739 whom G2192 we have G3588 the G629 release by ransom G1223 through G3588 G129 his blood -- G1473 G3588 the G859 release G3588 G266 of sins;
629 LSJ Gloss:ἀπολύτρωσις a ransoming
Dodson:ἀπολύτρωσις redemption, deliverance release effected by payment of ransom; redemption, deliverance.
Thayer:
1) a releasing effected by payment of ransom
1a) redemption, deliverance
1b) liberation procured by the payment of a ransom
ἀπολύτρωσις
apolutrōsis ap-ol-oo'-tro-sis From a compound of G575 and G3083; (the act) ransom in full, that is, (figuratively) riddance, or (specifically) Christian salvation KJV Usage: deliverance, redemption.
859 LSJ Gloss:ἄφεσιςa letting go, dismissal
Dodson:ἄφεσις deliverance, pardon, complete forgiveness a sending away, a letting go, a release, pardon, complete forgiveness.
Thayer:
1) release from bondage or imprisonment
2) forgiveness or pardon, of sins (letting them go as if they had never been committed), remission of the penalty
ἄφεσις
aphesis af'-es-is From G863; freedom; (figuratively) pardon KJV Usage: deliverance, forgiveness, liberty, remission.
Redemption is literally a release by paying a ransom. Jesus’ blood is the payment. Because of this blood payment we have the pardon and dismissal of our sins, failures, and faults. Paul then says that Jesus is the image of the unseen God.
Colossians 1:15 G3739 who G1510.2.3 is G1504 the image G3588 of the G2316 unseen God, G3588 G517 G4416 first-born G3956 of all G2937 creation;
1504 LSJ Gloss:εἰκών a likeness, image, portrait
Dodson:εἰκών an image, likeness, bust.
Thayer:
1) an image, figure, likeness
1a) an image of the things (the heavenly things)
1a1) used of the moral likeness of renewed men to God
1a2) the image of the Son of God, into which true Christians are transformed, is likeness not only to the heavenly body, but also to the most holy and blessed state of mind, which Christ possesses
1b) the image of one
1b1) one in whom the likeness of any one is seen
1b2) applied to man on account of his power of command
1b3) to Christ on account of his divine nature and absolute moral excellence
εἰκών
eikōn i-kone' From G1503; a likeness, that is, (literally) statue, profile, or (figuratively) representation, resemblance
KJV Usage: image.
517 LSJ Gloss:ἀόρατος unseen, not to be seen, invisible
Dodson:ἀόρατος unseen, invisible.
Thayer:
1) unseen, or that which can not be seen, e.g. invisible
ἀόρατος
KJV Usage: invisible (thing).
4416 LSJ Gloss:πρωτότοκος first-born
Dodson:πρωτότοκος first-born first-born, eldest.
Thayer:
1) the firstborn
1a) of man or beast
1b) of Christ, the first born of all creation
πρωτοτόκος
prōtotokos pro-tot-ok'-os From G4413 and the alternate of G5088; first born (usually as noun, literally or figuratively)KJV Usage: firstbegotten (-born).
2937LSJ Gloss:κτίσις a founding, foundation
Dodson:κτίσις creation, creature, institution (often of the founding of a city), (a) abstr: creation, (b) concr: creation, creature, institution; always of Divine work, (c) an institution, ordinance.
Thayer:
1) the act of founding, establishing, building etc
1a) the act of creating, creation
1b) creation i.e. thing created
1b1) of individual things, beings, a creature, a creation
1b1a) anything created
1b1b) after a rabbinical usage (by which a man converted from idolatry to Judaism was called)
1b1c) the sum or aggregate of things created
1c) institution, ordinance
κτίσις
ktisis ktis'-is From G2936; original formation (properly the act; by implication the thing, literally or figuratively) KJV Usage: building, creation, creature, ordinance.
Jesus is the likeness, portrait, or representation, of the invisible and unseen God, the first born, or prototype, of all original formation, foundation, and creation. Jesus is the prōtos, the first, tiktō, produced of creation. Jesus told his disciples if you see me, you have seen the father. Daniel tells us about the ancient of days and the son of man. Therefore we have an idea of what the Father’s image is. However, before any other sons of God, Jesus was the first one, the original creation, the prototype of all other beings. In Jesus were created all things.
Colossians 1:16 G3754 for G1722 in G1473 him G2936 were created G3588 the whole, G3956 G3588 the things G1722 in G3588 the G3772 heavens, G2532 and G3588 the things G1909 upon G3588 the G1093 earth -- G3588 the G3707 visible G2532 and G3588 the G517 unseen; G1535 whether G2362 thrones, G1535 whether G2963 lordships, G1535 whether G746 sovereignties, G1535 whether G1849 authorities; G3588 the whole G3956 G1223 through G1473 him G2532 and G1519 in G1473 him G2936 have been created.
2936 LSJ Gloss:κτίζω to people
Dodson:κτίζω I create, form, shape, make I create, form, shape, make, always of God.
Thayer:
1) to make habitable, to people, a place, region, island
1a) to found a city, colony, state
2) to create
2a) of God creating the worlds
2b) to form, shape, i.e. to completely change or transform
κτίζω
ktizō ktid'-zo Probably akin to G2932 (through the idea of the proprietorship of the manufacturer); to fabricate, that is, found (form originally) KJV Usage: create, Creator, make.
Jesus is the image of the unseen Father, and the prototype of all creation. In Jesus were all things manufactured, or fabricated. All the things in heaven and earth were created in him. All the visible things that we see, and all the unseen things that were created in Jesus. All thrones, dominions, chief rulers, powers, all things, everything, by means of Jesus, and in Jesus, have been manufactured.
The devil cannot claim that anything was made by him. The satan cannot claim that anything was made by him. There are no angels creating anything. All things, in heaven and earth, seen or unseen, were created, manufactured, and fabricated, in Jesus. Jesus was the prototype of creation, Jesus is the foundation, he is the original formation. And in Jesus everything is created, and formed. How many people really know Jesus in this way? Why would anyone want to worship a lesser being? Jesus is the original. Jesus is the foundation. Jesus is the head.
Colossians 1:17 G2532 And G1473 he G1510.2.3 is G4253 before G3956 all, G2532 and G3588 the whole G3956 G1722 in G1473 him G4921 combine.
3956 LSJ Gloss:πᾶς all, the whole
Dodson:πᾶς all, the whole, every kind of.
Thayer:
1) individually
1a) each, every, any, all, the whole, everyone, all things, everything
2) collectively
2a) some of all types
πᾱς
pas pas Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole KJV Usage: all (manner of, means) alway (-s), any (one), X daily, + ever, every (one, way), as many as, + no (-thing), X throughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever.
4921 Dodson:συνίστημι I commend, prove, am composed of, cohere I place together, commend, prove, exhibit; instrans: I stand with; I am composed of, cohere.
Thayer:
1) to place together, to set in the same place,to bring or band together
1a) to stand with (or near)
2) to set one with another
2a) by way of presenting or introducing him
2b) to comprehend
3) to put together by way of composition or combination, to teach by combining and comparing
3a) to show, prove, establish, exhibit
4) to put together, unite parts into one whole
4a) to be composed of, consist
συνιστάω, συνιστάνω, συνίστημι
sunistaō sunistanō sunistēmi soon-is-tah'-o, soon-is-tah'-an'-o, soon-is-tah'-ay-mee From G4862 and G2476 (including its collateral forms); to set together, that is, (by implication) to introduce (favorably), or (figuratively) to exhibit; intransitively to stand near, or (figuratively) to constitute
KJV Usage: approve, commend, consist, make, stand (with).
Jesus is earlier than all things. Jesus is in front of all things. Jesus is prior to all things. He is before, of place and time. The first of all creation, the whole creation. All things consist in Jesus. All things seen or unseen are put together in Jesus. All things in heaven and earth are composed and cohere in Jesus. Jesus is the head of the body of the assembly.
Colossians 1:18 G2532 And G1473 he G1510.2.3 is G3588 the G2776 head G3588 of the G4983 body G3588 of the G1577 assembly, G3739 who G1510.2.3 is G746 the beginning, G4416 the first-born G1537 from G3588 the G3498 dead, G2443 that G1096 [2should be G1722 4in G3956 5all things G1473 1he G4409 3preeminent].
2776 LSJ Gloss:κεφαλή the head
Dodson:κεφαλή the head(a) the head, (b) met: a corner stone, uniting two walls; head, ruler, lord.
Thayer:
1) the head, both of men and often of animals. Since the loss of the head destroys life, this word is used in the phrases relating to capital and extreme punishment.
2) metaph. anything supreme, chief, prominent
2a) of persons, master lord: of a husband in relation to his wife
2b) of Christ: the Lord of the husband and of the Church
2c) of things: the corner stone
κεφαλή
kephalē kef-al-ay' Probably from the primary word κάπτω kaptō (in the sense of seizing); the head (as the part most readily taken hold of), literally or figuratively KJV Usage: head.
4983 LSJ Gloss:σῶμα the body
Dodson:σῶμα body, flesh body, flesh; the body of the Church.
Thayer:
1) the body both of men or animals
1a) a dead body or corpse
1b) the living body
1b1) of animals
2) the bodies of planets and of stars (heavenly bodies)
3) is used of a (large or small) number of men closely united into one society, or family as it were; a social, ethical, mystical body
3a) so in the NT of the church
4) that which casts a shadow as distinguished from the shadow itself
σῶμα
sōma so'-mah From G4982; the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively KJV Usage: bodily, body, slave.
1577 LSJ Gloss:ἐκκλησία an assembly of the citizens regularly summoned, the legislative assembly
Dodson:ἐκκλησία an assembly, congregation, church an assembly, congregation, church; the Church, the whole body of Christian believers.
Thayer:
1) a gathering of citizens called out from their homes into some public place, an assembly
1a) an assembly of the people convened at the public place of the council for the purpose of deliberating
1b) the assembly of the Israelites
1c) any gathering or throng of men assembled by chance, tumultuously
1d) in a Christian sense
1d1) an assembly of Christians gathered for worship in a religious meeting
1d2) a company of Christian, or of those who, hoping for eternal salvation through Jesus Christ, observe their own religious rites, hold their own religious meetings, and manage their own affairs, according to regulations prescribed for the body for order's sake
1d3) those who anywhere, in a city, village, constitute such a company and are united into one body
1d4) the whole body of Christians scattered throughout the earth
1d5) the assembly of faithful Christians already dead and received into heaven
ἐκκλησία
ekklēsia ek-klay-see'-ah From a compound of G1537 and a derivative of G2564; a calling out, that is, (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or Christian community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both) KJV Usage: assembly, church.
746 LSJ Gloss:ἀρχή a beginning, origin, first cause
Dodson:ἀρχή ruler, beginning (a) rule (kingly or magisterial), (b) plur: in a quasi-personal sense, almost: rulers, magistrates, (c) beginning.
Thayer:
1) beginning, origin
2) the person or thing that commences, the first person or thing in a series, the leader
3) that by which anything begins to be, the origin, the active cause
4) the extremity of a thing
4a) of the corners of a sail
5) the first place, principality, rule, magistracy
5a) of angels and demons
ἀρχή
archē ar-khay' From G756; (properly abstract) a commencement, or (concrete) chief (in various applications of order, time, place or rank)
KJV Usage: beginning, corner, (at the, the) first (estate), magistrate, power, principality, principle, rule.
3498 LSJ Gloss:νεκρός a dead body, corpse
Dodson:νεκρός dead, a corpse (a) adj: dead, lifeless, subject to death, mortal, (b) noun: a dead body, a corpse.
Thayer:
1) properly
1a) one that has breathed his last, lifeless
1b) deceased, departed, one whose soul is in heaven or hell
1c) destitute of life, without life, inanimate
2) metaph.
2a) spiritually dead
2a1) destitute of a life that recognises and is devoted to God, because given up to trespasses and sins
2a2) inactive as respects doing right
2b) destitute of force or power, inactive, inoperative
νεκρός
nekros nek-ros' From an apparently primary word νέκυς nekus (a corpse); dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)KJV Usage: dead.
4409 LSJ Gloss:πρωτεύω to be the first, hold the first place
Dodson:πρωτεύω I have preeminence, am chief I have preeminence, am chief, am first.
Thayer:
1) to be first, hold the first place
πρωτεύω
prōteuō prote-yoo'-o From G4413; to be first (in rank or influence) KJV Usage: have the preeminence.
Jesus is the head of the body of the ekklēsia, the church. Jesus is the archē, the chief, the ruler and magistrate, the first born from the dead. Jesus is preeminent in all things. Paul uses the word “all/whole” (pas) a, lot. He means that Jesus is the first prototype created, and through Jesus all things are created. Jesus is the head of all things, all beings, the entire assembly. Jesus is also the first born from the dead. Jesus is preeminent and first in rank in everything.
Colossians 1:19 G3754 For G1722 in G1473 him G2106 [4thought well G3956 1all G3588 2the G4138 3fullness] G2730 to dwell;
4138
πλήρωμα
plērōma play'-ro-mah From G4137; repletion or completion, that is, (subjectively) what fills (as contents, supplement, copiousness, multitude), or (objectively) what is filled (as container, performance, period) KJV Usage: which is put in to fill up, piece that filled up, fulfilling, full, fulness.
All fulness resolved and approved dwells and resides in Jesus. In other words, Jesus is completely approved and established. There is nothing lacking in Jesus, the first prototype of creation and the first born from the dead. Through Jesus all things are reconciled to himself.
Colossians 1:20 G2532 and G1223 through G1473 him G604 to reconcile G3588 the whole G3956 G1519 to G1473 himself, G1517 having made peace G1223 through G3588 the G129 blood G3588 G4716 of his cross, G1473 G1223 by G1473 him, G1535 whether G3588 the things G1909 upon G3588 the G1093 earth, G1535 whether G3588 the things G1722 in G3588 the G3772 heavens.
604 LSJ Gloss:ἀποκαταλλάσσω to reconcile again
Dodson:ἀποκαταλλάσσω I reconcile I reconcile, change from one state of feeling to another.
Thayer:
1) to reconcile completely
2) to reconcile back again
3) bring back a former state of harmony
ἀποκαταλλάσσω
1517 Dodson:εἰρηνοποιέω I make peace, reconcile.
Thayer:
1) to make peace, establish harmony
εἰρηνοποιέω
eirēnopoieō i-ray-nop-oy-eh'-o From G1518; to be a peace maker, that is, (figuratively) to harmonize KJV Usage: make peace.
Jesus brings back harmony to everything in heaven and on earth. How does Jesus bring back a former state of harmony of everything, and make all things harmonize? Through his own blood. No one would think that dying on a cross would bring harmony and harmonize, but it will. That is our hope in heaven. His blood was for our ransom. We can understand that when we are spiritually connected we are in harmony with our Creator.
Who would require a blood sacrifice of the first born of creation? Who would require a blood sacrifice of the one who is the image of the unseen Father? It would seem that jealousy of the latter lesser sons of God, required the blood of the prototype of all creation, in exchange for us. How wicked and evil is that? Truly we humans are loved far beyond what we can actually grasp. Jesus or the Father could have said no.
Why would anyone want to worship the inferior sons of God who do not and cannot create. Jesus creates, the Father creates, and oddly enough, humans create, we are life givers. The other sons of God had to leave their habitation to procreate with earth women. They do not procreate among their kind, on their own. Is it any wonder why murdering babies either in utero or birthed is the scheme of an evil fallen being?
Think of the depths of evil the created beings who rebelled have aligned themselves with. The first born, who all things were made through, was rejected by His own created beings. The created beings formed a mutiny, holding the most recent creation (humans) hostage. The first born of creation is now the first born from the dead, bringing harmony and harmonizing humans with their creator. Humans can now be resurrected.
Colossians 1:21 G2532 And G1473 you G4218 at some time or other G1510.6 being G526 separated G2532 and G2190 enemies G3588 G1271 in thought G1722 by G3588 G2041 [2works G3588 G4190 1wicked], G3568 but now G1161 G604 he reconciled
1271 LSJ Gloss:διάνοια a thought, intention, purpose
Dodson:διάνοια understanding, intellect, mind understanding, intellect, mind, insight.
Thayer:
1) the mind as a faculty of understanding, feeling, desiring
2) understanding
3) mind, i.e. spirit, way of thinking and feeling
4) thoughts, either good or bad
διάνοια
dianoia dee-an'-oy-ah From G1223 and G3563; deep thought, properly the faculty (mind or its disposition), by implication its exercise KJV Usage: imagination, mind, understanding.
All humans were once estranged and alienated and hostile in their thoughts, intents, purposes, and understanding, in malicious works and acts. Now we are reconciled through His flesh via His death. Our thoughts in our mind are not necessarily connected and in harmony with the Lord. The thoughts of our hearts can be connected and in harmony with the Lord because the Holy Spirit lives in us.
Colossians 1:22 G1722 in G3588 the G4983 body G3588 G4561 of his flesh G1473 G1223 through G3588 G2288 death, G3936 to present G1473 you G39 holy G2532 and G299 unblemished G2532 and G410 without reproach G2714 before G1473 him;
3936 LSJ Gloss:παρίστημι to make to stand
Dodson:παρίστημι I bring, present, come up to and stand by I bring, present, prove, come up to and stand by, am present.
Thayer:
1) to place beside or near
1a) to set at hand
1a1) to present
1a2) to proffer
1a3) to provide
1a4) to place a person or thing at one's disposal
1a5) to present a person for another to see and question
1a6) to present or show
1a7) to bring to, bring near
1a8) metaph. i.e to bring into one's fellowship or intimacy
1b) to present (show) by argument, to prove
2) to stand beside, stand by or near, to be at hand, be present
2a) to stand by
2a1) to stand beside one, a bystander
2b) to appear
2c) to be at hand, stand ready
2d) to stand by to help, to succour
2e) to be present
2e1) to have come
2e2) of time
παρίστημι, παριστάνω
paristēmi paristanō par-is'-tay-mee, par-is-tan'-o From G3488 and G2476; to stand beside, that is, (transitively) to exhibit, proffer, (specifically) recommend, (figuratively) substantiate; or (intransitively) to be at hand (or ready), aid KJV Usage: assist, bring before, command, commend, give presently, present, prove, provide, shew, stand (before, by, here, up, with), yield.
We are reconciled so that we can stand, holy and without blemish, and without reproach, before His face. Jesus’ sacrifice of blood cleanses us so that we can come into the presence in the throne room. Remember after the harpazo, the saints are gathered with the beasts, elders, and the seven spirits, awaiting someone worthy to open the book. Remember how there was no one found worthy in heaven, on earth, or under the earth? Jesus had been seated at the right hand of the Father, but he was not there when the angel shouts. We understand that Jesus has been meeting his assembly in the air. When Jesus is finished he walks through the crowd, and the saints start to sing. The saints are presented holy, without blemish, without reproach, before the Father. Jesus is the head of his assembly and he has reconciled us. This is our hope. Harmony in heaven.
We will also stand before or be presented at the rostrum of Christ, Romans 14. Jesus will stand beside us also, 2 Corinthians 4. Paul wants to present us to Christ as a pure virgin 2 Corinthians 11. The assembly is presented to Jesus by Jesus, Ephesians 5. We present ourselves to God 2 Timothy 2. The idea of presenting is an interesting concept as we do not usually see ourselves as worthy to be presented. Yet through Jesus’ blood we are worthy, holy, and unblemished.
Paul puts a qualifier in his message. If we remain in the faith.
Colossians 1:23 G1489 if indeed G1961 you remain G3588 in the G4102 belief G2311 being founded G2532 and G1476 settled, G2532 and G3361 not G3334 being moved about G575 from G3588 the G1680 hope G3588 of the G2098 good news G3739 of which G191 you heard, G3588 of the one G2784 being proclaimed G1722 in G3956 all G3588 the G2937 creation, G3588 in the one G5259 under G3588 the G3772 heaven, G3739 of which G1096 [3became G1473 1I G* 2Paul] G1249 servant.
If we stay in faith, erect, established, and immovable, and we do not dislodge from the hope of the gospel, we will be presented holy, unblemished, and without reproach before Him. Don’t lose hope. This hope of the good news of heaven, the harmony being restored, is why Paul became a servant and did not shrink back at that threat of death. In fact Paul rejoices in his suffering.
Colossians 1:24 G3568 Now G5463 I rejoice G1722 in G3588 G3804 my sufferings G1473 G5228 for G1473 you, G2532 and G466 filling up again G3588 the G5303 deficiencies G3588 of the G2347 afflictions G3588 of the G5547 Christ G1722 in G3588 G4561 my flesh G1473 G5228 for G3588 G4983 his body, G1473 G3739 which G1510.2.3 is G3588 the G1577 assembly;
466 LSJ Gloss:ἀνταναπληρόω to supply as a substitute
Dodson:ἀνταναπληρόω I fill up in place of someone else I fill up in place of someone else, complete, supply.
Thayer:
1) to fill up in turn
1a) in Col 1:24, the meaning is, 'what is wanting in the afflictions of Christ to be borne by me, that I supply in order to repay the benefits which Christ conferred on me by filling up the measure of the afflictions laid upon me'.
ἀνταναπληρόω
KJV Usage: fill up.
Paul suggests that he is a substitute for the suffering Christ endured, he is a supplement. Paul is filled up, in place of Christ, for anything lacking of the persecutions of Christ, utilizing Paul’s flesh. In other words if anything is lacking in the body of Christ, the assembly, Paul is willing to be the substitution for any deficiencies. Paul is willing to take stripes and tribulations for the Colossians. He was willing to be persecuted for the body of Christ. If we consider history, every time someone is beaten or murdered for the gospel of Christ, the message spreads and more people come to know the Lord Jesus as Savior and Messiah.
Colossians 1:25 G3739 of which G1096 I became G1473 G1249 servant G2596 according to G3588 the G3622 management G3588 G2316 of God, G3588 the one G1325 given G1473 to me G1519 for G1473 you, G4137 to fulfill G3588 the G3056 word G3588 G2316 of God;
Paul is an attendant to the body of Christ, someone who would wait on others, in this administration or household of God. This assignment was given to Paul to fill up the logos of God, the hidden secret. Paul is given a special hidden revelation for this administration.
Colossians 1:26 G3588 the G3466 mystery, G3588 the one G613 being concealed G575 from G3588 the G165 eons G2532 and G575 from G3588 the G1074 generations, G3568 but now G1161 G5319 made manifest G3588 to G39 his holy ones; G1473
3466 LSJ Gloss:μυστήριον a mystery
Dodson:μυστήριον anything hidden, a mystery a mystery, secret, of which initiation is necessary; in the NT: the counsels of God, once hidden but now revealed in the Gospel or some fact thereof; the Christian revelation generally; particular truths or details of the Christian revelation.
Thayer:
1) hidden thing, secret, mystery
1a) generally mysteries, religious secrets, confided only to the initiated and not to ordinary mortals
1b) a hidden or secret thing, not obvious to the understanding
1c) a hidden purpose or counsel
1c1) secret will
1c1a) of men
1c1b) of God: the secret counsels which govern God in dealing with the righteous, which are hidden from ungodly and wicked men but plain to the godly
2) in rabbinic writings, it denotes the mystic or hidden sense
2a) of an OT saying
2b) of an image or form seen in a vision
2c) of a dream
μυστήριον
mustērion moos-tay'-ree-on From a derivative of μύω muō (to shut the mouth); a secret or “mystery” (through the idea of silence imposed by initiation into religious rites) KJV Usage: mystery.
613 LSJ Gloss:ἀποκρύπτω to hide from, keep hidden from
Dodson:ἀποκρύπτωI hide away, conceal I hide away, conceal, keep secret.
Thayer:
1) to hide
2) concealing, keeping secret
ἀποκρύπτω
apokruptō ap-ok-roop'-to From G575 and G2928; to conceal away (that is, fully); figuratively to keep secret KJV Usage: hide.
5319 LSJ Gloss:φανερόω to make manifest
Dodson:φανερόω I make clear, visible, or manifest I make clear (visible, manifest), make known.
Thayer:
1) to make manifest or visible or known what has been hidden or unknown, to manifest, whether by words, or deeds, or in any other way
1a) make actual and visible, realised
1b) to make known by teaching
1c) to become manifest, be made known
1d) of a person
1d1) expose to view, make manifest, to show one's self, appear
1e) to become known, to be plainly recognised, thoroughly understood
1e1) who and what one is
For Synonyms see entry G5812
φανερόω
phaneroō fan-er-o'-o From G5318; to render apparent (literally or figuratively) KJV Usage: appear, manifestly declare, (make) manifest (forth), shew (self).
This secret was hidden for ages and generations. Ages? Generations? How many ages and generations are there? If we identify how many different types of sons of God there are, such as cherubim, seraphim, angels, etc., we can start to see that from the foundation of Jesus, the first born, up to today, there are many generations and ages. Ultimately this secret was hidden from all previous ages and generations until it was revealed by Paul to the holy ones.
Colossians 1:27 G3739 ones to whom G2309 God wanted G3588 G2316 G1107 to make known G5100 what G3588 the G4149 wealth G3588 of the G1391 glory G3588 G3466 of this mystery G3778 G1722 is among G3588 the G1484 nations; G3739 which G1510.2.3 is G5547 Christ G1722 in G1473 you, G3588 the G1680 hope G3588 of the G1391 glory;
4149 LSJ Gloss:πλοῦτος wealth, riches
Dodson:πλοῦτος riches, wealth riches, wealth, abundance, materially or spiritually.
Thayer:
1) riches, wealth
1a) abundance of external possessions
1b) fulness, abundance, plenitude
1c) a good i.e. that with which one is enriched
πλοῦτος
ploutos ploo'-tos From the base of G4130; wealth (as fulness), that is, (literally) money, possessions, or (figuratively) abundance, richness, (specifically) valuable bestowment KJV Usage: riches.
God desired the wealth of the glory known among the nations. Why? Because this mystery is part of our hope. This mystery means we are not poor, destitute, stupid, humans. We are rich and wealthy when we know this secret. Notice this is for the ethnos, the nations, humans on earth, not for other sons of God. The hidden secret is the Anointed One, the Messiah, is inside us, on us, among us. This is the Hope of Glory. Jesus told us that when two or three are gathered in His name, he is in the middle of everyone. It is Christ in You. It is Christ in each believer. What does this look like spiritually? It looks like Jesus everywhere we go. What do the fallen sons of God see when they look at us? Jesus.
Colossians 1: 28 G3739 whom G1473 we G2605 announce, G3560 admonishing G3956 every G444 man, G2532 and G1321 teaching G3956 every G444 man G1722 in G3956 all G4678 wisdom, G2443 that G3936 we should present G3956 every G444 man G5046 perfect G1722 in G5547 Christ G* Jesus.
5046 LSJ Gloss:τέλειος having reached its end, finished, complete
Dodson:τέλειος perfect, full-grown perfect, (a) complete in all its parts, (b) full grown, of full age, (c) specially of the completeness of Christian character.
Thayer:
1) brought to its end, finished
2) wanting nothing necessary to completeness
3) perfect
4) that which is perfect
4a) consummate human integrity and virtue
4b) of men
4b1) full grown, adult, of full age, mature
τέλειος
teleios tel'-i-os From G5056; complete (in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc.); neuter (as noun, with G3588) completeness KJV Usage: of full age, man, perfect.
We should be declaring this mystery, warning everyone, teaching everyone in wisdom, so that we can present and stand alongside everyone who is complete in Christ Jesus. This is a bigger deal than we realize. We are to teach others that they have Christ in them so that all people who receive Jesus as Lord can be presented perfect in Jesus Christ. Paul is not just evangelizing with the hope of heaven, or the good news that Jesus died for us, he is revealing a secret that the resurrected Messiah is in us. Christ is not in the angels. Christ is not in the cherubim. Christ is not in the seraphim. Christ is not in the beasts, elders, or the seven spirits. Christ is in humans. This changes us. We are of greater importance than we realize. The first born prototype of creation and the first born from the dead is in us. Tell the nations.
Colossians 1: 29 G1519 In G3739 which G2532 also G2872 I tire in labor, G75 struggling G2596 according to G3588 G1753 his energy, G1473 G3588 the one G1754 operating G1722 in G1473 me G1722 in G1411 power.
Paul is fatigued and weary in this labor. Why? Doesn’t it seem that this hidden secret, which is now revealed, would encounter quite a bit of hinderance from the lesser sons of God? However, Paul contends through His working energy, working in Paul, in dunamis, miraculous power. Paul is tired, but Jesus is energized in Pau,l energizing Paul with miracle working power.
Paul’s prayer and message reveals that Jesus is the first created prototype who created everything in heaven and earth, all rulers, and all reigning bodies are reconciled in Him. Doesn’t Jesus sit at the right hand of the Father? But Jesus left that position to rescue humanity and bring lost harmony by his own blood. His image is that of the unseen Father. What obnoxious evil being would require the Son of the Most High, Eternal, Father to shed his blood for his creation? And why would he do that for us? What have we to offer? Jesus the Messiah is the head of the assembly. Jesus’ blood makes us holy and unblemished. If this were all there was to our hope of heaven and good news it would be enough. However, there was a secret plan in place prior to the ages and generations. The hidden truth which we are to announce is that it is Christ is in us, the hope of glory. This is the mystery that Paul was to make known to this administration. And although weary, Paul pushes on, energized by Christ Jesus our Lord. The harmony that Jesus is restoring is so that all beings can commune together. At the end of the age of man, we will regain harmony.
