THE EPISTLE OF PAUL TO THE COLOSSIANS - Chapter 4 - Verse 12

Verse 12. Epaphras. See Barnes "Col 1:7".

Always labouring fervently for you in prayers. Marg., "or, striving." Gr., agonizing. The word denotes the intense desire which he had for their salvation; his fervent, earnest pleading for their welfare.

That ye may stand perfect and complete. Marg., as in Greek, filled. The desire was, that they might maintain their Christian principles unadulterated by the nature of philosophy and error, and completely perform the will of God in every respect. This is the expression of a pious wish in regard to them, without any affirmation that any had been absolutely perfect, or that they would be perfect in this world. It is, however, a command of God that we should be perfect, (see Mt 5:48;) and it is the highest wish of benevolence in reference to any one, that he may be complete in moral character, and may do all the will of God. See Barnes "2 Co 13:9".

{1} "labouring" "serving" {e} "fervently" Jas 5:16 {f} "stand perfect" Mt 5:48 {2} "complete" "filled affairs"