Being Knit Together In Love

Colossians 2:1-2 For I would that you knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ 

‘Laodicea’ – A city of Phrygia near Colosse.

‘As many as have not seen my face in the flesh.’ This is no proof that he had never been to Colosse or Laodicea. Many new converts could have come into the congregations after his departure who had not seen him while there.

‘That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love …’ Six things Paul desired for them: That their hearts may be comforted. That they are knit together in love. That they have full assurance and knowledge. That they acknowledge the mystery of God. That they acknowledge the mystery of the Father. That they acknowledge the mystery of Christ (1:26-27; 1Tim. 3:16; Eph. 3:1-8).

‘Full assurance’ [Greek: plerophoria] used four times of full or complete assurance: of understanding (2:2); of the gospel (1Thess. 1:5); of hope (Heb. 6:11); of faith (Heb. 10:22).

‘Mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ.’ This refers to the mysteries [things not known previously under the law but are now revealed] of the gospel that are now revealed by God and Christ (1:26-27; 4:3; Matt. 13:11; Rom. 16:25; 1Cor. 2:7; 4:1; Eph. 1:9; 3:1-9; 5:32; 6:19; 1Tim. 3:9, 16).