Colossians 1:29
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To this end I also labor, striving with all His energy working powerfully within me.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
Whereunto--namely, "to present every man perfect in Christ." I also labour--rather, "I labor also." I not only "proclaim" (English Version, "preach") Christ, but I labor also. striving--in "conflict" (Col 2:1) of spirit (compare Rom 8:26). The same Greek word is used of Epaphras (Col 4:12), "laboring fervently for you in prayers": literally, "agonizing," "striving as in the agony of a contest." So Jesus in Gethsemane when praying (Luk 22:44): so "strive" (the same Greek word, "agonize"), Luk 13:24. So Jacob "wrestled" in prayer (Gen 32:24-29). Compare "contention," Greek, "agony," or "striving earnestness," Th1 2:2. according to his working--Paul avows that he has power to "strive" in spirit for his converts, so far only as Christ works in him and by him (Eph 3:20; Phi 4:13). mightily--literally, "in power." Next: Colossians Chapter 2
Open source ↗We have here, I. The inscription, as usual (Col 1:1, Col 1:2). II. His thanksgiving to God for what he had heard concerning them - their faith, love, and hope (Col 1:3-8). III. His prayer for their knowledge, fruitfulness, and strength (Col 1:9-11). IV. An admirable summary of the Christian doctrine concerning the operation of the Spirit, the person of the Redeemer, the work of redemption, and the preaching of it in the gospel (v. 12-29).
Open source ↗Cross-references
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But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not in vain. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.
and the surpassing greatness of His power to us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of His mighty strength,
I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace, given me through the working of His power.
For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose.
For I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me face to face,
equip you with every good thing to do His will. And may He accomplish in us what is pleasing in His sight through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, who apportions them to each one as He determines.
nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. Instead, in labor and toil, we worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you.
as you hold forth the word of life, in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.
Surely you recall, brothers, our labor and toil. We worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to anyone while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God.