21 I want you to know how hard I am contending for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally.

Other Translations of Colossians 2:1

King James Version

21 For I would that ye knew what great conflict conflict: or, fear, or, care I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;

English Standard Version

21 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face,

The Message

21 I want you to realize that I continue to work as hard as I know how for you, and also for the Christians over at Laodicea. Not many of you have met me face-to-face, but that doesn't make any difference. Know that I'm on your side, right alongside you. You're not in this alone.

New King James Version

21 For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh,

New Living Translation

21 I want you to know how much I have agonized for you and for the church at Laodicea, and for many other believers who have never met me personally.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Colossians 2:1

Commentary on Colossians 2:1-7

(Read Colossians 2:1-7)

The soul prospers when we have clear knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus. When we not only believe with the heart, but are ready, when called, to make confession with the mouth. Knowledge and faith make a soul rich. The stronger our faith, and the warmer our love, the more will our comfort be. The treasures of wisdom are hid, not from us, but for us, in Christ. These were hid from proud unbelievers, but displayed in the person and redemption of Christ. See the danger of enticing words; how many are ruined by the false disguises and fair appearances of evil principles and wicked practices! Be aware and afraid of those who would entice to any evil; for they aim to spoil you. All Christians have, in profession at least, received Jesus Christ the Lord, consented to him, and taken him for theirs. We cannot be built up in Christ, or grow in him, unless we are first rooted in him, or founded upon him. Being established in the faith, we must abound therein, and improve in it more and more. God justly withdraws this benefit from those who do not receive it with thanksgiving; and gratitude for his mercies is justly required by God.