2:1 For I {1} would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and [for] them at Laodicea, and [for] as many as have not seen my {a} face in the flesh;
(1) The taking away of an objection: in that he did not visit the Colossians or the Laodiceans, he was not being negligent; rather, he is so much the more careful for them.
(a) Me, present in body.
2:1 Warnings Against False Theories
SUMMARY OF COLOSSIANS 2:
Paul's Conflict for the Churches. Present with Them in Spirit. Exhortation to Be Rooted and Grounded in Christ. Warning Against Vain Philosophy. The True Circumcision. The Baptismal Burial. The Handwriting of Ordinances Removed. Keeping Sabbath Days. Angel Worship Forbidden.
What great conflict I have. Anxiety.
For you. The brethren at Colosse.
And [for] them at Laodicea. A sister church only a few miles away. Laodicea was one of the Seven Churches of Revelation. See Re 3:14.
As many as have not seen my face in the flesh. This seems to imply that he had never visited either of these churches in person. The reasons for his anxiety are revealed in this chapter. They were assailed by false teachings.
2:1 How great a conflict - Of care, desire, prayer. As many as have not seen my face - Therefore, in writing to the Colossians, he refrains from those familiar appellations, Brethren, Beloved.
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.
