Commentaries:
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Colossians 1:9-11
Paul tells the saints in Colosse that he prays they will possess the trait that is the opposite of wrath or revenge. He speaks of having an even temper, an attitude that in spite of injury or insult does not retaliate. We can develop longsuffering only as a fruit of the Spirit, not as an independent character trait. It grows from the common root of love and bears fruit only along with other spiritual fruit.
Martin G. Collins
LongsufferingRelated Topics: Longsuffering | Retaliation | Revenge | Temper | Temper, Control of | Wrath | Wrath, Control of
Colossians 1:9-11
The key in these verses is to understand that Paul speaks of a specific knowledge—the knowledge of God's will, God's knowledge. It is not knowledge about God but God's knowledge that we receive through study, teaching, and practice.
John W. Ritenbaugh
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty)Related Topics: God's Knowledge, Attained through Practice | God's Knowledge, Attained through Study | God's Knowledge, Attained through Teaching | God's Will | God's Will, Harmony with | Knowing God | Knowledge | Knowledge of God | Knowledge of God's Will
Colossians 1:9-11
Our joy through trials is a result of suffering for Christ's sake. Of the persecution we must endure, Jesus says, "Rejoice in that day and leap for joy!" (Luke 6:23). Through the Holy Spirit, God gives us His gift of joy as part of the process of spiritual completion.
Martin G. Collins
Joy
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What Does Colossians 1:9 Mean?
Paul prays the saints will receive God's knowledge through study, teaching, and practice. This knowledge produces longsuffering, an even temper that does not retaliate despite injury or insult. Longsuffering grows only as a fruit of the Spirit from the common root of love and alongside other spiritual fruit. Joy also comes as God's gift through the Holy Spirit, resulting from suffering for Christ's sake and leading to spiritual completion.