Colossians 2: 1 – Whoever have not seen my face in flesh

For I want you to perceive what the struggle amounts to which I am having for your sakes and for those in Laodicea, and whoever have not seen my face in flesh, that their hearts may be consoled, being united in love, and to all the riches…

It was difficult for Paul to write this letter to the brothers in Colossae and Laodicea. Although he did not know them personally, he had learned enough about them to think of them with great gratitude. He wanted to encourage them to continue on their chosen path. But he was aware that there were rivals in the field who tried to rob them of their spiritual wealth with sweet words. These ‘hijackers’ and their methods had to be exposed. And that means struggle. Not because Paul was looking for a battle, but in preaching the truth that battle is inevitable.

Paul also fought his battle “for as many as have not seen his face in the flesh.” Over the heads of his direct readers, we (almost twenty centuries later) are also addressed in this. After all, we have never seen Paul’s face, but how much his message managed to reach our hearts! And today, Paul’s message continues to cause conflict. Be aware of that!

Delen: