WHAT MAKES THIS COMMENTARY ON PHILIPPIANS & COLOSSIANS UNIQUE?

It offers:

• An easily accessible theological narrative
• Application of historical trends to current events
• A linguistic, exegetical display of each verse
• A Reformation focus on God's sovereignty in salvation
• A presentation of the law in its proper sphere of activity
• Discussion on experiential sanctification when appropriate

Table of Contents

Preface

PHILIPPIANS

Introductory Remarks

Vocabulary

CHAPTER 1
Partners in the Gospel (1:1 - 1:7)
Prayer for Spiritual Growth (1:8 - 1: 11)
Advantageous Imprisonment (1:12 - 1: 17)
Maintaining Inner Happiness (1:18 - 1:26)
Citizens of Heaven (1:27 - 1:30)
Summary

APPENDIX

Glossary

Works Cited

Philp. 1:1 Paul and Timothy, bondslaves belonging to Christ Jesus, to all the saints in union with Christ Jesus [positional truth], the ones who are located in and around Philippi, together with overseers [pastors, teachers] and deacons [table waiters]:

Philp. 1:2 Grace [logistical blessings] to you and prosperity [beyond logistics] from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Philp. 1:3 I keep on giving thanks to God on the basis of my entire memory [corporate fondness] of you [the whole congregation], 

Philp. 1:4 (Always remembering you in every prayer of mine, while offering continual prayer with inner happiness on behalf of all of you),

Philp. 1:5 Because of your generous contribution [financial gift] towards the purpose of furthering the Gospel, from that first day [prior contribution in Thessalonica] until [including their 2nd gift at Corinth] now [most recent contribution in Rome],

Philp. 1:6 Being confident of this thing [doctrinal truth] itself: that the One and only One [God] who started a good work in you [justification salvation], will fully complete His work [glorification salvation] until the day of Christ Jesus [the rapture],

Philp. 1:7 In so far as it is right [natural] for me to hold this correct opinion concerning all of you [favorable conclusions based on objective thinking], because I have you all [Paul's favorite congregation] in the mentality of my soul [spiritual rapport], during my imprisonments and my legal defense [legal plea: Not Guilty of any crime] and confirmation of the good news [when presenting the gospel & related doctrines to Nero's court], all of you being partners during this practical application of grace under pressure [sharing in Paul's accomplishments].

Philp. 1:8 For God is my witness as to how I long after all of you [I miss you] with the emotions [fragrant memories] characterized by Christ Jesus.

Philp. 1:9 In fact, I myself repeatedly [by intercession] pray this: That your virtue love might be extremely rich and abundant [stage 1], still more [stage 2], even to a greater degree [stage 3], by means of full knowledge [a soul saturated with biblical truth] and all spiritual discernment [wise doctrinal application],

Philp. 1:10 So that as a result you may test and approve those things which are really important to you [priorities], so that you may be pure in motives [perfect integrity in thought] and without offense [perfect scale of values manifested in actions] unto the day of Christ [the rapture],

Philp. 1:11 Being filled to the point of overflowing [a full harvest] with the fruit of righteousness [spiritual progress], the fruit which is from Jesus Christ for the glory [inner revelation] and praise [outer expression] of God.

Philp. 1:12 Now brethren, I want you all to comprehend that my extreme circumstances [incarcerations and lawsuits] have come upon me repeatedly for the advancement of the good news,

Philp. 1:13 With the result that my imprisonments due to Christ have been made well known [by public notice] throughout the entire Praetorian Guard and to all the rest [SPQR: citizens of Rome].

Philp. 1:14 In fact, the majority of the brethren, because of my imprisonments due to the Lord, have become confident and are continuing to be confident [due to doctrine in their soul] to have courage beyond measure to communicate the Word [both gospel and doctrine] without fear.

Philp. 1:15 On the one hand [with false motivation], some people [reversionists] are proclaiming Christ even in a state of envy [pride, ambition] and strife [rivalry, contention], but on the other hand, others [with true motivation] in a state of goodwill instead.

Philp. 1:16 On the one hand, certain people [with true motivation] characterized by virtue love have known and continue to know that I myself am destined for the defense [apologetics] of the good news;

Philp. 1:17 On the other hand, certain people [with false motivation] out of selfish ambition are not proclaiming Christ with pure motives [ulterior motives], supposing within themselves that they might apply mental pressure to my bonds [add further torment to Paul while he is in prison].

Philp. 1:18 What then [is my conclusion], except that in every way, whether with falsely alleged motives [pretext] or with true motives, Christ is being proclaimed. As a matter of fact, I am maintaining inner happiness during this situation [proclamation of Christ with false motivation]; and furthermore, I plan to continue maintaining inner happiness in the future.

Philp. 1:19 Indeed, I know that this [proclamation of Christ] shall lead to my deliverance [release from prison] through your prayers and monetary support motivated by the Spirit of Jesus Christ.

Philp. 1:20 According to my eager expectation [intense concentration] and confidence [in doctrine], so that I shall be disgraced in nothing [at the Judgment Seat of Christ], but with all courage [fearlessness in spiritual childhood], as always [looking forward to spiritual maturity], even now at this present time [in spiritual adolescence], Christ shall be magnified in my person [spiritual maturity], whether by life [super-abounding grace blessings] or whether by death [dying grace blessings].

Philp. 1:21 Because for me, living is [occupation with] Christ, likewise, dying is gain [face-to-face with Christ with rewards & decorations].

Philp. 1:22 But since this living in the flesh is for me the fruit of production [potential for more rewards], then I do not know which [living or dying] I should choose for myself.

Philp. 1:23 In fact, I am in a dilemma between the two [options], having the desire to depart from this life and as a result to be together with Christ - certainly more preferable by far -

Philp. 1:24 Yet to remain in the flesh [alive on earth] is more important for you all.

Philp. 1:25 Furthermore, since I have this confidence, I know that I shall remain [alive on earth] and continue to be at your side, all of you, for the purpose of your spiritual progress, even [especially] your inner happiness from the source of doctrine,

Philp. 1:26 So that your confidence may continue to abound [multiply] in Christ Jesus by means of myself [as your teacher], by my face-to-face return to you again.

Philp. 1:27 Only [at all costs] live your life as a citizens of heaven in a manner worthy of the good news about Christ [royal family honor code], so that whether I come and see you or whether I remain absent, I may hear from time-to-time things [reports] about you all, that you have been and are continuing to be stabilized [holding your ground] by means of one and the same spirit [maturity] and by means of one and the same soul [teamwork], continually fighting together [angelic conflict] for the doctrine characterized by the good news.

Philp. 1:28 Likewise, do not be intimidated [fear-panic ploy] in any way by those who are your enemies [reversionists and unbelievers], which is a sign [evidence] of destruction [impending doom] for them, but for you, deliverance, and this [deliverance] from God,

Philp. 1:29 Because it [saving faith & suffering for blessing] has been graciously given [by the sovereignty of God] to you [the elect] on behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him [justification-salvation], but also to suffer [spurs our spiritual growth] on His behalf [persecution, torture, imprisonment and other disaster tests],

Philp. 1:30 Having [being engaged in] the same struggle [angelic conflict] which you saw in me and now you are hearing through me [as a seasoned veteran].

Philp. 2:1 Therefore, if there is any exhortation [encouragement to grow] in the sphere of Christ [and there is: from Bible doctrine], if there is any incentive toward virtue love [and there is: from Bible doctrine], if there is any fellowship with the Spirit [and there is: from Bible doctrine], if there are any emotional responses and [resultant] tender mercies [and there is: from Bible doctrine],

Philp. 2:2 Bring my inner happiness to completion [filled to the point of overflowing], so that you might increasingly think [good decisions from a position of strength] the same category of thing [systematic theology in the soul]: having the same virtue love [occupation with Christ in spiritual childhood], united in soul rapport [in spiritual adolescence], concentrating together on one thing [having the mind of Christ in spiritual maturity],

Philp. 2:3 Doing nothing on the basis of [motivated by] selfish ambition nor on the basis of delusion [false doctrine], but by means of genuine humility [grace orientation] be regarding each other as having surpassed yourselves [absence of spiritual competition],

Philp. 2:4 Not repeatedly concentrating on every one of the interests of yourselves [avoid narcissism and arrogant hypersensitivity], but also [being thoughtful towards] every one of the interests [pressures] of others [concern for others as they advance in the spiritual life].

Philp. 2:5 Keep on thinking this [doctrine] within you, which [doctrine] was also in Christ Jesus,

Philp. 2:6 Who although He pre-existed [pre-incarnate Christ] in the form [divine essence and attributes] of God [Christ as eternal God], He did not consider equalities with God [the other two members of the Trinity] to be a gain to be seized and retained [spiritual booty],

Philp. 2:7 But He deprived Himself [by exercising divine sovereignty] when He took the form [inner essence] of a slave, when He was born in the overt likeness of men. In fact, although He was discovered in outward appearance like a man [humanly speaking],

Philp. 2:8 He humbled Himself [voluntarily submitted to the Father] by becoming obedient to the point of spiritual death, that is, the spiritual death of the cross.

Philp. 2:9 Therefore, God [the Father was the Originator of the plan] then super-exalted Him [the resurrection, ascension & session of Christ] and bestowed on Him the Name [rank] which is above every Name,

Philp. 2:10 In order that in the presence of Jesus, every knee in the heavens [elect angels go 1st] shall bow [genuflex], including those on earth [believers, humans go 2nd] and under the earth [the underworld goes 3rd, bowing in defeat],

Philp. 2:11 And every tongue will verbally acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, resulting in the glory of God the Father.

Philp. 2:12 So then, my beloved [special group of mature believers], just as you have always [every single day] obeyed my authority, not only in my presence, but also now much more in my absence [non-resident pastor-teacher], keep on accomplishing [spiritual advance] with reverence [caution & vigilance] and respect [for Bible doctrine] your own preservation in danger [sanctification-salvation],

Philp. 2:13 Since it is God [the Holy Spirit] Who continues to work in you [inner spiritual dynamics], both to will [motivation] and to do [function] with a view to the [His] good pleasure [super-abounding grace status].

Philp. 2:14 Keep doing all things without complaining [to God] or arguing [with men],

Philp. 2:15 In order that you yourselves might become blameless [not involved in the arrogance complex of sins] and innocent [not involved in the hatred complex of sins], students of God [always learning], blameless [not under divine discipline] in the midst of a crooked [unscrupulous] and perverse [depraved] generation, among whom you yourselves may shine as lights [historical impact] in the world [Satan's cosmic system],

Philp. 2:16 Continually concentrating on the Word of Life [Bible doctrine], so that on my part I may have something to boast about [being proud of my students] with reference to the day of Christ [rewards at the Judgment Seat], so that I have not exerted myself to the limit [studying] in vain nor struggled [teaching] in vain.

Philp. 2:17 But even if I am poured out as a libation [demanding life of a pastor or teacher] by sacrifice [studying] and service [teaching] with reference to your doctrine [so you can grow], I keep on having inner happiness and I congratulate all of you [for keeping up with me].          

Philp. 2:18 And for this same reason [because you have been progressing in the spiritual life], you yourselves [those who are progressing with Paul's teaching] should also keep on having inner happiness and ought to congratulate me [for teaching you so well].

Philp. 2:19 Now I plan (with the permission of Jesus) to send Timothy to you as soon as possible, so that I may also have tranquility of soul when I come to know things concerning you [your status quo],

Philp. 2:20 For I have no one of equivalent soul [spiritual rapport], who would be genuinely concerned [by the very nature of spiritual maturity] with reference to the things concerning you [your affairs & spiritual welfare],

Philp. 2:21 For they all [believers in Rome] continue to seek their own things [arrogant preoccupation with themselves], not the things [interests] of Jesus Christ.

Philp. 2:22 But [in contrast to the Romans] you have come to know his [Timothy's] character, that as an apprenticed student, he labored as a slave [serving you] together with me for the sake of the gospel [Bible doctrine].

Philp. 2:23 Therefore, on the one hand, I expect to send this one [Timothy] immediately, as soon as I am able to ascertain the things concerning me [my status quo];

Philp. 2:24 But on the other hand, I have complete confidence in the Lord [occupation with Christ] that I myself will also return soon.

Philp. 2:25 But now I consider it necessary [a pressing need] to send Epaphroditus face-to-face to you, my brother [fellow believer] and co-worker [communicator] and fellow soldier [in the angelic conflict], your envoy, even a minister with reference to my needs [companion to Paul in his time of need],

Philp. 2:26 Because he was longing to be with all of you [homesick] and was concerned [distressed] because you heard that he was critically ill,

Philp. 2:27 For truly he was so critically ill that he resembled death, but God had mercy on him, and not only him, but also me [blessing by association], so that I might not have sorrow upon sorrow [excessive grief].

Philp. 2:28 Therefore, I have sent him [Epaphroditus] with great urgency, so that when you see him again, you may have restored happiness and I may be less anxious.

Philp. 2:29 Therefore, you yourselves welcome him back [throw your arms around him] in the Lord with all inner happiness. Furthermore, keep on regarding such persons with great respect [highest honor & esteem],

Philp. 2:30 Because due to the work [business] of Christ, he came close to the point of death, when he recklessly exposed his own life to danger, in order that he might bring to completion your lack of service [unfinished business] face-to-face with me [social life].

Philp. 3:1 In addition, my brethren, keep on having inner happiness in the Lord. To repeatedly write these same things to you [continual reminders] is to be sure not troublesome to me, but for your spiritual security.

Philp. 3:2 Beware of those dogs [their nature as reversionistic believers], beware of those evil workers [their practice of opposing Paul's ministry], beware of the mutilations [their legalistic & ritualistic message],

Philp. 3:3 For as for us, we [super-abounding grace believers] continue to be the [true] circumcision, the ones who continually worship in the Spirit of God [in fellowship] and who boast in Christ Jesus [spiritual esprit de corps] and who do not have confidence in the flesh [human ability, external rites, ceremonies, and rituals are irrelevant],

Philp. 3:4 Although in spite of that [even though Paul now worships in the Spirit and not the flesh], I myself could also have confidence in the flesh [legalistic religion was Paul's life in the past]. If anyone of the same category [fellow Jewish believers] presumes to place confidence in the flesh [like the false Judaistic teachers], I myself could presume more [Paul's superiority in legalism was publicly known in times past]:

Philp. 3:5 Circumcision on the eighth day, from the race of Israel [not a proselyte], from the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew from the Hebrews [born of conservative Hebrew parents], with reference to the law a Pharisee [a separatist],

Philp. 3:6 With reference to zeal [ruthlessness] having persecuted the church [breathing out threatenings and slaughter], with reference to righteousness having myself become blameless in the law [a model Jew],

Philp. 3:7 But what quality of things [thought by some to be spiritual assets] were gains to me [debit side of the ledger], I concluded in the past [on the road to Damascus] and am still concluding as an expert to this very day [as an apostle] those things as loss [credit side of the ledger] because of Christ.

Philp. 3:8 Indeed, and I cannot emphasize this enough, I myself also conclude all things [my former resume, human celebrityship] to be loss [a hindrance to the spiritual life] compared to the surpassing greatness of the knowledge of [intimate fellowship with] Christ Jesus my Lord, for Whom I have been caused to suffer the loss of all things [money, family, friends, easy living]. In fact, I myself consider [after mature deliberation] all these things to be excrement, in order that I might gain Christ [appropriate His spiritual life as my own],

Philp. 3:9 Also that I may be found in Him [building experiential sanctification upon positional sanctification], not holding up my own righteousness from the law [illegitimate], but that [righteousness] through the faithfulness of Christ [legitimate], that righteousness from God within the context of faithfulness [doctrine],

Philp. 3:10 So that I may come to know Him [spiritual self-esteem] and the power of His resurrection [spiritual autonomy] and the fellowship of His sufferings [spiritual maturity], taking on the same form unto His death [super-abounding grace status],

Philp. 3:11 If in some way I might attain [super-abounding grace status] the exit-resurrection [a special resurrection by rank at the rapture] out from among the dead ones [separated from unbelievers in eternity and loser believers by rank].

Philp. 3:12 Not that I have already obtained [super-abounding grace status] or have already reached the objective [the pinnacle of spiritual progress], but I am continuing to pursue so that I may also overtake that [super-abounding grace status] for which [purpose] I was also overtaken [divinely grasped on the Damascus Road] by Christ Jesus [seized and held by God's grace].

Philp. 3:13 Brethren, I evaluate myself [an objective conclusion] as not yet having overtaken it [super-abounding grace status]. However, one thing is certain: on the one hand, I am constantly forgetting the things [testing, suffering, discipline] which lie behind [not focusing on the past], and on the other hand, I am straining and stretching towards the finish line ahead [super-abounding grace status].

Philp. 3:14 I keep on advancing [in spiritual autonomy] towards the goal [spiritual maturity], for the prize [reward] of the upward [heavenly] station in life [ruling & reigning in the Millennium as a winner believer] from God [Who designed the plan] in Christ Jesus.

Philp. 3:15 Therefore, as many as are mature ones [spiritually], let us continue objective thinking [divine viewpoint]. In fact, if you are thinking differently [negative attitude], God will reveal even that [human viewpoint] to you,

Philp. 3:16 By means of which [objective thinking & convicting ministry of the Spirit] we attain the objective [spiritual maturity]. In any case, keep advancing like a foot soldier [following Paul's teaching] towards it [super-abounding grace status].

Philp. 3:17 You yourselves try to become fellow-imitators of me [follow Paul's self-discipline], brethren, and keep your eyes open [search] for those [pastors] who are conducting themselves in this manner [advancing in the spiritual life], just as you have us [Paul, Timothy & Epaphroditus] as an example;

Philp. 3:18 For many [reversionistic pastors] are walking about concerning whom I have told you about many times [repeated warnings], and even now I am telling you again [hammering it home] while weeping, they [cosmic pastors, teachers, and other believers] are personal enemies of the cross of Christ [hostile toward the grace of God],

Philp. 3:19 Whose end [termination of their life] is ruin [sin unto death], whose god is emotion [emotional revolt of the soul], and whose fame is by means of their dishonor [complete lack of integrity], who continue to hold opinions which are earthly [human viewpoint as opposed to divine viewpoint].

Philp. 3:20 So then, our citizenship [as spiritual aristocrats] exists in the heavens [as opposed to the earth where we find ourselves], even from which we ourselves are eagerly waiting for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ [at the rapture],

Philp. 3:21 Who shall change the form of the body [corruptible] of our humble station in life [since the fall of Adam] into conformity with the body [incorruptible] of His glory [ultimate sanctification occurs at the rapture], according to the operating power from which He Himself is also able to bring under His ultimate authority the all things [all creatures, angelic, animate and inanimate objects in creation].

Philp. 4:1 Therefore, brethren [all believers], (especially my longed-for beloved ones [those who are making spiritual progress], my inner happiness and wreath [source of joy and rewards]), in this same way [previously mentioned mandates for the spiritual life], beloved ones [the Lord cares about all believers], stand firm in the Lord [stabilized in the spiritual life].

Philp. 4:2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to be of the same mind [doctrinal thinking] in the Lord.

Philp. 4:3 Indeed, I also authorize you, loyal Syzygus, to seize them [church discipline], who fought at my side [spiritual gladiatorial arena] for the cause of the Gospel along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the Book of Life [honor roll of winner believers].

Philp. 4:4 Keep on having inner happiness in the Lord at all times. Again, I say and will continue saying: Keep on having inner happiness.

Philp. 4:5 Let your relaxed mental attitude [grace orientation] be known to all men. The Lord is near [imminency of the rapture].

Philp. 4:6 Worry about nothing, but in everything [all circumstances], through prayer and entreaty, after thanksgiving [expressing gratitude], let your petitions [desires of your soul] be revealed face-to-face to God.

Philp. 4:7 In fact, the spiritual prosperity [super-abounding grace peace] from God which surpasses all basic understanding [left lobe thinking], shall protect the mentality of your soul [right lobe thinking] and your motivations [mental attitude] in Christ Jesus.

Philp. 4:8 In addition, brethren [all believers], everything that is true [Bible doctrine], everything that is honorable [law of divine establishment], everything that is just [conforms to God's norms and standards], everything that is pure [free from evil], everything that is agreeable [relaxed mental attitude], everything that is commendable [good reputation] - if there is any virtue [exercises agape love] and if there is anything worthy of praise [royal family honor code], you yourselves keep concentrating on [study and reflection] these things [characteristics of the super-abounding grace life],

Philp. 4:9 These things [Bible doctrines and their fruits in your life] which you have both learned [familiarization] and accepted [mental saturation], both heard and understood [mental perception] by means of me [my teaching]. Keep on executing these things [application of doctrine], and the God of spiritual prosperity shall Himself be with you [those who have met the conditions].

Philp. 4:10 Now I have received great inner happiness in the Lord, because your thoughts and intentions concerning me have revived once again [referring to their 2nd monetary contribution]. Indeed, you had been thinking with intent about it [it wasn't impulsive giving], but you yourselves [rather than through Epaphroditus] had no opportunity [to show me personally].

Philp. 4:11 Not that I am speaking with reference to poverty, because I have learned to be continually content [self-sufficient in super-abounding grace status by means of the Lord] in whatever circumstances I am in.

Philp. 4:12 In fact, I have come to know [as the result of my past recovery from reversionism] how to be humbled [by divine discipline]; I have also come to know [as a result of passing momentum tests] how to live in extreme abundance [super-abounding grace prosperity]. In every place and in all circumstances I have been initiated into a secret [by testing & recovery]: both to be satisfied [saturated with Bible doctrine] and to hunger [for more spiritual food], both to live in extreme abundance [doctrine is coming out of his ears] and to be lacking [not yet in super-abounding grace status].

Philp. 4:13 I have the spiritual strength to attain all things [every stage of spiritual growth] in the sphere of the One [Holy Spirit] who keeps on empowering me [filling of the Spirit].

Philp. 4:14 In any case, you have performed splendidly [no strings attached] when [by financial contribution] you shared in my affliction [imprisonment].

Philp. 4:15 Now you Philippians also know, that during the introduction of the gospel [ministry], when I had departed from Macedonia, not a single church [due to lack of maturity] contributed to me with reference to the doctrine of giving and receiving, except only you,

Philp. 4:16 As a matter of fact, even in Thessalonica you contributed [an offering, grace gift] to my needs more than once [several times].

Philp. 4:17 Not because I was seeking a gift [evil motivation], since I make it a practice to seek for the spiritual fruit [interest income] which accumulates to your account [accrues to your spiritual balance sheet] as a result of your doctrine [the investment of Bible doctrine in your soul brings great assets into your spiritual balance sheet].

Philp. 4:18 Furthermore, I have received in full the all things [monetary & super-abounding grace blessings] and I have more than enough [great abundance with leftovers]. I have been filled up to the point of overflowing in the past and I continue to be overflowing, having received from Epaphroditus the things [financial gifts] from you all: a fragrant odor, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.

Philp. 4:19 Now my God shall fill up the deficiency with reference to your every need [logistical grace support] according to His wealth [infinite supply of divine investment capital] in glory in Christ Jesus.

Philp. 4:20 Now to God, even our Father, glory unto the Ages of the Ages [eternity future]. Acknowledge it.

Philp. 4:21 Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren [those who didn't discontinue Bible study] who are together with me [spiritual rapport] salute you.

Philp. 4:22 All the saints [other believers in Rome] salute you, especially those from Caesar's palace [VIPs and slaves].

Philp. 4:23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your [human] spirit.    

Col. 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the sovereign will of God [the Father], and Timothy our brother,

Col. 1:2 To the saints in Colossae, particularly to the faithful brethren [those continuing to be strong in doctrine] in Christ. Grace to you and prosperity from God our Father.

Col. 1:3 We keep on giving thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, at all times concerning you, offering face-to-face prayer,

Col. 1:4 Having heard of your doctrinal application in the sphere of Christ Jesus [experiential sanctification] and the virtue love which you have towards all the saints,

Col. 1:5 Because of the assurance which is reserved for you in the heavens [both eternal life & our inheritance from Christ], which you have heard before in the Word of Truth [doctrine], i.e., the gospel,

Col. 1:6 Which is present in you [importance of doctrine in your soul], just as it is also in all the world [by evangelistic proclamation], continually bearing fruit [divine good] and increasing [spiritual growth] just as it is also in you [produced in you by the Spirit], from the day you initially heard then came to fully understand the grace apparatus [spiritual mechanics] from God in the sphere of Truth [Bible doctrine],

Col. 1:7 Just as you learned [previously] from Epaphras [functioning as your pastor or teacher], our beloved, fellow bondslave, who is a consistently faithful minister of Christ on your behalf,

Col. 1:8 Who has also reported to us [Paul's team in Rome] concerning your virtue love in the Spirit.

Col. 1:9 Because of this [positive report], we also from the day that we heard [from Epaphras], do not cease praying and offering petitions [to the Father] on your behalf, so that you [the deficiency of your soul] might be filled to the point of overflowing with the full knowledge [from doctrine] of His sovereign will by means of all wisdom [applied doctrine] and spiritual understanding [discernment between good & evil],

Col. 1:10 So that you might begin to walk [function in the sphere of divine power] worthy [with integrity, dignity, and character] of the Lord with the view of pleasing Him in everything [the super-abounding grace life], being fruitful in every good work [ambassadorship] and receiving continual spiritual growth by means of the full knowledge from God [maximum doctrine in the soul],

Col. 1:11 Constantly being strengthened by means of every enabling power [filled with the Spirit] according to the standard of the ruling power of His glory [divine sovereignty and omnipotence] resulting in all patience [faith rest] and endurance [stability through testing] associated with inner happiness [super-abounding grace life],

Col. 1:12 Constantly giving thanks to the Father who authorized you [by inheritance] for a share of the assigned portion [of escrow blessings] of the saints in the sphere of light [attained by continued residence and function inside the divine system],

Col. 1:13 Who delivered us [all believers] out from the tyranny of the darkness [dictatorship of Satan's cosmic system] and transferred us into the kingdom [the realm of royal power during the Church Age] belonging to the Son of His virtue love,

Col. 1:14 By means of Whom we have redemption [by His paying a ransom and purchasing us out of the slave market of sin], the cancellation of our sins,

Col. 1:15 Who [Jesus Christ] is and always was the exact image [shares the same divine essence] of the unseen [invisible] God [deity of Christ], the firstborn [humanity of Christ at the virgin birth] with reference to all creation [hypostatic union],

Col. 1:16 Because by means of Him [Jesus Christ] all things in the heavens and upon the earth were created, the visible things [like man] and the invisible things [like the angelic host], whether they are human governments [thrones] or constituted authorities [dominions] or angelic rulers [principalities] or demon commissioned officers [potentates]. All things stand created by Him [Jesus Christ] and for Him [His divine purpose].

Col. 1:17 Furthermore, He [Jesus Christ] was before all things [eternal existence] and all things hold together by Him [divine omnipotence sustains the universe].

Col. 1:18 Furthermore, He [Jesus Christ] is now and always will be the Head over the Body [federal headship], the Church, Who was the beginning [eternal existence], the first born out from the dead [resurrection] so that He might become the One who is pre-eminent [ultimate authority] in all things.

Col. 1:19 (Because He [God the Father] determined with pleasure that all the fullness [spiritual blessings & happiness] should have permanent residence and function in Him [Jesus Christ],

Col. 1:20 And through Him [Jesus Christ] to reconcile all [believers] to Himself [reconciliation as an accomplished fact, not a hypothetical], having concluded peace [again, an accomplished fact, not a hypothetical] through the blood [spiritual death] of His cross [definite atonement], through Him only [exclusively through Jesus Christ], whether things on earth [elect believers] or things in the heavens [elect angels].

Col. 1:21 And you [Christians] who were at one time [before the new birth] settled in a state of alienation [positional residence: total inability] and were hostile [enemies] in your thinking associated with wicked works [experiential function: total depravity],

Col. 1:22 Yet now [at the cross] He has completed reconciliation by means of the body of His flesh [Jesus Christ as true humanity] through spiritual death), for the purpose of presenting you holy [positional sanctification] and blameless [ultimate sanctification] and irreproachable [experiential sanctification] in His sight,

Col. 1:23 If indeed [assuming that] you continue to persist [daily] in doctrine, having laid a strong foundation [in the basics], both stabilized [not controlled by your emotions] and not being swerved [into reversionism] from the ultimate source of the confidence of the message which you have heard [grace as opposed to legalism or works], which was publicly proclaimed to every creature [His sheep] who is under heaven, concerning which I, Paul, have become a minister.

Col. 1:24 I now keep on rejoicing [inner happiness] in my sufferings on behalf of you [pressures in the ministry which come from the sheep], and am filling up [by taking in more doctrine] the deficiency [Paul needed more truth on the launching pad of his soul] with reference to the pressures of Christ in my flesh on behalf of His Body [Paul is back in fellowship after some difficult times], which is the Church,

Col. 1:25 Concerning which [Body of Christ] I have become a minister according to the dispensation [stewardship] of God which was given to me [as revelator of Church Age doctrine] for your benefit for the purpose of fulfilling the Word of God [completing what was hidden in the Old Testament],

Col. 1:26 The mystery [of Church Age doctrine] having been concealed from the ages [theocratic dispensations] and from [prior] generations, but now [during the Church Age] has been revealed to His saints [Church Age believers],

Col. 1:27 To whom God decreed [in eternity past] to make known [through pastors & teachers] what is the wealth of the glory of this mystery [Church Age doctrines] among the Gentiles [in contrast to the exclusiveness of prior Jewish dispensations], which continues to be Christ in you [indwelling of the Shekinah glory], the confidence of glory [guarantee of eternal life],

Col. 1:28 Whom [Jesus Christ] we continue to proclaim [evangelism], repeatedly warning every man [those with negative volition] and repeatedly instructing every man [those with positive volition] in all wisdom [whole realm of doctrine], so that we might render every man fully mature in Christ,

Col. 1:29 To which [objective] I am constantly working even to the point of exhaustion, straining every muscle [like a gladiator or professional athlete], according to the standard of His omnipotent [prototype] power which is supernaturally working in me on a continual basis in the sphere of enabling [operational] power.

Col. 2:1 For I want you to know about the great combat [intercessory prayer struggles] I continually have on your behalf and for those in Laodicea and as many as have not seen me face-to-face in my flesh [non-resident congregations],

Col. 2:2 So that the mentality of your souls might be stabilized [during times of great pressure], while you are being taught inside the love complex, namely, every category of wealth [maximum doctrine in the soul] related to the full assurances which comes from the source of comprehensive knowledge [complete systematic theology], resulting in a full knowledge of the mystery of God, from the source of Christ,

Col. 2:3 In Whom [Jesus Christ] all the treasures of wisdom [applied doctrine] and knowledge [raw doctrinal principles] are stored up [on reserve].

Col. 2:4 I am telling you this so that no one may deceive you with distorted doctrines by means of plausible but false discourse [subtle, distorted, persuasive speech].

Col. 2:5 For, as is the case, I am in fact absent [from you] in the flesh, nevertheless, I am continually with you by means of the Spirit [non-resident pastor-teacher], constantly filled with inner happiness [from doctrine] even while inspecting your solid front in combat rank [in the Christian life] and your doctrinal fortification in Christ [battle lines in the angelic conflict].

Col. 2:6 Therefore, in the same manner in which you accepted Christ Jesus the Lord [by enabling grace], keep on walking in it [the sphere of divine power],

Col. 2:7 Having been rooted [in spiritual childhood] and firmly anchored [in spiritual adolescence] and having been constantly built-up [construction of an edification complex in the soul] in it [spiritual maturity in the sphere of power], and having been repeatedly established by means of doctrine [passing momentum tests], just as you were instructed [by qualified pastors and teachers], keep on overflowing with thanksgiving [gratitude every step of the way].

Col. 2:8 Constantly be on guard [beware] so that there is not anyone who can capture and carry you away as a slave [from truth into the slavery of error] through human speculation [philosophical sophistry], even through empty deceit [seductive fallacies], according to the traditions of men [legalism and liberalism], according to the rudimentary teachings [beggarly elements] from the cosmic system and not according to the standards of Christ.

Col. 2:9 For in Him dwells permanently [in hypostatic union] all the fullness [divine essence] of the Godhead [deity of Christ] bodily [humanity of Christ];

Col. 2:10 Furthermore, you are in Him [positional truth], being completely filled [by the baptism of the Holy Spirit], who [Jesus Christ] is the Head [sovereign ruler] over every principality [angelic realm] and authority [earthly sphere],

Col. 2:11 In Whom you were indeed circumcised by means of a circumcision not made with hands [spiritual, not ritual circumcision], by the renunciation of the body of the flesh [the sin nature], by means of the circumcision of Christ [identification with Christ on the cross],

Col. 2:12 Having been buried with Him [union with Christ] by means of identification [baptism of the Holy Spirit], by means of which you have also been raised up with Him through faith [promise of resurrection life] by means of the sovereign [operational] power of God, Who raised Him out from the deaths [both spiritual and physical].

Col. 2:13 And as for you, being dead in transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh [the sin nature], He [God the Father], having graciously forgiven us all our transgressions, has made you alive together with Him [divine life imparted to the believer at the moment of regeneration],

Col. 2:14 Having cancelled the hand-written certificate of indebtedness against us, which kept on being hostile toward us [because of the sin nature], and He [the Father] removed it [the debt or IOU] permanently from our midst by nailing it to the cross,

Col. 2:15 Having disarmed the arch-principalities [chief demon war-makers] and [demon] commissioned officers, exposing them [angelic captives] to public mockery and disgrace, having celebrated a triumphal procession over them by means of Him [Jesus Christ],

Col. 2:16 Consequently, stop allowing anyone [self-righteous, legalistic believers] to judge you in the act of eating or drinking or in matters related to feasts [holidays] or festivals [celebrations] or Sabbaths [worship schedule],

Col. 2:17 Which [three previously mentioned special categories of days] were a shadow of things which were about to come, but the substance [reality] is of Christ.

Col. 2:18 Let no one rob you of your reward, taking pleasure in the false humility of asceticism or in the worship of angels [demon influence], going into detail on those things he has seen [dreams, trances, hallucinations], being inflated with arrogance to no avail [without cause] under the influence of the thinking from the source of his flesh [sin nature],

Col. 2:19 And not apprehending the Head [authority of Jesus Christ], from Whom the entire body [of believers] through joints and ligaments [daily Bible study builds spiritual strength], being graciously provided [doctrine should be as free as possible] and repeatedly taught [by well-trained pastors & teachers], keeps on growing with the growth from God.

Col. 2:20 If you have died together with Christ [retroactive positional truth] to the fundamental precepts [rudimentary elements] of the cosmic system, then why, as though living like a person in the cosmic system, are you submitting to legalistic rules and regulations?

Col. 2:21 For instance [an example of three legalistic taboos]: You shall not have sexual relations [celibacy], neither shall you eat certain foods [vegetarianism], nor shall you touch anything with hostility [pacifism],

Col. 2:22 All of which [taboos] are consuming to the point of destruction [legalism destroys your spiritual life], according to the ordinances [precepts] and teachings [doctrines] of men [not from God],

Col. 2:23 Which classification of things [taboos] currently exist, on the one hand, having a reputation [appearance] of wisdom by means of a self-made system of religion [superstition] and by means of an emotionally subjective false humility [self-effacement] and by means of a severe non-indulgence of the body [extreme asceticism], but on the other hand, nothing of value [worth respect] against gratification of the flesh [taboos are unable to control the sin nature].

Col. 3:1 If therefore, you have been raised together with Christ [positional truth], then keep on endeavoring to obtain and possess the above things [Bible doctrine], where the Christ is sitting [session] at the right hand of God [the Father].

Col. 3:2 Keep on thinking objectively about [concentrate on] the above things [divine viewpoint], not the things upon the earth [human viewpoint],

Col. 3:3 For you have died [separated from your former life], and your spiritual life has been hidden together with Christ by means of the God [the veil which now shrouds your higher life from others will one day be withdrawn].

Col. 3:4 On the occasion [at the rapture] when the Christ, our life, shall appear [when the Groom returns for His bride], at that time you also shall be made manifest with Him in the sphere of glory.

Col. 3:5 Start putting to death [recovery from sexual reversionism], therefore, the members [sexual organs], the things upon the earth [specifically]: heterosexual immorality [fornication], homosexuality [perverted sex], abnormal passion [pathological], evil [demonically inspired] lusts and insatiableness [frantic search for happiness], which category of things keeps on being [ a form of] idolatry,

Col. 3:6 Because of which things [sexual sins] the wrath of God [divine discipline] comes upon the sons of disobedience [sexual reversionists],

Col. 3:7 In the sphere of which things [cosmos diabolicus] you also walked as a pattern of life [modus operandi] when you once functioned in them [residence and function in Satan's cosmic system].

Col. 3:8 But now [as believers] you should also begin to lay aside all these [other categories of sin]: anger, rage, wicked depravity, slandering, and foul language from your mouth.

Col. 3:9 Stop lying to one another of the same kind [particularly to fellow Christians], having disarmed the old man [relationship in Adam] together with his activity [cosmic modus operandi],

Col. 3:10 And having put on the new in point of time [clothed the soul of the new man with an edifying doctrinal structure], being renewed [because the doctrine you once knew was destroyed by reversionism] by the full knowledge [metabolized Bible doctrine] which is according to the image of the One [Jesus Christ] who created him [the believer],

Col. 3:11 In which place [union with Christ] there no longer exists Greek or Jew [no racial inferiority], circumcision or uncircumcision [rituals and religious background is irrelevant], Barbarian, Scythian [cultural background is irrelevant], slavery, state of freedom [social status is irrelevant], since Christ is all things [the grace source of all we have] and the cause of all things [divine sovereignty and omnipotence].

Col. 3:12 Keep on clothing yourself [dressing your soul with doctrine], therefore, as chosen ones of God [elect in eternity past], (having been loved in the past with the result that you will be loved forever), with affections [capacity for love & life], a gracious disposition [inner happiness & kindness], a relaxed mental attitude, genuine humility, and steadfastness [patience from mastery of the details of life],

Col. 3:13 Patiently tolerating one another of the same kind [mental separation from obnoxious believers] and graciously forgiving others [unbelievers]. If anyone has a complaint against anyone, even as the Lord graciously forgave you, in this way also you [forgive];

Col. 3:14 Furthermore, upon all these [spiritual qualities], virtue love [outer garment] - which is the binding agent [cement] of maturity [spiritual completeness].

Col. 3:15 And spiritual prosperity from Christ. Let that continually rule the mentality of your soul, into which [spiritual status] you were called [the purpose of your election], as well as into one body [the corporate church]. Therefore, keep on being thankful ones [gratitude: capacity for life].

Col. 3:16 Let the doctrine from Christ keep on dwelling inside you abundantly [saturate your inner life] in the sphere of all wisdom [ready to apply to daily life]. You [pastors & teachers], teach with authority and admonish yourselves [pastors aren't exempt from application] by means of psalms [David's experiential theology], hymns [grace-oriented songs], odes [stories & poems], and singing with gratitude in the mentality of your soul [songs that originate from thought, not emotional subjectivity] to God,

Col. 3:17 And whatever you habitually do in the sphere of word [conversation] or deed [behavior], do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus [self-motivation from occupation with Christ], continually giving thanks to God the Father [expression of gratitude] through Him [Jesus Christ].

Col. 3:18 Wives, always submit to the authority of your husbands, as it should be protocol to do in the Lord.

Col. 3:19 Husbands, always love your wives [impersonal love as a problem-solving device] and stop being bitter against them.

Col. 3:20 Children, always obey your parents with respect to all things, for this [authority orientation] is pleasing to the Lord.

Col. 3:21 Fathers, do not provoke bitterness in your children, so that they may not become discouraged [from too much system testing].

Col. 3:22 Labor, always obey management according to the flesh [excludes spiritual matters] in all  types of things [related to the job], not with eye service as men-pleasers [not as brown-nosing, patronizing politicians], but with a virtuous mentality of the soul [from doctrinal thinking], always respecting the Lord.

Col. 3:23 Whatever you do, keep functioning from the soul [in spiritual adolescence] as unto the Lord and not to man,

Col. 3:24 Since you [growing Christians] know that you will receive the reward of your inheritance [wages earned, not a gift] from the Lord [your ultimate reward comes from the Lord, not the human organization you work for]: Always be serving the Lord Christ,

Col. 3:25 For anyone who habitually does wrong [injury or injustice] will receive the consequences of his wrongdoing [self-induced misery & divine discipline], since there is no partiality [under the law of volitional responsibility].

Col. 4:1 Management, always pay just [honest] and equitable [fair] wages to your employees, knowing that you also have management in heaven.

Col. 4:2 Be continually devoted to [vigilant in] prayer, constantly being alert by means of the same [prayer] in the sphere of thanksgiving [gratitude].

Col. 4:3 At the same time [simultaneously] be continually praying also for us [teamwork], so that God might open a door for doctrine to us, for the purpose of communicating the mystery [Church Age doctrine] of Christ, because of which I also have been chained [to soldiers of the Praetorian Guard],

Col. 4:4 In order that I might reveal by teaching the same [mystery doctrine], as it is necessary for me [my responsibility] to communicate.

Col. 4:5 Keep on walking in the sphere of wisdom towards the ones on the outside [unbelievers], continually redeeming [logging] the time,

Col. 4:6 Your word always in the sphere of grace [divine viewpoint], having been seasoned with salt [palatable to the hearer], so that you may know [having studied beforehand] how each one [questions from every quarter] should be answered by you.

Col. 4:7 All things pertaining to me [my current circumstances] Tychicus shall declare to you, a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord [Paul's 3-fold introduction and commendation],

Col. 4:8 Whom I have sent face-to-face to you for this same purpose, in order that you might come to know our situation [things concerning us], and that he might encourage the mentality of your soul [comfort your thinking],

Col. 4:9 Along with Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is from among you [from Colossae]. They will report to you the entire situation here.

Col. 4:10 Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, salutes you, also Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received orders: if he comes face-to-face to you, welcome him),

Col. 4:11 Also Jesus, who is called the just [Paul's lawyer]. These, who are out from the circumcision [Jews], are my only co-workers with reference to the Kingdom of God, who are of such a character [super-abounding grace believers] as to have become a comfort to me [refreshment from friends].

Col. 4:12 Epaphrus, who is from among you [from Colossae], a slave of Christ Jesus, salutes you, who is always struggling on your behalf by means of his prayers [he is their absent pastor-teacher who is visiting Paul in prison], in order that the mature ones [super-abounding grace believers] may hold their ground [stand firm while he is away] and be completely filled up [saturated] with all things [every category of doctrine] pertaining to the will of God;

Col. 4:13 For I solemnly testify with reference to this same one [Epaphrus], that he continues to have great distress on your behalf and for those in Laodicea [who are constantly in trouble] and those in Hierapolis [the local hot springs medical center].

Col. 4:14 Luke, the [my] beloved physician, and Demas, also salute you.

Col. 4:15 Salute the brethren in Laodicea, especially Nymphas and the assembly of believers at her house [home church].

Col. 4:16 And when this letter [Epistle to the Colossians] has been read and taught in your presence, do it thoroughly [verse-by-verse exegesis], so that it may also be read and taught in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you [Colossian believers] likewise read and teach the one from the Laodiceans [Epistle to the Ephesians].

Col. 4:17 Also tell Archippus: Pay attention to the ministry which you received from the Lord, in order that you might fulfill it [complete in every detail].

Col. 4:18 This salutation is by my hand: Paul. Keep remembering my chains. Grace be with you.