Colossians 1

These words contain a prayer, and a thanksgiving. In the prayer, three things are asked. The first is the increase of the knowledge of God's revealed will in his word, and he divides it into two parts: wisdom, which is not only to know God's word, but also to apply it to every action for the right and holy performing thereof; and spiritual understanding, which is, when men by the assistance of God's spirit, do conceive the will of God in general without applying.

Secondly, Paul prays for the fruits of this knowledge, which are four. 1. To [reconstructed: walk] worthy of God, as good servants do, who in their apparel, gesture, and all their doings, so behave themselves that they may credit their masters. 2. To please God in all things, by approving their hearts to him. 3. To be plentiful in all good works. 4. To increase in the acknowledgment of God. For the more any increase in knowledge and experience in God's word, the more shall they acknowledge God the father to be their father, Christ to be their redeemer, and the Holy Ghost their sanctifier.

Thirdly, he prays that the Colossians may be strengthened, verse 11. where he notes the cause, God's glorious power; and the effects, which are three. 1. Patience, because it is necessary that the godly suffer many afflictions. 2. Long suffering, because oftentimes the same afflictions continue long. 3. Joyfulness, because the cross is bitter.

The thanksgiving is for a benefit, that God had made the Colossians fit for the kingdom of glory: and the reason is, because he had made them members of the kingdom of grace.