Colossians 1:11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, to all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness; I. THE STRENGTH. 1. The reference is not to intellectual strength, although no doubt as a highly intellectual man, the apostle would highly prize this in his brethren. It is important as a shield to protect from imposition, for guidance in times of sifting or wild speculation, and its possession widens the distance between man and the lower creation, and assimilates to Him whose understanding is infinite. 2. Here reference is to power distinctively spiritual. Paul prayed that they might be strengthened in their ethical principles, so that they might be stronger in their faith, hope, and love. This was important for their Christian consistency, usefulness, and prosperity, II. THE STRENGTHENING. "Strengthened in all strength." As if the apostle conceived them as needing to be immersed in some other one's strength greater than their own: and as he was thinking of Divine strength, he did not scruple to say "all" strength, i.e., strength all-sufficient. Not merely enough for some duties and trials, but such as would enable them to say, "I can do all things" (Philippians 4:13). All kinds of strength belong to God, physical, intellectual, moral "Nothing is too hard for the Lord." "Power belongeth unto God," and not only that which can create and uphold. What power of perception from which nothing is hidden! of memory! looking back into infinity; of prevision! looking forward into eternity. Hence this moral power. What power of goodness, righteousness, compassion, and forgiving fervour — all inherently infinite. No wonder Paul speaks of "the power of His glory," the power that is inherent in His glory and therefore glorious. No wonder that he desires that the Colossians should be steeped in it. III. THE RESULT OF THE STRENGTHENING. 1. Patience is needed on the part of all in such a world as this. Men everywhere have had trials that have taxed them to the utmost, and will continue to have. But the reference here is to the trials which Christians have in addition as Christians, to which they are exposed for the gospel's sake at home and in society. 2. Long-suffering is akin to patient endurance. It is the opposite of irascibility in relation to persons who deal with us unreasonably or unkindly, whereas patience has to do with things. With trying things our difficulty is to endure; with trying persons to suppress irritability. 3. But these are not enough. Paul wants joyfulness in addition. But he knew that "the happy God" could and would make "all things work together for good," and so enable His people to "rejoice in the Lord alway." (J. Morison, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; |
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