FOR I WANT YOU TO KNOW HOW GREAT A STRUGGLE I HAVE ON YOUR BEHALF AND FOR THOSE WHO ARE AT LAODICEA: Thelo (1SPAI) gar humas eidenai (RAN) helikon agona echo (1SPAI) huper humon kai ton en Laodikeia: (Colossians 4:12, Lk 22:44, Gal 4:19 Php 1:30 1Th 2:2 1Ti 6:12 2Ti 4:7 Heb 12:1)  (Colossians 4:13, 4:15,16 Rev 1:11 , 3:14)

"For I woulde ye knewe what great fighting I haue for your sakes" (Geneva)

John Eadie introduces this chapter...

THE apostle had just spoken of his sufferings for the church, and his conflicts for the realization of the one grand aim of the Christian ministry. That aim filled his spirit and nerved his energies. It made him what he was—a preacher, and at length a martyr. The value of souls and the glory of Christ wrapt themselves up in one burning thought, and created and sustained one dominant and living impulse within him. It was his heart's desire that the gospel should be preserved in its purity and simplicity, free from all admixtures of Judaism and false philosoply. He knew that the introduction of error imperilled the salvation of sinners, hindered the diffusion of the word, and robbed the cross of its special adaptations to a lost world. And his affection was not wholly set upon churches where he had preached in person. He had no little jealousies and no favouritism, but all the believing communities, whatever their age, place, or origin, found in him immediate sympathy and co-operation. The churches which he had not visited in person might scarcely be inclined to believe this fully, and might naturally imagine that their neighbours which had been honoured by his presence had a deeper hold on his affection. But the apostle seeks to dispel this illusion, and says in earnest exhortitude— “For I wish that you knew what a great conflict I have about you..." (Commentary on Gk Text of the Epistle of Paul to Colossians)

Want (2309) (thelo) expresses a desire that comes from one’s emotions and represents an active decision of the will which implies volition and purpose. Wuest says a better translation of this verse is “For I desire you to know”.

Thelo is in the present tense which means that Paul continually had this desire for the saints at Colossae.

To know (1492) (eido) refers to absolute, positive, beyond a doubt knowledge. It means to see with the mind’s eye and signifies a clear and purely mental perception. The perfect tense speaks of the permanent or abiding state of  knowing.  Eido means perception by sight (perceive, see) as in Mt 2:2 where the wise men "saw His star". It describes one as having come to a perception or realization of something.

Struggle (73) (agon gives us our English "agony" something we can all identify with to help understand what Paul is saying) (Click for an in depth word study of agon) was a word well known to the Greek "sports crazed" culture. Agon pictured the struggle of the Greek athletes in the Olympiad agonizing to win at boxing, running, wrestling, etc.  The idea is that of an athletic contest which is strenuous and demanding.

Agon - 6x in NT - Php 1:30; Col 2:1; 1Th 2:2; 1Ti 6:12; 2Ti 4:7; Heb 12:1 and rendered in NAS as conflict(1), fight(2), opposition(1), race(1), struggle(1).

Eadie comments that

The division of chapters is here unhappy, for this verse is but a supplementary explanation of the preceding one. “I am in an agony,” he had said, and now he adds, “I would ye knew what an agony I am in about you.” The noun agon means deep and earnest solicitude, accompanied with toil and peril. Phil. 1:30; 1Th 2:2; 1Tim. 6:12. It points out that intense and painful anxiety which preyed upon him, now in occasional terror, and now in reviving hopes—that ceaseless conflict which filled his waking hours with effort, and relieved with prayer the watches of the night. His soul was in a perpetual distress for them: every suspicion about them left a pang behind it—the bare possibility of their relapse or apostasy brought with it unutterable dismay and sorrow.

Therefore he says, “How great a struggle.”... It was no easy or supine struggle. He knew what was at stake. They were in danger, and he could not be in the midst of them. The seducer might have been pictured out to him, but he was not privileged to confront him. How the Colossians stood he knew not. He was aware of the hazard they were in generally—but the shiftings of the crisis and its individual results could only be faintly apprehended.

Like the caged bird beating its bared and bleeding breast against the wires of its prison, as it hears the repeated cry of its unseen young ones, the apostle turned ever and anon toward those churches, painted to himself their danger and their need of help, and strained his eager spirit to the utmost as he sighed over the possible desolation which might come upon them.

Nor did he idly chafe in his confinement,—but he wrote this letter, and he wished them to know the depth of the love which he cherished toward them. “I would that ye knew.” Similar construction is found in 1Cor 11:3; Php 1:12; Ro 11:25. If they knew it, they would listen all the more readily to his suggestions and counsels.  (Commentary on Gk Text of the Epistle of Paul to Colossians)

The struggle here is not the struggle against God, but although not directly stated appears to be most likely the intense effort of the one praying. At the time he wrote these words he could not move beyond the walls of his "rented house" (Acts 28:30) being continuously held by the chain linking him to a Roman soldier. But even under these circumstances he could engage in the combat of prayer. As additional support that the "struggle" Paul refers to involves prayer, there is another use of the related verb agonizomai, from agon, in Paul's description of

Epaphras, who is...always laboring earnestly (agonizomai) for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God. (Col 4:12-note)

Earlier in this epistle, Paul reminded the Colossian saints that since the day he had heard about their love in the Spirit, he and others had

not ceased to pray for (them) and to ask that (they)  may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding so that (they might) walk in a manner worthy of the Lord... (Col 1:9, 10, 11, 12 -notes Col 1:9;10; 11; 12)

Moule writes that the powers that wrestled with Paul for the ruin of his work were real and resolute; he therefore had to "meet them, foot to foot, force to force, in Christ".

 The supreme example of the "struggle" of prayer is our Lord in the garden of Gethsemane where Jesus

in agony (agonia)...was praying very fervently; and His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down upon the ground." (Lk 22:44)

Application: We all know from personal experience that persistence in prayer is a continual struggle. Is there anyone you are "struggling" in prayer for today? Have you let them know to encourage their soul? (See topic of prayer)

Stedman writes...

I want to stress again the tremendous importance of praying for one another. You can do all the right things to help someone, but if his attitude is wrong nothing you do will serve to assist him. What can change that? It is your praying for him! Prayer can change the heart and mind, the inner attitude. It is a powerful force to transform an atmosphere and make something acceptable when otherwise it would appear to be dull and uninteresting. Paul prayed ("agonized" is the word) for these Colossian Christians over and over again, even though he had not personally met most of them. Also, it is evident from his letters that he was alert to every word of information about them. When Epaphras brought news to the apostle in Rome about the church at Colossae, Paul questioned him and extracted from him all the information he could in order that he might know how to pray for the Colossians. That is an indication of his special concern for them. (Read full message Colossians 2:1-7 The Overflowing Life)

Vine adds that

Prayer is such a mighty force that the spiritual powers of darkness are opposed to it in every possible way; see especially (Ep 6:12, 16, 17-See notes Ep 6:12; 16; 17)

And why was Paul struggling? From the context, it is clear that Paul knew false doctrines were already beginning permeate the church. Paul had been agonizing (verb form of agon - agonizomai in Col 1:29) to present every man complete in Christ and now he is explaining that this involved a great struggle. and most commentators feel this refers to his struggle in prayer for these believers. This manifestation of Paul's love even for those he had never met reflects his love for Christ, the Head of the church.

In 1Cor 11:1 Paul exhorted us all to

Be (present imperative = continually be) imitators of me just as I also am of Christ.

What an example he set as he agonized in prayer for these saints, most of whom he had never seen face to face! Paul's heart was like that of the shoemaker William Carey, some eighteen centuries later, who made a leather globe so he could pray for a world still unseen to him. Ultimately Carey’s “world-class” heart propelled him to India, and to a legacy as founder of the modern missionary movement. Have you ever prayed for someone that you've never met face to face? Has God's Spirit laid on your heart a hidden people group who have never heard the gospel? What an example for all of us to imitate!

It seems that the church at Laodicea was deluded by "persuasive argument" for only 30 years later Jesus declared

"So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth." (Rev 3:16-note)

In this same warning passage Jesus declared

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if ANYONE hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me." (Rev 3:20-note) 

The Laodiceans had become so deluded that there appears to not even be one genuine believer to "hear what the Spirit says to the churches."

Paul knew the inherent dangers of false teaching, which is surely in part why he agonized "on their behalf".

Paul's frequent use of agon in his epistles pictures our Christian life variously as a conflict, a contention, a fight, a race and a contest. Yes we know that victory has been won at Calvary (cf 1Jn 5:4, 5). And yet our daily task is to stand firm, holding fast to His Victory, by faith (synonymous with obedience). Why do we think that the struggle is not going to cost us anything (Lk 14:33)?

 We have a mortal enemy both within (the old man, the old Adamic nature, the flesh, the sin nature) and without (Rev 20:10-note) and the conflict will continue until we see Jesus face to face. In the meantime we are called to fight the good fight (agon) of faith. (1Ti 6:12)

And those who are at Laodicea - Laodicea [see note] occurs 6x in the NT - Col. 2:1; 4:13, 15, 16; Rev. 1:11; 3:14

AND FOR ALL THOSE WHO HAVE NOT PERSONALLY SEEN MY FACE: kai hosoi ouch eorakan (3PRAI) to prosopon mou en sarki:
 

and as many as have not seen my face in the flesh [fig., have not met me personally] (Analyzed Literal)

This verse suggests either Paul had not established this church and/or he had not personally met these believers. The fact that he mention of Laodicea (cp Col 4:16) suggest that the "Colossian heresy" had spread to that church also.

McGee
 

Colosse is located about 100 miles inland from ancient Ephesus. When Paul came through that area (which he did twice), he did not come down to Colosse and Laodicea. Even when he attempted to go down into Asia on his second missionary journey, the Spirit of God forbade him; so he turned and took the northern route. Then when he came on his third missionary journey, walking over the land, he again took the northern route, perhaps because he was already familiar with it. It is clear that he had not been to these cities because he writes, "and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh." This might be interpreted to mean that many new believers had come into the church since he had been there and that they had not seen his face. That meaning is highly unlikely; I think it means that Paul had never been there. (McGee, J V: Thru the Bible Commentary:  Thomas Nelson or Logos)

Richards writes...
 

[For my concern is] that their hearts may be braced (comforted, cheered, and encouraged) (Amp)

"I am constantly wrestling in spirit, that the hearts of all such may be confirmed and strengthened in the faith" (Lightfoot),

"My goal is that their hearts, having been knit together in love, may be encouraged" (NET)

"in order that their hearts may be cheered" (Weymouth)

That (hina) introduces a purpose clause, explaining why he struggles or agonizes in prayer.

Their hearts - This phrase as discussed below is the chief, vital, efficacious or inner part of any thing and figuratively as here the inner self or seat of the emotion, appetites, affections and passions, as of love, joy, grief, enmity, courage, pleasure, etc. The upshot is that Paul is praying for an inner strengthening of their "control center" brought about by truth not a list of do's and don'ts.

Eadie writes...

“That their hearts might be comforted” In the violent effort described in agon, there is implied a definite design expressed by hina (in order that, so that). The pronoun auton (their), in the third person, comprehends all the classes of persons mentioned in the preceding verse. We agree with Meyer that there is no reason to depart from the ordinary sense of the verb, which plainly means to comfort (Ed: Webster - comfort =  to give strength and hope to), in 1Th 3:2; 2Th 2:17; Ep 6:22; Mt 2:18, 5:4; 2Co 1:4. The addition of kardia (heart) renders such a meaning more certain. It appears to us that there is in this earnest wish an allusion to that discomfort which the introduction of error creates, as indeed is more plainly shown by the concluding phraseology of the verse. The conflict of error with truth could not but lead to distraction and mental turmoil; and in proportion to their misconception of the gospel, or their confusion of idea with regard to its spirit, contents, and aim, would be their loss of that peace and solace which the new religion had imparted to them. (Commentary on Gk Text of the Epistle of Paul to Colossians)

Hearts  (2588) (kardia [word study]) does not refer to the physical organ but is always used figuratively in Scripture to refer to the seat and center of human life, the inner person. The heart is the center of the personality, and it controls the intellect, emotions, and will.  No outward obedience is of the slightest value unless the heart turns to God.

Encouraged (3870) (strengthened, braced, invigorated, cheered, enlivened) (parakaleo from para = beside + kaleo = call) means literally to call alongside always with the idea of enabling or aiding a person to meet some difficult situation with confidence. And so the noun form was used to describe an advocate in the court of law. 

Marvin Vincent says that in the present context parakaleo means "not so much tranquilized as braced" because the Colossians were beset by false teachers and needed to be "braced".  The ASV translates it as "comforted" which is not that far removed from "braced" for the English word "comfort" is derived from the Latin confortare, (com = with + fortis = strong) to strengthen greatly, and therefore conveys the idea of strengthening the cause and the courage of another.

Paul prays the church may be filled with courage to cope with any situation, and that they may be strengthened. Strong hearts result in a powerful Christian life. When believers are strengthened by the Spirit, Christ will dwell in their hearts, they will be rooted and grounded in love, they will know the love of Christ and be filled with all the fullness of God (Eph 3:16, 17, 18-see notes Ep 3:16;17; 18). Then Christ, through them, will do “exceeding abundantly beyond all [they can] ask or think” (Ep 3:20-note).

William Barclay has a classic use of parakaleo that parallels Paul's use in Col 2:2...

There was a Greek regiment which had lost heart and was utterly dejected. The general sent a leader to talk to it to such purpose that courage was reborn and a body of dispirited men became fit again for heroic action. That is what [parakaleo] means here. It is Paul's prayer that the Church may be filled with that courage which can cope with any situation. (Barclay, W: The Daily Study Bible Series. The Westminster Press or Logos)

Parakaleo - 109x in 105v - Matt. 2:18; 5:4; 8:5, 31, 34; 14:36; 18:29, 32; 26:53; Mk. 1:40; 5:10, 12, 17f, 23; 6:56; 7:32; 8:22; Lk. 3:18; 7:4; 8:31f, 41; 15:28; 16:25; Acts 2:40; 8:31; 9:38; 11:23; 13:42; 14:22; 15:32; 16:9, 15, 39f; 19:31; 20:1f, 12; 21:12; 24:4; 25:2; 27:33f; 28:14, 20; Rom. 12:1, 8; 15:30; 16:17; 1 Co. 1:10; 4:13, 16; 14:31; 16:12, 15; 2 Co. 1:4, 6; 2:7f; 5:20; 6:1; 7:6f, 13; 8:6; 9:5; 10:1; 12:8, 18; 13:11; Eph. 4:1; 6:22; Phil. 4:2; Col. 2:2; 4:8; 1 Thess. 2:12; 3:2, 7; 4:1, 10, 18; 5:11, 14; 2 Thess. 2:17; 3:12; 1 Tim. 1:3; 2:1; 5:1; 6:2; 2 Tim. 4:2; Tit. 1:9; 2:6, 15; Philemon. 1:9f; Heb. 3:13; 10:25; 13:19, 22; 1 Pet. 2:11; 5:1, 12; Jude 1:3.

The NAS renders parakaleo as appeal(4), appealed(1), appealing(2), beg(1), begging(2), beseeching(1), comfort(5),comforted(11), comforts(2), conciliate(1), encourage(6), encouraged(4), encouraging(3), entreat(7), entreated(9),entreating(7), exhort(8), exhortations(1), exhorted(2), exhorting(3), exhorts(1), given exhortation*(1), invited(2), preach(1),requested(1), urge(17), urged(5), urging(1).

Matthew Henry adds that

"It was their spiritual welfare about which he was solicitous. He does not say that they may be healthy, and merry, and rich, and great, and prosperous; but that their hearts may be comforted. Note, The prosperity of the soul is the best prosperity, and what we should be most solicitous about for ourselves and others. We have here a description of soul-prosperity."

Notice that Paul's immediate goal is to encourage the hearts of the Colossians and to unite them in love. Many of us are only too ready to jump on someone and try to straighten him out on the spot. It is a great lesson to see how Paul seeks to lift their spirits first and to cause them to appreciate one another. It indicates that building a relationship with individuals is the true way to go about helping them. Have you ever tried to help someone, only to find your efforts fell on deaf ears? The apostle indicates the right way to help is to find something encouraging to say first. None of us like to be corrected by a negative approach. We first need a word of encouragement, as the apostle so beautifully demonstrates here.

Barclay gives an example which accurately reflects the meaning of parakaleo here:

"There was a Greek regiment which had lost heart and was utterly dejected. The general sent a leader to talk to it to such purpose that courage was reborn and a body of dispirited men became fit again for heroic action. That is what [parakaleo] means here. It is Paul’s prayer that the Church may be filled with that courage which can cope with any situation." (Barclay, W: The Daily Study Bible Series, Rev. ed. Philadelphia: The Westminster Press)

HAVING BEEN KNIT TOGETHER IN LOVE: ai kardiai auton sumbibasthentes (APPMPN) en agape: (Colossians 3:14 Ps 133:1 Jn 17:21 Ac 4:32 Php 2:1)

"they themselves being welded together in love" (Weymouth)

Knit (4822) (sumbibazo from sun = union + bibazo = to force) means that their hearts having been brought together into a united body, one in the Spirit.

The metaphor is that it is like Jesus and His love is the "glue" that causes us to come together. Indeed He holds all things together.

Sumbibazo is used in Colossians 2:19 (note)

held together (knit together) by the joints and ligaments. 

Unity produced by Christ's love is the basis of the strength of the church, but when error gets in and you get your eyes off of Jesus and the love which He puts in your heart for others, at that moment you're going to start being separated.

Application: Is your local body fused together as a body, absolutely knit together by the love of the Lord Jesus Christ or are their factions, divisions, things that separate you? Where did that come from? Somebody got their eyes off of Jesus! Somebody stopped allowing that love working in their heart that could make them committed to the spiritual benefit of other people. When this process occurs, the body becomes disunited by error. Paul knows how dangerous this principle is...you let this sort of thing get into the church and you had better look out!! There is nothing but DIVISION from that point on. It is only Christ and His love that unites the body of Christ.

Having been knit is aorist tense which points back to a specific time in the past when their hearts had been knit together in love. The voice of the verb is passive which signifies that they did not knit their hearts together themselves, but that it was Christ's love that united them. 

Now mark down this contrasting principle --

ERROR
ALWAYS
SEPARATES

When our hearts are knit together, this union provides a great defense against error.

Note that we are not taking about uniformity but unity, for uniformity is the result of compulsion from the outside whereas unity is the result of compassion on the inside.

In love - The divine "atmosphere" in which this divine "knitting" takes place. Sometimes we attempt to "knit" folks together in groups, which by itself is not bad, but here Paul gives us a clue as to what can make these groups really "stick together" -- the "Super glue" of God's supernatural love (see agape below).

Love  (26)(agape) is that unconditional, sacrificial love which Biblically is love that God is (1Jn 4:8,16), that God shows (Jn 3:16, 1Jn 4:9) and that God enables in His children (Gal 5:22-note).

Agape love does not depend on the world’s criteria for love, such as attractiveness, emotions, or sentimentality. Believers can easily fall into the trap of blindly following the world’s demand that a lover feel positive toward the beloved. This is not agape love, but is a love based on impulse. Impulsive love characterizes the spouse who announces to the other spouse that they are planning to divorce their mate. Why? They reason “I can’t help it. I fell in love with another person!” Christians must understand that this type of impulsive love is completely contrary to God’s decisive love, which is decisive because He is in control and has a purpose in mind. There are many reasons a proper understanding of the truth of God's word (and of the world's lie) is critical and one of the foremost is Jesus' declaration that

By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love (agape) for one another. (Jn 13:35).

Comment: This means supernatural/divine love can be seen by the the lost - it speaks of "love in action." How would believers/unbelievers describe your "love"? In action or inactive?!

Wherever there is true love, there must be giving, and giving to the point of sacrifice. Love is not satisfied with giving trinkets; it must give at the cost of sacrifice: it must give blood, life, all. And it was so with the love of God. "He so loved the world, that He gave his only-begotten Son." "Christ also loved and gave Himself up, an offering and a sacrifice to God." (Ep 5:2-note)

AND ATTAINING TO ALL THE WEALTH THAT COMES FROM THE FULL ASSURANCE OF UNDERSTANDING: kai eis pan ploutos tes plerophorias sunesis:  (Isa 32:17 1Th 1:5 Heb 6:11; 10:22 2Pe 1:10 1Jn 3:19) (Col 1:9, 2Ti 2:7, Mk 12:33)

"and enjoying all the advantages of a reasonable certainty" (Weymouth)

Attaining to (1519) is the preposition eis which indicates motion and here is used metaphorically or figuratively to describe the condition into which these saints were to come, specifically into a state of

"abounding wealth and blessings of assured conviction of understanding" (Amplified),

"more sure in your grasp of God" (Phillips).

Adam Clarke explains that the Colossian saints

"might have the most indubitable certainty of the truth of Christianity, of their own salvation, and of the general design of God to admit the Gentiles into his Church. This is the grand mystery of God, which was now laid open by the preaching of the Gospel."

All (pas) - all without exception. Nothing lacking in the wealth that Paul is describing!

Wealth (4149) (ploutos from pletho = to fill) properly denotes abundance, plentitude, and literally is used to refer to material wealth or prosperity (abundance of earthly, temporal goods) which is the meaning in the parable of the seed and the soils (Mt 13:22, Mk 4:19, Lk 8:14 = Material riches are deceitful and choke out reception of the Word of God. Be careful all you wealthy readers! Contrast spiritual riches - Ep 3:8-note) Indeed, think of the people who know whose whole lives glow with the glory of God for they are rich in spiritual possessions, albeit often poor in material possessions!

Ploutos - 22x in 21v - Matt. 13:22; Mk. 4:19; Lk. 8:14; Rom. 2:4; 9:23; 11:12, 33; 2 Co. 8:2; Eph. 1:7, 18; 2:7; 3:8, 16; Phil. 4:19; Col. 1:27; 2:2; 1 Tim. 6:17; Heb. 11:26; Jas. 5:2; Rev. 5:12; 18:17 and is rendered in the NAS as riches(19), wealth(3).

Full assurance (4136) (plerophoria from pleres = full, replete + phoréo = fill, bear or bring - see related plerophoreo-word study) means perfect, most certain, entire confidence or  firm conviction.  Plerophoria means assurance but conveys a stronger implication of certainty. It's like having a "wealth of certainty".

Plerophoria - 4x in NT - Col. 2:2; 1 Thess. 1:5; Heb. 6:11; 10:22 and is rendered in the NAS as conviction(1), full assurance(3).

Full assurance is an interesting expression for according to J Vernon McGee it can mean “to be under full sail.” The idea is  that believers should be moving along spiritually—they should be moving along for God.

Without full assurance, believers cannot enjoy all the blessings that are theirs in Christ.

For example, no one can look forward with hope to the blessings of heaven who doubts whether he is going there. (Ro 11:33-note, Ep 1:7, 18, 2:7, 3:8, 3:16-notes Ep 1:7; 18, 2:7, 3:8, 3:16, Col 2:7-note)

A T Robertson adds that

"Paul desires the full use of the intellect in grasping the great mystery of Christ and it calls for the full and balanced exercise of all one’s mental powers."

With a similar desire for his readers to have full assurance Peter says, “Be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you” (2Pe 1:10-note). How? (1Pe 1:5, 6, 7,8 - See notes 1Pe 1:5; 6; 7; 18)

When the believer experiences spiritual truth by living it, it becomes truly understood and truth understood & obeyed leads to assurance & confidence of his or her salvation. Knowing the truth & acting on it is imperative to experience the spiritual wealth of full assurance of understanding (cp Col 1:10-note;  Jn 7:17). People often express doubts about their salvation, even though they have read books on assurance. Their primary problem is not a lack of knowledge, but a failure to apply the truths they know. Truth that finds solid footing in a strong heart and works itself out in love of fellow believers results in deep conviction. That is the basis for assurance.

F. F. Bruce comments:

Paul emphasizes that the revelation of God cannot be properly known apart from the cultivation of brotherly love within the Christian community.

This means that mere intellectual comprehension of the mystery of Christ will not bring full understanding of the mystery, for understanding also comes through the love of Christians one for another. How is this so? When we are loved by other believers, we experience Christ through them, and thus our knowledge of Christ is enhanced....The deepest knowledge of the mystery of Christ comes from both the head and the heart. We must study the Scriptures about him intensely, with all our heart, and we must love him and his people with all our heart—and then we will know as we ought.

Understanding (4907) (sunesis [word study] from suniemi = to comprehend, reason out in turn derived from sun = with + hiemi = send) literally is a sending together or a bringing together. Sunesis describes the putting together, grasping or exhibiting quick comprehension.  Sunesis is the  ability to understand concepts and see relationships between them and thus describes the faculty of comprehension, intelligence, acuteness, shrewdness. In simple terms in the context of the Bible and spiritual truth, sunesis describes the ability to assemble Scriptural truths into an organized whole so that one may apply these biblical principles to their everyday life.

Sunesis - 7x in NT - Mk. 12:33; Lk. 2:47; 1 Co. 1:19; Eph. 3:4; Col. 1:9; 2:2; 2 Tim. 2:7 and is rendered in NAS as cleverness(1), insight(1), understanding(5).

Paul prayed for the Colossians to have this practical spiritual understanding (Col 1:9-note). Beloved have you ever prayed for understanding or prayed for another to have understanding? Colossians 1:9ff is a beautiful prayer to offer up in these situations.

Sunesis is the exclusive property of Christians because

a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised (1Cor 2:14).

In Ephesians Paul explains that the reason natural men cannot understand spiritual truth is because

"those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh” (Ro 8:5-note) and are “darkened in their understanding” (Ep 4:18-note).

RESULTING IN A TRUE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD'S MYSTERY THAT IS, CHRIST HIMSELF: eis epignosin tou musteriou tou theou Christou: (Col 1:9, 10,3:10. Ep 1:17, 4:13 Php 1:9, Philemon 1:6, 2Pe 1:2,3,8,2:20) (Eph 1:0,3:3, 4, 5:32, 6:19, Col 1:26, 27, 4:3)

"till at last they attain the full knowledge of God's truth, which is Christ Himself" (Weymouth)

Resulting (1519) is again the preposition eis which indicates motion toward.

Knowledge (1922) (epignosis from gnosis = knowledge gained by experience + epi = here used to intensify the meaning) (Click word study of epignosis) full, perfect, precise knowledge thus signifying a more complete, more thorough, larger knowledge than that found in gnosis. In the New Testament epignosis is always used of the knowledge of things ethical or divine, and is never ascribed to God.

Epignosis - 20x in NT - Rom. 1:28; 3:20; 10:2; Eph. 1:17; 4:13; Phil. 1:9; Col. 1:9, 10; 2:2; 3:10; 1 Tim. 2:4; 2 Tim. 2:25; 3:7; Titus 1:1; Philemon 1:6; Heb. 10:26; 2 Pet. 1:2, 3, 8; 2:20 and is rendered in the NAS as acknowledge*(1), knowledge(14), real knowledge(1), true knowledge(4).

Epignosis implies a more intimate and personal relationship than gnosis. The learner exhibits a more thorough participation in the acquiring of knowledge.

In the NT epignosis often refers to knowledge which very powerfully influences the form of one's spiritual life (in contrast to gnosis which Vincent says "may be concerned with the intellect without affecting the character").

Epignosis is not merely an intellectual understanding of the truth, but a heart submission and appropriation of the same. Epignosis is thus a knowledge laying claim to personal involvement. The definite article signifies "the" very specific knowledge & in the case of God's will found primarily in the Word of God. In contrast to the so-called "superior" knowledge claimed by the Gnostics & hidden from all but the initiated, Paul wants the Colossians to be totally controlled by GOD'S knowledge. The knowledge Paul wants the Colossians to have is a deep and thorough knowledge of God's Word and Will and Ways.. Ideally epignosis controls & directs one's behavior. Ignorance contrary to popular thought is NOT bliss. Most of Paul's letter give this pattern of ''knowledge'' or doctrine, then duty.

Wuest adds that epignosis "is a knowledge which grasps and penetrates into an object. It was a favorite word of the Gnostics who used it to designate the superior knowledge which they claimed al their exclusive possession. Paul prays that all the saints might become possessors of this knowledge, indicating that it was open for all to appropriate, not a secret mystery into which only a favored few could be initiated. If the Gnostics had their superior knowledge, so did the Christian Church. The former was speculative and false, the latter, positive and true. Paul prays that they not only might have it but that they might be filled with it."

Paul meets the heretics on their own ground. He has a secret, too. It also is unknowable, except to the initiated. To understand the secrets of the pagan religions, one must enter the temples. Likewise, the only way to understand the treasures of God’s wisdom and understanding is to enter Christ by faith. They are stored away in Him. He is God’s great secret; leave the mysteries of men and come to Him who is the way, the truth, and the life is the apostle’s conviction

Mystery (3466) ( musterion from mustes = classic Greek word describing one initiated into the sacred mysteries) (Click for in depth word study of musterion) as defined by the NT is not used of that which is "mysterious" but to the contrary describes a previously hidden truth now divinely revealed to those whose eyes have been opened by the Holy Spirit to understand spiritual truth.

Musterion - 28x in NT - Matt. 13:11; Mk. 4:11; Lk. 8:10; Rom. 11:25; 16:25; 1 Co. 2:1, 7; 4:1; 13:2; 14:2; 15:51; Eph. 1:9; 3:3f, 9; 5:32; 6:19; Col. 1:26f; 2:2; 4:3; 2 Thess. 2:7; 1 Tim. 3:9, 16; Rev. 1:20; 10:7; 17:5, 7 and is rendered in NAS as mysteries(5), mystery(22).

Mystery in classic Greek use conveyed the idea of silence in rites of the so-called "mystery" religions (the Greco-Roman cults), which confided their "religious secrets" only to the select few who were initiated into the cult.

In light of the heresy plaguing them, Paul stresses the need for the Colossians’ understanding to include a true knowledge of God’s mystery. At the heart of this understanding, they need to have a settled conviction about Christ’s Deity and Sufficiency. Perceptive Christians have always known that the key to spiritual well-being is an increased knowledge and focus upon Christ. And so Peter exhorts the beloved in Christ

"knowing this (that untaught and unstable men will distort hard to understand Pauline passages as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction) beforehand, be on your guard lest, being carried away by the error of unprincipled men, you fall from your own steadfastness, but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen." (2Pe 3:17, 18 -notes)

So Peter like Paul says that the best defense against destructive false teaching is a growth in grace and knowledge of Christ.

"stored up and lie hidden" (Amp), "In whom are all the secret stores" (BBE)

In Whom is interpreted by most scholars as a reference to Christ rather than to "mystery".

Hidden (kept secret, unseen, concealed, withheld from sight) (614)  (apokruphos from apó = from, away + krúpto = hide, conceal by covering) which means to be continually ("are" is in the present tense = continually) kept secret and by implication, laid up in store or treasured. Apokruphos  is the root for our English word  apocryphal which means writings or statements of dubious authenticity.

Apokruphos - 3x in NT - Mk. 4:22; Lk. 8:17; Col. 2:3 and is rendered in the NAS as  hidden(1), secret(2).

Ralph Earle (Word Meanings in the New Testament) adds that the term

"apocryphal books"... "was used not only for the noncanonical books of the OT, but also for the secret writings of the Gnostics. Against their claims to esoteric knowledge, Paul asserts that all true knowledge is hidden - "stored up, hidden from view" (Weymouth) - in Christ."

Those treasures are hidden from the unbelieving world, from the unassisted intellect; and, are said to be hidden because the preaching of the cross is always foolishness to the world.

If these treasures are hidden then it follows that they must be discovered, disclosed or revealed. The Good News paraphrase emphasizes this truth translating this verse

He is the key that opens all the hidden treasures of God's wisdom and knowledge.

Paul explains to the Corinthians the key to the treasure in Christ -

It is written, "THINGS WHICH EYE HAS NOT SEEN AND EAR HAS NOT HEARD, AND which HAVE NOT ENTERED THE HEART OF MAN, ALL THAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM." For to us (believers) God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit Who is from God, that we might know the things freely given to us by God, which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words. but a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised." (1Cor 2:9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)

Jesus said

I praise Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that Thou didst hide (verb apokrupto) these things from the wise and intelligent and didst reveal (apokaluptos ~ apocalypse - see study of related word apokalupsis) them to babes. Yes, Father, for thus it was well-pleasing in Thy sight. (Lk 10:21)

That is, the Father did not reveal spiritual truths to the scribes and Pharisees or for that matter to the wise men of the age, all of whom idolized their own wisdom. Instead God chose to reveal them to the simple and humble of heart. Compare a similar idea in ( Mk 4:22)

Jesus also helps us understand how the treasure in Him is revealed declaring that

The person who has My commands and keeps them is the one who [really] loves Me; and whoever [really] loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I [too] will love him and will show (reveal, manifest) Myself to him. [I will let Myself be clearly seen by him and make Myself real to him.]. (Amplified Version, Jn 14:21)

Jesus teaches the inseparable connection between love and obedience -- love is the root, obedience is the fruit. Where a sincere love to Christ is in the heart, there will be obedience, and this is the key intimacy and communion with Christ and disclosure of the "treasure". 

Matthew Henry adds that

"Where there is true love to Christ there is a value for His favor, a veneration for His authority, and an entire surrender of the whole man to His direction and government. Where love is, duty follows of course, is easy and natural, and flows from a principle of gratitude. On the other hand, where there is no true love to Christ there will be no care to obey him."

Stop now for a moment and ask God to search your heart. "Do I truly love Him?" Ask Him to clear away every obstacle and hindrance that prevents you from loving Him with

"all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength" (Mk 12:30)

Eadie adds that Paul

"is speaking of the mystery, and he here eulogizes it as worthy of fuller and farther insight. Nay, he places it in sharp contrast with the false and hollow error which was insinuating itself among them. That system which was “not after Christ,” might boast of its stores of philosophy, but they were not to be captivated by its pretences. They needed not to go in quest of higher truth and loftier science; for in that mystery proclaimed among them were deposited all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge...The verse before us is thus a high encomium (glowing and warmly enthusiastic praise) on the mystery, and an inducement to the apostle's readers to value it, to cling to it, to study it, and to enthrone it in a niche so lofty and inaccessible, that it could neither be rivaled nor dethroned."

Barclay adds that

Apokruphos means hidden from the common gaze, and therefore secret. We have seen that the Gnostics believed that a great mass of elaborate knowledge was necessary for salvation. That knowledge they set down in their books which they called apokruphos because they were barred to the ordinary man. By using this one word Paul is saying, “You Gnostics have your wisdom hidden from ordinary people; we too have our knowledge, but it is not hidden in unintelligible books; it is hidden in Christ and therefore open to all men everywhere.” The truth of Christianity is not a secret which is hidden but a secret which is revealed. (Barclay, W: The Daily Study Bible Series, Rev. ed. Philadelphia: The Westminster Press)

ALL THE TREASURES: pantes oi thesauroi:  

All (pas) means all without exception! The infinite Christ lacks no treasure of any eternal value! Oh God, cause us to seek for no treasure but that which is in Christ. Amen

Treasures (2344) (thesauros) refers to the place in which precious things are collected and laid up. To search other sources for spiritual truth apart from Christ is an empty enterprise. Paul’s answer to the heretical Colossian philosophy is an explanation of the significance of the believer’s union with Christ. What does human philosophy offer those who are united in faith to the divine Person and thus able to tap into "all the fulness of Deity" (Col 2:9-note)? To be rich in Christ is better than to be rich in all the wealth of this world.

Thesauros - 17x in 16v - Matt. 2:11; 6:19ff; 12:35; 13:44, 52; 19:21; Mk. 10:21; Lk. 6:45; 12:33f; 18:22; 2 Co. 4:7; Col. 2:3; Heb. 11:26 and is rendered in NAS as treasure(12), treasures(5).

Moses had a choice between worldly wealth and fame and chose to consider

the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward. By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured, as seeing Him who is unseen. He 11:26-note)

Jesus reminds us that

where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (Mt 6:21-note)

Is your treasure ...in Christ or in the world? ...eternal or temporal? ...forever or fleeting? ...incorruptible or corruptible?

Paul reminds us the inexhaustible nature of the treasures in Christ declaring

 "Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!" (Ro 11:33-note)

You may have much gold and grandeur,
Yet by God be reckoned poor;
He alone has riches truly
Who has Christ, though nothing more. —Anon.

OF WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE: kai gnoseos apokruphoi:  (1Co 1:24; 30; 2:6 cf Pr 2:6,8:1,) (Pr 8:14, 8:22) (Wisdom)

Wisdom (4678)(sophia) is the ability to judge correctly and to follow the best course of action, based on knowledge and understanding.

Spiritual wisdom is godly wisdom (contrasting with worldly wisdom - study and make a list of the contrasts in Jas 3:13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 1Cor 1:1ff thru 1Co 2:1ff) which involves living life in the light of the revelation of God’s Will in His Word and applying this knowledge to specific situations. Biblical wisdom is definable as skill for living. God's plan to redeem us destroyed the wisdom of the worldly wise men (1Cor 1:19). In fact, human wisdom never could comprehend God's plan for salvation (1Cor 1:21). Paul was not bound by the limits of human wisdom because the Holy Spirit conveyed spiritual wisdom through him (1Cor 2:13). Human wisdom is totally inadequate to accept God's salvation (1Cor 3:18-19).

Spiritual wisdom is given only by the Holy Spirit. In the Old Testament, Solomon exemplified this wisdom (Matt 12:42). When Jesus came, His wisdom also outshone the wisdom of the wisest among men (Matt 13:54). This wisdom was seen in the Lord Jesus, even when He was a small Boy (Luke 2:40,52). When leaders became necessary in the Jerusalem church, the apostles set about to select men who possessed this spiritual wisdom (Acts 6:3).

keep and do them (statutes and judgments which Jehovah had commanded Moses Israel to carry out in the land they were entering to possess it), for that is your wisdom (LXX = sophia) and your understanding in the sight of the peoples who will hear all these statutes and say, 'Surely this great nation is a wise (sophos) and understanding people. (Deut  4:6)

But where can wisdom (LXX = sophia) be found? And where is the place of understanding?... "Coral and crystal are not to be mentioned; and the acquisition of wisdom (LXX = sophia) is above that of pearls." So what was the source of this valuable resource? "And to man He said, 'Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom (LXX = sophia) and to depart from evil is understanding.' (Job 28:12, 18, 28)

Knowledge (1108) (gnosis) is objectively spoken of what is known (or can be known in Christ).

The difference between knowledge and wisdom - Knowledge is the understanding of truth, whereas wisdom is the ability to apply what truth has been learned.

J Vernon McGee comments that

All that we need is in Christ. If only we could learn that! He is the reservoir of all knowledge. In the science building where I went to college there was a motto on the bulletin board. It hung there the whole time that I was in college, and it made a great impression on me. I’m afraid I remember it better than I do the sciences that I studied there. It said, “Next to knowing is knowing where to find out.” I love that. I willingly admit that I don’t know everything—I’m sure you have found that out by now. But I know where to find out, because I know Somebody who does know. Christ has been made unto us wisdom. We need to rest in that. All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are in Him—how wonderful this is! (McGee, J V: Thru the Bible Commentary:  Thomas Nelson)

“Life with Christ is an endless hope; without Him a hopeless end.” Anonymous

CHRIST