Chapter
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Verse

Colossians 2:1

ESV For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face,
NIV I want you to know how hard I am contending for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally.
NASB For I want you to know how great a struggle I have in your behalf and for those who are at Laodicea, and for all those who have not personally seen my face,
CSB For I want you to know how greatly I am struggling for you, for those in Laodicea, and for all who have not seen me in person.
NLT I want you to know how much I have agonized for you and for the church at Laodicea, and for many other believers who have never met me personally.
KJV For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;
NKJV For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh,

What does Colossians 2:1 mean?

Paul begins this chapter by sharing his spiritual burden for the Colossian believers. Paul uses the Greek term agōna, which means "conflict, fight, or struggle." It's difficult to fight, spiritually speaking, for those we have not personally met. Discipleship, evangelism, and encouragement are always easier when we can meet others face-to-face. In Paul's case, he is attempting to do the work of an apostle while a prisoner under house arrest in Rome. This complicates his work even further.

Paul's struggle, however, is not for only the Colossian believers. It also includes other churches where he hasn't had the opportunity to visit in person. Laodicea (Colossians 4:13–16), for example, was approximately 12 miles west of Colossae. Epaphras evangelized both of these towns (Colossians 4:12–13). Colossians 4:13 will also mention a third nearby town, Hieropolis, where Paul did not know the believers personally. Despite his lack of personal connection, Paul prays for these believers, writes to them, and represents them from a distance.
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