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In verse 10, Paul’s prayer is that the saints would be filled with God’s knowledge and wisdom so that day by day, their lives would be pleasing to God, bearing fruit for his kingdom. But, what does it mean to “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord?” Before we look closer at the word “worthy” in this text, let’s zoom in on the word “walk.” Some translations of verse 10 interchange the word walk with “live.” The Greek word used here…

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Why is Paul’s heart so stirred to pray without ceasing? I would argue it is because of gratitude! Despite imprisonment (Colossians 4:3), his heart is full of joy and thanksgiving for the saints in Colossae, a church that he likely never visited but certainly wanted to (Philemon 1:22). Paul’s care for the Colossian church is on full display when he writes, “for I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you... and for all who have not seen me face to face” (Colossians 2:1). Paul echoes a similar message of thanksgiving and prayer in Ephesians 1:16 when he writes, “I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.” He desperately wants both churches to…

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Sometimes in life, we have to look back before we can move forward. Focusing in on the first two words of verse 9, “And so,” which translates in the Greek “dia touto” or alternatively “because of this.” The point is that these two seemingly meaningless words direct our focus back to the hopeful report Paul receives about the saints at Colossae in verses 3-8. “And so” is literally the bridge that connects…