Note 14 at Col. 2:2: As explained in the previous note, Paul wanted to see the Colossians personally so he could make sure they were grounded in the fundamentals of the Christians faith. This verse describes the things Paul wanted to make sure they knew and experienced, and it gives us insight to the things Paul's ministry accomplished in the people he ministered to.

Paul longed for the Colossians to be comforted. That is noticeably different than some ministers today. Many preachers delight in afflicting the body of Christ. This has happened so often that many Christians have been conditioned to it and don't feel they have really been to church unless they have had "their toes stepped on." The true ministry of the Holy Spirit is a ministry of comfort (see ref. l at this verse).

Paul's ministry produced love among the brethren. That is also noticeably different than many ministers today. Paul also gave the believers a revelation of Christ in them. What a difference! This was a powerful ministry of love and encouragement. Maybe that is one of the big reasons Paul had different results than many ministers today.

Note 15 at Col. 2:2: The Greek word SUMBABAZO that was translated "knit together" here is the same Greek word that was translated "compacted" in Ephesians 4:16 (see note 31 at Eph. 4:16, p. 1120). It means, "(to force); to drive together, i.e. unite" (Strong). The picture is that through the love of God each believer becomes intertwined and inseparable with the other believers. The end result of this kind of love is that revelation knowledge (see notes 9-10 at Eph. 3:17-18, pp. 1112-1113) of "Christ in us" abounds (see note 5 at Col. 1:27, p. 1194).

Note 16 at Col. 2:2: The mystery that Paul is desiring the Colossians receive revelation of is "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (see note 5 at Col. 1:27, p. 1194). Notice the six words Paul used building up the word "mystery."

He speaks of "acknowledging" this mystery. The word "acknowledge" means "to admit the validity, authority, or truth of" (New A.H. Dict.). You can't acknowledge or admit something that is not already true. Paul is not instructing them to seek to get Christ in them, but to admit what is already true. It is already a reality that every believer is indwelt by the Spirit of Christ (see note 7 at 1 Cor. 3:16, p. 873). So many Christians today aren't trying to release Christ within them but they are praying that Christ would come to them. It's already happened if they are born again (see note 2 at Jn. 3:3, p. 92).

Paul says we not only need to acknowledge this mystery but we need to "understand" the mystery. There are some who have acknowledged Christ in them but they don't really appreciate what that means. This is what Paul is speaking of. We not only need the information but also a revelation of what this truth means to us. The word "understand" means "to comprehend the meaning and significance of; know. To know thoroughly through long acquaintance with" (New A.H. Dict.). It's through faith that we understand (Heb. 11:3).

Then Paul speaks of the assurance of understanding. We not only need understanding of this mystery, but we need to be assured. The word "assure" means "to make certain, ensure to set the mind at rest" (New A.H. Dict.). In other words we must pursue this understanding until it is so firmly established in us that we are at perfect rest and peace. Those who are fearful or depressed are not really assured that Christ is in them. Paul also mentions "full assurance." There is a difference between being assured and being fully assured. In practice, that difference is often the difference between victory and defeat.

Paul goes on to speak of the "riches" of this full assurance, and ultimately "all riches" of this full assurance. All these descriptive words are emphasizing that there are different levels of understanding. We need to keep pressing toward the mark (Phil. 3:14) until we receive the highest level of acknowledgment, understanding, and assurance possible.

Note 17 at Col. 2:2: Paul is not speaking of three different mysteries, i.e. the mystery of God, then another mystery of the Father, and another mystery of Christ. This is all the one mystery he spoke of in Colossians 1:27 "which is, Christ in you, the hope of glory."