Online Resource Library
Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadHeinrich Meyer Commentary - Colossians 4:13 - 4:13
(Show All Books | Show All Chapters)
This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
Col_4:13. General testimony in confirmation of the particular statement made regarding Epaphras in πάντοτε κ . τ . λ .; on which account there is the less reason to ascribe to the interpolator the more precise definition of ἀγωνιζ . ὑπ . ὑμ ., which is given by ἐν ταῖς προσευχ . (Holtzmann). The γάρ is sufficiently clear and logical.
πολὺν πόνον (see the critical remarks); much toil, which is to be understood of the exertion of mental activity—of earnest working with its cares, hopes, wishes, fears, temptations, dangers, and so forth. The word is purposely chosen, in keeping with the conception of the conflict (Col_4:12); for πόνος is formally used of the toil and trouble of conflict. See Herod, vi. 114, viii. 89; Plat. Phaedr. p. 247 B; Dem. 637. 18; Eur. Suppl. 317; Soph. Track. 21. 169; often so in Homer as Il. i. 467, and Nägelsbach in loc.; comp. Rev_21:4.
καὶ τῶν ἐν Λαοδ . κ . τ . ἐν Ἱεραπ .] Epaphras had certainly laboured in these adjoining towns, as in Colossae, which was probably his headquarters, as founder, or, at least, as an eminent teacher of the churches.