Colossians 1:11
being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy;
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse doesn't just ask for endurance and patience; it highlights that this strength is according to God's glorious power. This means the endurance we're meant to have isn't just a stoic grit, but a supernatural resilience drawn directly from the very might and splendor of God Himself. True, joyful perseverance comes not from our own strength, but from His boundless, glorious power at work within us.
Paul is praying that the Colossian believers would be empowered by God to live lives worthy of him, marked by spiritual growth and fruitfulness in good works. This verse highlights the specific divine strength needed for the challenges of Christian living, enabling them to endure suffering with joy. This empowerment for endurance directly flows from the preceding and following verses, which speak of their walk pleasing to God and their giving thanks to the Father.
Ever feel like you just don't have what it takes to get through tough times? You're not alone. Paul prays for believers to be equipped for life's challenges, but where does that strength truly come from?
The verse speaks of being "strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might." This isn't about tapping into your own inner reserves or finding some generic human strength. The source of this power is God Himself. It's described as being "according to his glorious might" – meaning it's fueled by the very power that radiates from God's majestic presence and character. It's a participation in God's own strength, not just a grant of it. This divine power is given for specific purposes, equipping believers for what lies ahead.
Patience and endurance are often seen as grim necessities, something to be endured. But what if God's power enables something far richer: joyful perseverance?
The purpose of God's empowering strength is "for all endurance and patience with joy." This isn't just about gritting your teeth and getting through difficult times. The Greek words used here, 'hypomone' (endurance) and 'makrothymia' (long-suffering or patience), speak of a steadfast perseverance through hardships and a patient, gentle spirit towards others, even in the face of wrong. The amazing part is that this is to be done 'with joyfulness.' This joy isn't dependent on favorable circumstances but is an outflow of God's presence and power within, making it possible to rejoice even amidst suffering. It's an evidence of God's transformative work.
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Understand the original words
dynamis · Greek Noun
The ability to exert force, influence, or efficacy; in a biblical context, it refers to the divine capacity provided by God to believers to live out their faith.
kratos · Greek Noun
God's sovereign and majestic power; refers to the inherent, majestic strength of God, which is the source of all spiritual vitality.
hypomonē · Greek Noun
The capacity to hold up or bear under difficult circumstances; specifically refers to standing firm under pressure or adversity.
makrothymia · Greek Noun
The quality of self-restraint or forbearance; long-suffering under trial without retaliation or despair.
This passage also speaks of being 'strengthened in the Lord and in the power of his might,' highlighting the divine source of strength for Christian living.
Romans 5:3-4This passage connects suffering with perseverance and character, echoing the theme of endurance and patience found in Colossians 1:11, and also mentions 'hope.'
James 1:2-4This passage directly links enduring trials with developing patience and character, emphasizing that this process leads to completeness, similar to the 'all endurance and patience' mentioned in Colossians 1:11.
Philippians 4:13This verse expresses a similar sentiment of being strengthened by Christ, enabling believers to do all things, including enduring challenges, which resonates with the idea of being strengthened 'with all power.'
1 Peter 4:12-13This passage encourages believers to rejoice in suffering, as it is a sharing in Christ's sufferings, directly connecting hardship with joy, which mirrors the 'with joyfulness' aspect of the endurance described in Colossians 1:11.
vincentColossians 1:11: "Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;"
Strengthened (δυναμούμενοι)Only here in the New Testament, but found in Septuagint. The compound (ἐνδυναμόω to make strong) is frequent in Paul, Romans 4:20; Ephesians 6:10; Philippians 4:13; 1 Timothy 1:12.Power - might (δυνάμει - κράτος)See on 2 Peter 2:11; see on John 1:12.GlorySee on Romans 3:23.Patience - long-suffering (ὑπομονὴν - μακροθυμίαν)See…
barnesColossians 1:11: "Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;"
Strengthened with all might - This was also an object of Paul's earnest prayer. He desired that they might be strengthened for the performance of duty; to meet temptations; and to bear up under the various trials of life. According to his glorious power - Not by any human means, but by the power of God. There is a manifestation of power in the spirit with which C…
The verse doesn't just ask for endurance and patience; it highlights that this strength is according to God's glorious power. This means the endurance we're meant to have isn't just a stoic grit, but a supernatural resilience drawn directly from the very might and splendor of God Himself. True, joyful perseverance comes not from our own strength, but from His boundless, glorious power at work within us.
Paul is praying that the Colossian believers would be empowered by God to live lives worthy of him, marked by spiritual growth and fruitfulness in good works. This verse highlights the specific divine strength needed for the challenges of Christian living, enabling them to endure suffering with joy. This empowerment for endurance directly flows from the preceding and following verses, which speak of their walk pleasing to God and their giving thanks to the Father.
Paul is praying that the Colossian believers would be empowered by God to live lives worthy of him, marked by spiritual growth and fruitfulness in good works. This verse highlights the specific divine strength needed for the challenges of Christian living, enabling them to endure suffering with joy. This empowerment for endurance directly flows from the preceding and following verses, which speak of their walk pleasing to God and their giving thanks to the Father.
"being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy;" — The verse doesn't just ask for endurance and patience; it highlights that this strength is according to God's glorious power. This means the endurance we're meant to have isn't just a stoic grit, b…
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