The Exposition.
THese words containe a prayer, and a thankesgiuing. In the prayer, three things are asked. The ••irst is the increase of the knowledge of Gods reuealed will in his word, and he deuides it into two parts: wisdome, which is not onely to know Gods word, but also to applie it to euery action for the right and holy performing thereof•• and spirituall vnderstanding, which is, when men by the assistance of Gods spirit, doe conceiue the will of God in generall without applying.
Secondly, Paul praies for the fruits of this knowledge, which are foure. 1. To wal•• worthie of God, as good seruants doe, who in their apparell, gesture, and all their do∣ings, so behaue themselues that they may credit their masters. 2. To please God in all things, by approouing their hearts vnto him. 3. To be plentifull in all good workes. 4. To increase in the acknowledgement of God. For the more any increase in know∣ledge and experience in Gods word, the more shall they acknowledge God the father to be their father, Christ to be their redeemer, and the holy Ghost their sanctifier.
Thirdly, he praies that the Colossians may be strengthened, v. 11. where he notes the cause, Gods glorious power; and the effects, which are three. 1. Patience, be∣cause it is necessarie that the godly suffer many afflictions. 2. Long suffering, because oftentimes the same afflictions continue long. 3. Ioyfulnesse, because the crosse is bitter.
The thankesgiuing is for a benefit, that God had made the Colossians fitte for the kingdome of glorie: and the reason is, because he had made them members of the kingdome of grace.