GERM NOTES ON THE VERSES.

Ver. 28. Apostolic Preaching.

  1. They preached Christ as the only foundation of a sinner’s hope of salvation.
  2. As the object of supreme love.
  3. As the source of our supplies.
  4. As the model of our lives.—W. Antiff, D.D.

Ver. 29. The Christian Ministry—

  1. Involves strenuous labour and patient suffering.
  2. Is dependent on Divine help.
  3. Ascribes all its success to God.

CHAPTER II.

CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES.

Ver. 1. What great conflict.—R.V. “how greatly I strive.” It is a repetition of the thought of the previous verse expressed in terms of the arena. For them at Laodicea.—About a dozen miles distant from Colossæ.

Ver. 2. The mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ.—The R.V. has greatly simplified this perplexing phrase: “The mystery of God, even Christ.” Of the eleven various readings extant (given by Lightfoot) that of our A.V. is to all appearance the latest and worst.