Jesus Christ is the perfect image – the exact likeness – of God and is in the very form of God (Phil. 2:6), and has been so from all eternity. By describing Jesus in this manner, Paul emphasizes that He is both the representation and manifestation of God. Thus, He is fully God in every way (John 8:58; 10:30-33; Heb 1:8). Firstborn in this context means highest in rank, not first created.
Commentary from the MacArthur study Bible, notes for Colossians 1:15.
To speak with grace is to speak what is spiritual, wholesome, fitting, kind, sensitive, purposeful, complimentary, gentle, truthful, loving, and thoughtful. Just as salt not only flavors, but prevents corruption, the Christian’s speech should act not only as a blessing to others, but as a purifying influence within the decaying society of the world.
Commentary from the MacArthur study Bible, notes for Colossians 4:6.
Those “outside” refers to unbelievers. Believers are called to so live that they establish the credibility of the Christian faith and that they make the most of every evangelistic opportunity.
Commentary from the MacArthur study Bible, notes for Colossians 4:5.
The Greek word for continuing earnestly means “to be courageously persistent” or “to hold fast and not let go” and refers here to persistent prayer (Acts 1:14; Romans 12:12; Ephesians 6:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:17). Being vigilant in its most general sense means to stay awake while praying. But Paul has in mind the broader implication of staying alert for specific needs about which to pray, rather than being vague and unfocused.
Commentary from the MacArthur study Bible, notes for Colossians 4:2.
To walk in Christ is to live a life patterned after His.
Commentary from the MacArthur study Bible, notes for Colossians 2:6.
As God, Jesus created the material and spiritual universe for His pleasure and glory.
Commentary from the MacArthur study Bible, notes for Colossians 1:16.
“Walk” is the familiar New Testament term denoting the believer’s daily conduct. To walk in Christ is to live a life patterned after His. See Colossians 1:10; 4:5; Romans 6:4; 8:1,4; 13:13; 1 Corinthians 7:17; 2 Corinthians 5:7; 10:3; 12:18; Galatians 5:16,25; 6:16; Ephesians 2:10; 4:1,17; 5:2,8,15; Philippians 3:16-18; 1 Thessalonians 2:12; 4:1,12; 2 Thessalonians 3:11; 1 John 1:6,7; 2:6; 2 John 6; and 3 John 3,4.
Commentary from the MacArthur study Bible, notes for Colossians 2:6.
“Holy” refers to the believer’s positional relationship to God – he is separated from sin and set apart to God by imputed righteousness. This is justification. As a result of the believer’s union with Christ in His death and resurrection, God considers Christians as holy as His Son (Ephesians 1:4; 2 Corinthians 5:21). Christians are also “blameless” (without blemish) and “above reproach” (no one can bring a charge against them, Romans 8:33; Philippians 2:15). We are to be presented to Christ, when we meet Him, as a chaste bride (Ephesians 5:25-27; 2 Corinthians 11:2).
Commentary from the MacArthur study Bible, notes for Colossians 1:22.
