The Pulpit Commentary — Colossians — Section 234

xii. 12, "Continuing steadfastly in pmyer." We shall not be able to carry out' the direction unless we pray from principle. And that implies, not only that we have a deep conviction of the obligation of prayer, but also that we have a distinct concep- tion of the form which the obligation is w take, aS to our times of prayer and our subjects of prayer. Having an intelligent conviction of the duty, we are to hold to it ~teadfastly, in the face of all ten1ptations to interrupt it. It is said of the disciples afte: the Ascension, that they contim:rd st~adfastly in prayer. They had a special subject of prayer, and they held to 1t uninterruptedly for ten days, ·until it was answered in the descent of the Holy Ghost. (2) Wakefulness in prayer. "Watching therein." This is brought in as an element without which steadfastness would be of no use. Prayer is a duty in which our whole being is to be awake. There is to be the absence of all sleepiness whatsoever. Especially are we to be wakeful, spiritually. ·we are to be wakeful to the truth and promises of God. We are to be wakeful to our own wants. We are to be wakeful to the wants of others. And not only are we to be wakened up in the directions noted, but wakened up so that our powers have full play. \, e have in Jacob one whose wakefulness was kept up to the highest .point through the hours of night till he obtained the blessing. " With thanksaiving." 0 Thus again is the subordinate feature in the Epistle introduced. The thought is, that we are to be wakeful toward God for benefits obtained. Wakefulness toward God for past benefits is the best state of preparation for the reception of future benefits. 2. Particul,ar. " Withal praying for us also." They were not only to pray for them- selves, for others, about other affairs, but specially for Paul and his coadjutors, and as he here directs. (1) Immediate ol,ject. " That God may open unto us a door for the Word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds." Next to having the Word is hanng a door opened for the Word, i.e. an unhindered opportunity for its going forth. By the Word was meant more particularly the mystery of Christ, i.e. the gospel with reference to the Gentiles. The mystery was to go forth in it being spoken. Jn regard to that he was hindered at present. For not only was he called to speak the mystery of Christ, but also (so much had he entP.red into it) to be in bonds for it. And others were detained with him. And he prayed, and wished them to pray, for his liberation from captivity, that he and the others might go forth with the mystery. (2) ulterior object. " That I may· make it manifest, as I ought to speak." The situation of the apostle here has been described as tragic. • He was possessed with e. burning desire that the Gentiles might have the gospel. He had exalted ideas of the requirements of his apostolate. He was conscious, too, of the apostolic energy stirring within him. There was a certain outlet for that energy. For he was allowed to speak the Word to all that came unto him.. And he was enabled to write this Epis,tle and other Epistles, which have laid the Church under lasting obligation. But he wanted to make the mystery manifest on a far wider scale. He wanted to have freedom in monng from place to place, in combating error on the spot, in forming Churches. And it was in this his restrained position that he asked to be a~sisted by their prayers. II. DUTY TO THEM THAT ABE WITHOUT. Row is a Christian society to advance its ends with them that are outside? '!'hat is a question which has not lost its impor- tance. 1. Walk. "Walk in wisdom toward them 'that are without, redeeming the time." It is said in Ephesians, "Look therefore carefully how ye walk, not as unwise, but as wise; redeeming the time, because the days are evil." It is the same precept here, with special application to them that are outside. (1) Wisdom. On:e end for which a Christian society exists is self-preservation. It was very important for them to act so that they did not unnecessarily bring persecution upon themselves. Another and hi a her end for which a Christian society exists Is extension. For this end zeal is neces- sa~y, bnt at the same time it must be zeal tempered with discretion. Christian wives would naturally be deeply interested in the conversion of their heathen husbands, but how did the Apostle Peter enjoin them to act? "In like manner, ye wives, be i~ sub- jection to your own husbands; tha~, even if a~y o~ey not the \_Vord, they may without the Word be gained by the behaviour of their wives; beholdmg your chaste conver-: sation coupled with fear." The position of the members of a Christian society is 6imilar. We have to win over them that are outside. Where the Word by itself fails (men obeyina not the Word), we may do this witlwut the Word, viz. by our Christian behaviour, by quietly and Eteadily showing what our religion is, especially in tho cu. rV'. 1-:18.] THE EPISTLE TO THE COLOSSIANS. 231