Colossians 2:4-5 4 I say this in order that no one might deceive you with persuasive speech. 5 For even though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing and seeing your orderly manner and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.
Paul now expresses one of the reasons for writing this letter. He has stressed so far in the letter the importance of knowing clearly the message of Jesus Christ. The reason for this (I say this in order that) is to help the Colossians be aware of the truth. The best way to identify false teaching is to know true teaching very well. Otherwise, it is easy to get confused or be deceived. The problem the Colossians were experiencing was persuasive speech (pithanologia). This is the only place this word occurs in the Greek Bible.
Even though Paul was far away and could not check on the Colossians in person, he could at least pray for them and be with them in spirit. This idea can be difficult to interpret. He wrote something similar to the Corinthians when he was far away and dealing with a problem situation in 1 Corinthians 5:3. The word could be interpreted in a spiritual sense or in reference to the Holy Spirit. It is only through the Holy Spirit that Paul could ever be with them in a spiritual sense. So, it may be best not to try to differentiate between these. Paul is simply making the point that he is aware of the situation and has been praying about it. This letter is the outcome of that concern and prayer.
Knowing about the false teaching in Colossae did not discourage Paul because he saw how the Colossians were dealing with it. They remained calm, cool, and collected and did not panic. They had an orderly manner or “proper procedure” for dealing with it. They were realizing that there was a problem and were thinking of ways to deal with it. What would hold them steady was their faith in Christ. This was the anchor to hold them firm in the storm of controversy and uncertainty. It was critical for them to develop their faith and dependence in Christ. This is truly the answer for dealing with the problems and uncertainties of life. We will be exposed to many ideas. Some of them will be wrong. If we are not firmly grounded in our faith in Christ, which should be supported by deep study and knowledge of the gospel, we may also become confused and influenced in the wrong way.
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