Colossians 1:11

Strengthened with all might - That they might be able to walk worthy of the Lord, bring forth fruit, etc. See the notes on Ephesians 3:13, etc.

According to his glorious power - According to that sufficiency of strength which may be expected from him who has all power both in the heavens and in the earth.

Unto all patience - Relieving, hoping, and enduring all things.

With joyfulness - Feeling the continual testimony that ye please God, which will be a spring of perpetual comfort. See the notes on Ephesians 4:2.

Strengthened with all might - This was also an object of Paul's earnest prayer. He desired that they might be strengthened for the performance of duty; to meet temptations; and to bear up under the various trials of life.

According to his glorious power - Not by any human means, but by the power of God. There is a manifestation of power in the spirit with which Christians are enabled to bear up under trials, which shows that it is not of human origin. It is the power which God gives them in the day of trial. This power is "glorious," or, as it is in the Greek, it is the "power of his glory." It is manifestly the power of the great and glorious God, and it tends to promote his glory, and to show forth his praise.

Unto all patience - So that you may be enabled to bear all your trials without complaining. It is only the power of God that can enable us to do that.

And long-suffering - Notes, 1 Corinthians 13:4.

With joyfulness - Romans 5:3, note; 2 Corinthians 7:4, note. The Syriac version, Chrysostom, and a few manuscripts attach this to the following verse, and read it: "With joyfulness giving thanks to the Father," etc. The only difference is in the pointing, and either reading makes good sense.

1:11 Strengthened unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness - This is the highest point: not only to know, to do, to suffer, the whole will of God; but to suffer it to the end, not barely with patience, but with thankful joy.