Barnes New Testament Notes

Verse 9. Do not cease to pray for you. Col 1:3. The progress which they had already made, and the love which they had shown, constituted an encouragement for prayer, and a reason why higher blessings still should be sought. We always feel stimulated and encouraged to pray for those who are doing well.

That ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will. They had shown, by their faith and love, that they were disposed to do his will, and the apostle now prays that they might be fully acquainted with what he would have them do. He offered a similar prayer in behalf of the Ephesians. See the parallel place in Eph 1:17-19, and the Notes on those verses.

In all wisdom. That you may be truly wise in all things, Eph 1:17.

And spiritual understanding. In understanding those things that pertain to the "Spirit;" that is, those things taught by the Holy Spirit, and those which he produces in the work of salvation. See Barnes "1 Co 2:12, See Barnes "1 Co 2:13".

Comp.1 Jo 2:20; 5:20.

{b} "in all wisdom" Ro 12:2; Eph 5:10,11

{c} "spiritual" Ps 119:99

{d} "understanding" 1 Jo 5:20