John Chrysostom

"For I would have you know how greatly I strive for you, and for them at Laodicea." Then lest this should seem owing to their peculiar weakness, he joined others also with them, and as yet condemned them not. But why does he say, "And as many as have not seen my face in the flesh"? He shows here after a divine manner, that they saw him constantly in the Spirit. And he bears witness to their great love.

Homily on Colossians 5 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

Intending to proceed to teaching, he first points out his great love for them, in order to gain greater trust. I am concerned, he says, about you. But he places alongside them also the believers in Laodicea and others, evidently so that they would not become confused, thinking that the reason for this was their weakness. Why then are you concerned? Do you perhaps notice something bad in us? Because, he says, you have not seen my face. But he added: "in the flesh," wonderfully showing that they unceasingly saw him in the Spirit.

Commentary on Colossians ↗

Thomas Aquinas

Above, Paul commended the condition of those who believe, that is, their state of grace, and its Author, Christ; here he protects them from what is opposed to this state. First, from teachings that destroy it; and secondly, from evil habits (ch. 3). In regard to the first he does two things. First, he shows his concern over their state, and secondly, he warns them against evil teachings (v. 4). The first part is again divided. First, he mentions his concern; secondly, the persons about whom he is concerned (v. …

Commentary on Colossians ↗