Albert Barnes Commentary Colossians 1:9

"For this cause we also, since the day we heard [it], do not cease to pray and make request for you, that ye may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding," — Colossians 1:9 (ASV)

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

That you 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 on behalf of the Ephesians. See the parallel passage in Ephesians 1:17-19, and the Notes on those verses.

In all wisdom. That you may be truly wise in all things (Ephesians 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 (1 Corinthians 2:12; 1 Corinthians 2:13).

Compare 1 John 2:20; 1 John 5:20.

For "spiritual," see Psalm 119:99.

For "understanding," see 1 John 5:20.