2:1
Paul often recounts incidents that happened in his life. Galatians, 2 Corinthians, 1 Thessalonians are examples. There are some who think that preaching should be just Bible exposition, this is not a Biblical pattern! Of course, “preaching” that is purely stories is sadly lacking, but God uses our personal experiences as well as theological explanation to communicate the truth. Sometimes Paul recounts events in order to defend himself, Galatians and 2 Corinthians are examples of this. At other times it is to build up the relationship with the people, to establish heart connection. Here and 1 Thessalonians are examples of this. Paul wanted them to know that he struggled on their behalf.
2:2
Here Paul states that the explicit purpose of these struggles was encourage them, to strengthen their hearts. And this was so that they may be united in love in order to reach the full riches of the gospel. Note that it was not so that the Colossians would think what a great man Paul was. Rather it was to build up the relationship that the Colossians had with each other, and that this would help them “reach full assurance of understanding and knowledge of God’s mystery, which is in Christ”. We gain understanding not just through study, but through study and experience. The use of words like knowledge and mystery may be Paul countering the many false ideas that were swirling around in the culture of the day.
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