Let me tell you represents the Greek “I want you to know.” Though the expression let me tell you is a more idiomatic equivalent in English, it may be quite inadequate as a basis for adaptation into another language, since it might suggest “permit me to tell you” or “allow me to tell you.” Paul is obviously not asking for any permission; he is only introducing his statement in a relatively polite way. In many languages, a dynamic equivalent of the Greek is actually a closer literal rendering such as “I wish to tell you” or “I wish for you to know.”

How hard I have worked translates “the great struggle,” the cognate noun of the verb “to struggle” in the preceding verse. Paul’s hard work has been for the benefit of the Christians in Colossae, Laodicea, and in other places where he was not known personally. Since it appears that Paul was not personally known by the Colossians and Laodiceans, it is probable that “and all those” means and … all others (so Lightfoot, Abbott, Moule; see Jerusalem Bible). The words could be translated, “indeed, for all who….”

A literal rendering of I have worked for you and for the people of Laodicea might suggest that he had engaged in physical labor as an employee of the people in Laodicea. This is, of course, not what is intended. Therefore, it may be better to say “how hard I have worked in order to help you and the people in Laodicea” or “… in order to be of benefit to you and to the people in Laodicea.” The phrase the people in Laodicea must be expanded in some languages to read “the people who dwell in Laodicea” or “the inhabitants of Laodicea.” On the other hand, Paul is referring specifically to believers in Laodicea, and therefore, in order to avoid a misinterpretation of Paul having labored for all those living in Laodicea, one may better translate “for the believers in Laodicea.”

Laodicea (see also 4.13, 15-16) was about 17 kilometers west of Colossae.

All others who do not know me personally may be rendered in some languages as “all others who have never seen me” or “all others whom I have not visited.”

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on Paul’s Letter to the Colossians. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1977. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .