Colossians 1:24-29

²⁴ “Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am supplementing what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions in behalf of His body, which is the church. ²⁵ I was made a minister of this church according to the commission from God granted to me for your benefit, so that I might fully carry out the preaching of the word of God, ²⁶ that is, the mystery which had been hidden from the past ages and generations, but now has been revealed to His saints, ²⁷ to whom God willed to make known what the wealth of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles is, the mystery that is Christ in you, the hope of glory. ²⁸ We proclaim Him, admonishing every person and teaching every person with all wisdom, so that we may present every person complete in Christ. ²⁹ For this purpose I also labor, striving according to His power which works mightily within me.”

Verse 24: Paul expresses his joy in the sufferings he endures for the sake of the believers. From a New Covenant perspective, we understand that Christ’s afflictions on the cross were complete and fully sufficient for our salvation. Therefore, Paul is not suggesting that there is anything lacking in Christ’s sacrifice. Instead, he is emphasizing his willingness to endure hardships for the sake of the church, which is the body of Christ.

Verse 25: Paul acknowledges that he has been commissioned by God to present the word of God in its fullness. The fullness of God’s revelation is found in Jesus Christ (Hebrews 1:1-2). Paul’s role is to proclaim the message of Christ and the finished work of the cross, which brings complete forgiveness, reconciliation, and new life to believers.

Verse 26: Paul refers to the mystery that was hidden in previous ages but has now been revealed to believers. This mystery is the revelation of Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in every believer. It is the truth that all believers are united with Christ and have access to the fullness of God’s grace and love. Paul also likely has in mind the mystery of God to include the Gentiles in this salvation.

Verse 27: Paul emphasizes that God has chosen to make known the glorious riches of the mystery to the Gentiles. This mystery is the reality of Christ living in every believer through the Holy Spirit. It is the assurance of our hope of glory, knowing that we are united with Christ and share in His divine nature (2 Peter 1:4).

Verse 28: Paul’s proclamation is centered on Christ, admonishing and teaching everyone with wisdom. Paul’s wisdom is not a list of fact but rather Christ himself. His focus is on proclaiming the finished work of Christ and the truth of our identity in him. He seeks to present everyone fully mature in Christ, understanding their completeness and union with him.

Verse 29: Paul acknowledges that his efforts in proclaiming the gospel and teaching believers are not based on his own strength but on the energy and power of Christ working in him. Paul recognizes that it is Christ who works in us, empowering us to live out our new identity and fulfill our purpose in him. Notice that understanding God’s grace never creates laziness. Paul worked hard for the gospel.