Colossians 1:24–2:7

Bible Studies for Life
Assistant Professor of Religion, Department of Religion, Samford University

Center of My Church
Colossians 1:24–2:7
Obviously being a Christian means believing in and following Jesus Christ. Yet Christians differ greatly on what this discipleship entails, in terms of specific beliefs, worship practices, congregational organization, congregational relationships and leadership qualifications, just to name a few. Even among Baptists in Alabama, significant variety exists. Nevertheless each believer, minister and congregation must thoroughly examine whether particular approaches consistently point believers and unbelievers to Jesus Christ as the Savior and Lord.

What Is Our Message? (1:24–27)
In other letters, Paul often refers to his suffering as a benefit for the church (1 Cor. 4:8–13; 2 Cor. 1:3–11; 6:3–10). Likewise, as he writes to the Colossians from prison (Col. 4:3), his incarceration is suffering that will complete in his flesh “what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for His body, that is, the church.” Paul apparently means that his suffering participates in completing the time of tribulation before God brings this age to its appointed end (Mark 13:1–36). Indeed Luke quotes Paul and Barnabas saying, “It is necessary to pass through many troubles on our way into the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). Similarly Paul tells another church that it was appointed for persecution (1 Thess. 3:3–4; see also Rom. 8:18–30).

Paul’s suffering is part of his mission as an apostle to the Gentiles. While the Old Testament foresaw a day when Gentiles would worship Israel’s God (Gen. 12:3; Isa. 56:3), it was unforeseen that He would accept Gentiles as Gentiles through faith in Christ. As Paul says in Ephesians, “This was not made known to people in other generations as it is now revealed to His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: The Gentiles are co-heirs, members of the same body and partners of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel” (Eph. 3:5–6).

Do our contemporary churches continue to demonstrate “the glorious wealth of this mystery”? Does such demonstration require ethnic diversity to be consistent with Paul’s emphasis on Jews and Gentiles together in the church? Diversity of worship styles? How do our congregations demonstrate that God’s kingdom is at hand? What is our message?

Are We Growing Spiritually? (1:28–2:3)
Paul reminds his audience that his constant focus is the mystery of Christ among the Gentiles (28). Moreover he exerts himself to make sure these believers are maturing in Christ (29). It is important that they understand this and it encourages their faith (1–2). Paul’s labor for them should also inspire them to listen to him as he reminds them that Christ is the source of “all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (3). In sum, Paul is reminding them of his status as an apostle, his suffering for them and how that should lead them to listen closely to his admonition. It is for the sake of their spiritual growth.

Are We Walking the Walk? (2:4–7)
Paul is attempting to persuade his audience that his counsel should be taken more seriously than what others may be saying, especially those who teach a different view of Christ and knowledge. Indeed it appears others are offering additional aspects to faith in Christ (Col. 2:16–23). Paul exhorts these believers to resist this teaching. Rather they should maintain the strength of their faith in Christ. This includes remembering that they began as an extension of Paul’s ministry to the Gentiles. Though he is absent in body, he is with them in spirit. Thus these believers should continue to grow in the faith they first received.

Paul’s exhortation requires repeated self-examination. Is Christ the center of our ministry and service? Do we see Christ as the source of our maturity and growth? Or are we tempted to follow those who commend additional rules and motivations? May God enable us to listen closely to Paul’s warning: “Be careful that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit based on human tradition, based on the elemental forces of the world, and not based on Christ” (Col. 2:8).