How is Paul suffering for the assembly? (v1:24, 29, 2:1, 4:12-13, 2 Cor 11:28-29)
- Paul empathised so strongly with the struggles of the body of Christ, that their struggles and suffering became his struggle and suffering too. Also, he strived in prayer, proclaiming and admonishing and teaching everyone in all wisdom.
- Paul joined Epaphras as he strived for Colossians and Laodicians in prayer.
- Paul also struggled with Christians of jewish background, when it came to the question of how gentiles are supposed to be saved. Believe in Christ or follow the jewish custom such as circumcision first.
What is Paul’s connection to Colossae and Laodicea? (v25, 27-28, 4:12-16, Eph 3:8, Gal 2:8)
- Paul didn’t start this Church
- He probably didn’t see most of the folks in this Church – in person
- He is an apostle to the gentiles
- Servant of Christ reaching out to gentiles
- Preach to the Gentiles
.
Mystery: What is it? Mystery for whom? How was it revealed? (v26-27, Eph 3:4-9, Gal 2:8)
- The mystery
- Christ in you
- You is everyone who believes
- Christ Jesus is not just to for circumcised but for all
- jews and gentiles
- Gentiles (not just jews) are fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus
- Through the gospel, the Good News
- Perfection in Christ Jesus – for all
- Christ in you
- Hidden for ages and generations
- From those who were instrumental in writing the scriptures
- Wrote it but the ultimate truth of what it means was hidden for ages and generations
- From those who were interpreting the scriptures
- Jews and Christians from jewish background too
- From those who were instrumental in writing the scriptures
- Revealed
- Through the apostles and prophets
- Paul who was an apostle to the gentiles
- Peter – who was apostle to the circumcised. However, understood the gospel is for everyone
- Christians from jewish background in Jerusalem who understood God’s work among gentiles
- Through the apostles and prophets
What is Paul’s desire for Colossians and Loadicians and us? (v2:1-3)
- Hearts should be comforted
- Knit together in love
- Gaining all riches of the full assurance of understanding
- Assurance in understanding the truth about who Christ Jesus is
- That they may know that gentiles are fellow heirs – in Christ Jesus
- He (Christ Jesus) is the source of all wisdom and knowledge
- Not angels and such – which was a problematic teaching in Colossae
Conclusion:
- Striving like Paul, for the body of Christ.
- Resting in Christ
Passage Colossians 1:24-2:3, 4:12-16 – World English Bible (WEB)
24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and fill up on my part that which is lacking of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the assembly, 25 of which I was made a servant according to the stewardship of God which was given me toward you to fulfill the word of God, 26 the mystery which has been hidden for ages and generations. But now it has been revealed to his saints, 27 to whom God was pleased to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 We proclaim him, admonishing every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus; 29 for which I also labor, striving according to his working, which works in me mightily.
2 For I desire to have you know how greatly I struggle for you, and for those at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; 2 that their hearts may be comforted, they being knit together in love, and gaining all riches of the full assurance of understanding, that they may know the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, 3 in whom all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden.
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4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, salutes you, always striving for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. 13 For I testify about him that he has great zeal for you, and for those in Laodicea, and for those in Hierapolis. 14 Luke the beloved physician and Demas greet you. 15 Greet the brothers who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the assembly that is in his house. 16 When this letter has been read among you, cause it to be read also in the assembly of the Laodiceans, and that you also read the letter from Laodicea.
Notes / Cross references:
Epaphras:
- is a short form of Epaphroditus but may not be the same person from Philippians.
- may have brought the gospel to Colossae and to Laodicea – and not Paul.
- maybe from Colossae?
Church at Colossae was primarily made up of gentiles and perhaps a few from Jewish background
Colossae was dealing with false teachers that questioned who Christ is.
2 Corinthians 11:28-29 Besides those things that are outside, there is that which presses on me daily: anxiety for all the assemblies. 29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is caused to stumble, and I don’t burn with indignation?
Ephesians 3:4-9 4 by which, when you read, you can perceive my understanding in the mystery of Christ, 5 which in other generations was not made known to the children of men, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit, 6 that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of his promise in Christ Jesus through the Good News, 7 of which I was made a servant according to the gift of that grace of God which was given me according to the working of his power. 8 To me, the very least of all saints, was this grace given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to make all men see what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God, who created all things through Jesus Christ,
Galatians 2:8 (for he who appointed Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision appointed me also to the Gentiles);
Acts 11:18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life!”
