LIBERTY UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF DIVINITY

AN EXEGESIS OF COLOSSIANS 1 21:29

Submitted to Dr. Jintae Kim

In partial fulfillment of the requirement for the completion of

NBST 610-D07

Hermeneutics

Submitted on

August 19, 2017

By

Laurie Pelosi
Thesis1

Introduction1

Historical Cultural Context.2

Significance.2.

Audience..4

Verse by Verse5

Verse 1:21:235

Verse 1:24:296

Verse 1:25:29.6

Verse 1:26:29.7

Verse 1:27:29.8

Verse 1:28:29.9

Verse 1:29:29.9

Significance of Colossians.9

Conclusion.10

Bibliography...11

ii
 Thesis

It has been stated that the Book of Colossians is a very Christ centered Epistle.

There is no doubt that throughout history there has been a problem of interpretation with

the passage of vs 1:24. The author seems to express an assumed suffering within the

church that the Apostle undertakes this suffering on the Churchs behalf. The problem

with Colossians 1:24 has been described by various commenters as a this remarkable

statement (Bruce);2 an exegetical crux (Sumney);3and as startling words (Dunn);

4
This has remained a puzzle and many commentaries suggest that there is no simple

response, however, Gustafson states that the sufferings of the church are called the

affliction of Christ because it is the church that is suffering because Christ is in his

church and sufferers when it suffers, promising the mystery to salvation. 5

Introduction

The Christian community to whom Paul writes is addressing a distinct society that

is filled with cults especially those of the Greek influence that are having much appeal on

these Christian converts in Colossae. The letter to the Church in Colossae is powerful as

well as informative, it not only addresses the specific problem of heresy, but Paul is

professing to be specifically chosen by God to address the church and congratulate them

on their knowledge. The false teaching has given rise to the Apostle to explain that these

_________________________
1. Unless otherwise noted all biblical references are in the NIV Bible (London: Hodder & Stoughton, 2000)
2
J.L Sumney, (2006). 'I fill up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ': Paul's vicarious suffering in Colossians. The
Catholic Biblical Quarterly, 68(4), 664-680.
3
Roy Yates, The Evangelical Quarterly (Wesley House, Cambridge., 1970).
4
James Dunn, D.G the Epistles to the Colossians and to Philemon (New International Greek Testament
commentary; Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1996), p. 114; Dunn, The Theology of Paul the Apostle (London: T & T Clark, 2003), p. 486
5. Gustafson, J. (2004). An examined faith. Minneapolis, Minn.: Fortress Press.
1.
rivalries are inferior to the reconciliation accomplished through the cross not just human

beings, but all things. (1:20). The purpose of this paper is show that the Apostle is giving

his response to these threats by justifying the Supremacy of Christ as well as to make the

words of God fully known by his audience by underscoring his suffering is for them and

for the body of the church. The focus will remain on the mystery of the Gospel, warnings

and teachings and the Apostles theological doctrine of Gods salvation. One should also

acknowledge that these powerful verses have not affected the validity of Pauls warning

in Colossians.

CONTEXT

The book of Colossians was written between A.D. 58-62; the location of the

church was in the Lycus river valley of west central Asia Minor. It is suggested that

while Paul is imprisoned in Rome he hears of the heresy affecting the church. The

beginning of Colossians 1 Epistle shows an outline of the Gospel that is not speaking of

idols but the fullness and richness we can have with Jesus if we allow ourselves to be

manifested with His goodness. Van der Watt states that the, Gospel which Paul is

talking about, is a Gospel which can be described objectively as coming from God, since

it is based on his grace and truth6 The Christology of Pauls teaching is a commitment

to Christ and a warning of false doctrine. Stevens also states that, Colossians is

polemic, being directed against certain errors which combined elements of Essene

________________
6 Van Der Watt, Colossians 1:3-12 Journal of Theology for Southern Africa 57, 32-42 (1956). A Religion Database with
Alta Serials, EBSCOhost (accessed August 12, 2017)
2.
Judaism and Gnostic speculation, and which the apostle regarded as especially derogatory

to the true doctrine of the person of Christ.7 These prison epistles reveal the life off Paul

while during his earthly mission. However, the imprisonment Paul experienced has given

us sound doctrine as well as exhortations as Colossians moves forward.

SIGNIFICANCE

A very philosophical and deeply moving message from such an ancient document

that still has immediate impact on all Christian lives should be acknowledged of the proof

of Gods wisdom. While digesting the literary context, it does appear that the language is

stressing the indwelling of Christ. The verses read like a poem and tell us that ones

behavior and choice is the message to the church at Colossae. Of significance, Paul

never addresses idolatry; his message is all about Jesus. Henderson echoes this

statement as she eloquently states, Central to the relationship the letter forges between

Christology and ecclesiology, I suggest, is the language of 'fullness' that Paul applies to

both Christ and church.8 The emphasis of Christs preeminence and sufficiency that

Paul represents to his audience is that Christ is at the heart of the universe.

____________________
7. George B. Stevens, "Suggestions for the Study of Paul's Teaching regarding the Person and Work of Christ
in the Prison Epistles, The Old and New Testament Student, Volume. 11, No. 1, 1890: 31-33.,
1890,www.Jstor.org/Acessed 27-08-2017
8 S. W. Henderson. "God's Fullness in Bodily Form: Christ and Church in Colossians", the Expository Times
118, no. 4 (2007): 169-173. ATLASerials, Religion Collection, EBSCOhost (accessed August 18, 2017)
3.
 Audience

Although Paul did not know his audience in the Lycus Valley it was common

knowledge that there were many Jews amid this population. This city still remained

very pagan and we cannot be certain when the church began because this is missing from

Scripture. 9 Colossae once was superior but with certainty the Apostle was writing to the

least significant city to which Paul penned a letter. Although he never met his audience

due to his imprisonment he has heard wondrous stories of their faith. The cultural

situation however had a lasting Hellenistic religious philosophy and was nurtured in

mysticism. While Christians hold on to faith it is easy to see how this audience could fall

prey to false teaching just as those in Colossae have done. The purpose then is to take the

Apostles advice and make use of the application of his letter to fulfill our own need

which will further be explored.

As believers, a message that the Apostle wants to share is that we should consider

ourselves blessed to be a member of Christs body. While the Exegesis of Colossians

1:21:29 is explored we can see the message that confirms that Christ is the head of the

body of the Church. Verses 1:21:23 deals explicitly with the Reconciliation the Church

at Colossae now has since that are part of Gods creation. Since they accept the Gospel

they should no longer be hostile toward God and recognize what Jesus death has done for

them.

______________________________________
9
Murray, S.E. (1975). From Text to Sermon in Colossians (Order No. 7526118). Available from ProQuest Global.
(302819162). Retrieved from http://ezproxy.liberty.edu/login?url=https://search-proquest-
com.ezproxy.liberty.edu/docview/302819162?accountid=12085
4.
 Verse 1 24:29

Verse 24: "I am rejoicing (nun chairo) for you, on your behalf, (huper humon) in

Gospel they should no longer be hostile toward God and recognize what Jesus death has

done for them. the sufferings (en tois pathimasin)." The word "now" (nun) may mean that

Paul is enduring.10

This of course is written while the Apostle is in prison, but also presents us with

some difficulties. According to Kaiser, this may imply that there is some sort of

deficiency in Christs suffering and their effectiveness was somehow limited in this

redemptive purpose.11 This view seems to make the reference to Pauls suffering,

Kaiser writes, that the alternative view of the problem passage is to understand the

genitive of Christ. With this view we should take seriously the usage of the Old

Testament terminology the Apostle uses, such as Israels experience of affliction

throughout history, Babylonian and exile and subsequent oppression under the Syrians

and Romans.12 F. F. Bruce offers his expert opinion where he writes, He says that in

the sense which Paul intends here, Christ continues to suffer in his members, and not the

least in Paul himself.13 Others suggest that there is a divine purpose in this passage,

Kaiser states, that this passage relates specifically to the Woes of the Messiah, namely

the sufferings experienced by Gods people in the last days.14 Pauls message is clear

Jesus died on the cross for our redemptive purposes and the Apostle seems convinced to
______________________________________

10. J.L Sumney, (2006}

11. Walter C Kaiser, More Hard Sayings of The Old Testament (Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press, 1992). pg. 655
13 Frederick Fyvie Bruce, the Epistle to the Colossians, To Philemon, And to the Ephesians (Grand Rapids, Mich: Eerdmans,
2008). Pg. 232
14. Kaiser, pg. 656
5.
 proclaim the gospel. What is needed at times may be some wisdom as we read the

Apostle and understand that in his ministry Paul was delivering a message of hope.

Verse 1:25:29

Verse 25: I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present

to you the word of God in its fullness. This verse is suggestive of Paul receiving

stewardship which we first come across in verse 23 and now in verse 25, which as

Richard Melick explains, Paul servanthood to the gospel brought him into service to the

church.15 The theme is repeated and Margaret MacDonald states that the word

stewardship, (oikonomia) refers to the commission God gave Paul to become an

apostle.16 There is a clear inference that Gods tenacity for the Apostle Paul will bring

about Gods plan for the world, to complete and carry the Word of God. This is

mystical in nature and should be understood that this is a union that Christ can enjoy with

Christians in the church, the body of Christ.17

Verse 1:26:29

Verse 26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is

now disclosed to the Lords people. The Apostle Paul has a very clear and precise role

to play and he wishes to have his audience be mature and in good spiritual condition.

According to Barclay, Paul senses that God has given to him the task of brining men to

______________________________

15 E. Ray Clendenen, the New American Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman, 1991).
16 Margaret Y MacDonald and Daniel J Harrington, Colossians and Ephesians (Collegeville, Minn.: Liturgical
Press, 2008). pg. 236
17 I. Bid, 236

6.
 a new discovery, a secret which has been hidden through the ages is now

revealed.18 Margaret MacDonald asserts that this mystery is a central theme in

Ephesians and as in Colossians; it refers generally to the revelation in Christ that was

once hidden.19

We should view Gods mystery in terms of Pauls knowledge and understanding

that the word of God was profitable for all of humanity. We should factor in to our

understanding that the Apostle did not choose this but he still embraces his missionary

call. According to, MacDonald Paul speaks of the Gospel being opened to all races

upon the earth. In the Old Testament God had dealt exclusively with Israel, using them to

record His Word, preach the coming of Messiah, and even bringing Christ through the

Hebrew people.20 There is no biblical separation between the Jew and the Gentile; we

are all under Gods sovereign plan.

Verse 1:27:29

Verse 1:27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the

glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. There remains

a difference of opinion in whether or not this passage means, Christ within you.

According to Melick others have found this to mean, Christ among you (Gentiles) while

others have understood this to mean the blessings of Israel that God has promised to the

world specifically through Christ. "21 For Paul is telling this Gentile audience that all

________________________________
18 Barclay, the Letters to Philippians, Colossians, Thessalonians, p. 151.
19 MacDonald, pg.108
20 I. Bid
21 Melick, pg. 242 7.
 Christians can be assured that the darkness that they may have once felt spiritually

does not have to exist, for Christs death and resurrection have brought a new life we can

experience beyond this earthly one.

Verse 1:28:29

Verse 1:28 He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with

all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. Our hope

illustrates the satisfaction that we can find in our future, as Christ dwells in us. Christ is

the message that we ultimately need to hear and understand that He alone is the message

to everyone and that He alone can fulfill our spiritual condition. As a reminder, the

Apostle is still addressing false teachings and Jesus is the contrast to this false teaching

where as one can gain salvation through knowledge. What the Apostle is offering is far

more superior because the Gospel is always open. F. F. Bruce further adds, F. F. Bruce

continues, [Those who have believed] have not learned all there is to know when once

they have come to Christ; that is only the beginning, He is indeed the embodiment of

divine wisdom, but the exploration of the wisdom that resides in Him is the task of a

lifetime, and even so the most enlightened of mortals can only know in part 22(1

Corinthians 13:9). It is necessary, then, not only to preach the gospel but also, when

people have believed the gospel, to instruct everyone and teach everyone in all

wisdom.23 Paul is so alarmed that he continues to stress their spiritual condition and

provides assurance to all those lost and look upon Jesus as our Redeemer.

_______________________________
22 St. Paul's Epistles to the Colossians & to Philemon: A Rev. Text with Bruce, "Epistle to Colossians," p. 221
23 I. Bid 8
 Verse 1:29

Verse 1:29, To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully

works in me. J. B. Lightfoot suggests that this verse speaks to Pauls duty as a

Preacher, Lightfoot advocates that this is Christs word to the Christian; Paul does not

want them to just understand these words verbally but to make them applicable into their

daily lives. 24 The Apostle wants us to emulate his actions, as he is a self-professed

servant to Christ.

Significance of Colossians

The Apostle Paul makes the audience painfully aware that not only is Paul the

benefactor and has full authority by God to share and express his faith, hope and love and

support for the church believers but he achieves this by his authentic pastoral concern for

the audience. The apostle Paul uses his magnificent gift of a pastor to bring his flock

together and show them the strength they can have in Jesus. Bradford agrees as he

states, There can be no doubt that the Holy Scriptures teach that intercessory prayer is a

ministerial task. 25 The Apostle was a very real human author with a gift that is meant

to be shared. We are required to actively engage ourselves with our neighbors and

church and community for the great commission. Jesus gives us life just as the Apostle

Paul found out through his conversion, there is no mystery, once you open your heart and

_____________________
24 "Colossians 1:29 Commentary". Last modified 2014. Accessed August 20, 2017.
http://www.preceptaustin.org/colossians_129.
25 Eugene D. Bradford, 1959. "Intercessory prayer: a ministerial task." The Westminster Theological Journal 22, no. 1: 13-48.
ATLASerials, Religion Collection, EBSCOhost (accessed August 5, 2017).
9.
And read Scripture we all will see this great message of salvation that is an open

invitation.

This outline of Colossians has several themes; one of the major themes we see is

that discipleship is strongly encouraged in the Apostles message. can all be alienated

from Christ but can be restored with reconciliation. The Apostle Paul as a minister is

exposing the truths that Jesus is sufficient for supplying all our spiritual needs and

blessings. William Bruce sets the tone for these passages nicely when he states,

Punishment is suffering, but suffering is not always punishment, for punishment

supposes guilt. Christ may have suffered on our account, but could not be punished,

because, in him was no sin 26 Pauls message is clear, we suffer as part of the general

human condition and because we must take up the cross as disciples of Jesus Christ. If

we participate in the sufferings of Jesus, we will also share in his glory, Christian

suffering can have a vicarious impact and can pass on salvation (Col 1:24), while

suffering that brings about salvation is restricted to the work of Christ.25

Conclusion

We should conclude that the Apostle with these problem passages is showing no

cryptic messages or is Paul displaying a masochistic trait. The Apostle is merely

displaying the goal of what God wants him to do and that is to bring man to a new

discovery that is no longer hidden. This Good News is not just for the Jews but is for

everyone. Paul is not the focus of the message Jesus is, just as in the beginning of

___________________________________
26 William Bruce, Sermons, Expository and Practical (London: F. Pitman, 1861).
27 Christopher H. Grundmann, Book Review: Suffering, Persecution and Martyrdom: Theological Reflections, Written by Christof Sauer And
Richard Howell, Mission Studies 31, no. 2 (2014): 283-284. 10.
Colossians in 1:5 we can see that the apostle is laying the foundation and building upon

one truth to the next for our image of Jesus. We also need to be asking ourselves what are

we doing, can we imitate the life of the Apostle? Can we view ourselves as true

missionaries for Christ, willing to sacrifice ourselves for the body of Christ?

Our suffering is due to the general human condition which is why Jesus still

suffers today our only alternative is to suffer as Paul did. The church is not meant to just

sit with no community. We are to care for all of those who suffer illness and spiritual

immorality. A church community should reinforce those that are suffering by taking on

that burden and be encouraging the church community should come alongside and assist

those that are stricken with burden.

In the end, the Apostle ministered to the people with boldness, and he did not do

so because he thought he was earning salvation or special graces, nor was he stating that

his suffering completed the sufferings of Christ, rather Pauls suffering was helping him

become a better likeness of Christ. Paul is a perfect example of the servanthood of Jesus

Christ, he best describes a Christian that begins his journey as ordinary to an

extraordinary example of a servant of Christ. There is much one can learn from his

theology and life.

 11.

Bibliography

[1] Unless otherwise noted all biblical references are in the NIV Bible (London: Hodder
& Stoughton, 2000)

[2] J. L Sumney, (2006). 'I fill up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ': Paul's
vicarious suffering in Colossians. The Catholic Biblical Quarterly, 68(4), 664-680.

[3] Roy Yates, The Evangelical Quarterly (Wesley House, Cambridge., 1970).

[4] James Dunn, D.G the Epistles to the Colossians and to Philemon (New
International Greek Testament commentary; Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1996), p. 114;
Dunn, the Theology of Paul the Apostle (London: T & T Clark, 2003), p. 486.

[5] Gustafson, J. (2004). An examined faith. Minneapolis, Minn.: Fortress Press.

[6] Van Der Watt, Colossians 1:3-12 Journal of Theology for Southern Africa 57,
32-42 (1956). A Religion Database with Alta Serials, EBSCOhost (accessed August 12,
2017)

[7] George B. Stevens, "Suggestions for the Study of Paul's Teaching regarding the
Person and Work of Christ in the Prison Epistles, The Old and New Testament Student,
Volume. 11, No. 1, 1890: 31-33., 1890,www.Jstor.org/Acessed 27-08-2017

[8] S. W. Henderson. "God's Fullness in Bodily Form: Christ and Church in

Colossians", the Expository Times 118, no. 4 (2007): 169-173. ATLASerials, Religion
Collection, EBSCOhost (accessed August 18, 2017)

[9] Murray, S.E. (1975). From Text to Sermon in Colossians (Order No. 7526118). Available
from ProQuest Global. (302819162). Retrieved from http://ezproxy.liberty.edu/login?url=https://search-
proquest-com.ezproxy.liberty.edu/docview/302819162?accountid=12085

[10] Sumney, 2006

[11] Walter C Kaiser, More Hard Sayings of The Old Testament (Downers Grove, Ill.:
InterVarsity Press, 1992). pg. 655

12.
[12] Frederick Fyvie Bruce, the Epistles to the Colossians, To Philemon, And to the
Ephesians (Grand Rapids, Mich: Eerdmans, 2008). Pg. 23

[13] Frederick Fyvie Bruce, the Epistle to the Colossians, To Philemon, And to the
Ephesians (Grand Rapids, Mich: Eerdmans, 2008). Pg. 232

[14] Kaiser, pg. 656

[15] E. Ray Clendenen, the New American Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman &
Holman, 1991).
[16] Margaret Y MacDonald and Daniel J Harrington, Colossians and
Ephesians (Collegeville, Minn.: Liturgical Press, 2008). pg. 236

[17] I. Bid., 236

[18] Barclay, the Letters to Philippians, Colossians, Thessalonians, p. 151.

[19] MacDonald, pg.108

[20] I. Bid

[21] Melick, pg. 242

[22] St. Paul's Epistles to the Colossians & to Philemon: A Rev. Text with Bruce,
"Epistle to Colossians," p. 221

[23] I. Bid.

[24] http://www.preceptaustin.org/colossians_129

[25] Eugene D. Bradford, 1959. "Intercessory prayer: a ministerial task." The

Westminster Theological Journal 22, no. 1: 13-48. ATLASerials, Religion Collection,
EBSCOhost (accessed August 5, 2017).

[26] William Bruce, Sermons, Expository and Practical (London: F. Pitman, 1861).

[27] Christopher H. Grundmann, Book Review: Suffering, Persecution and

Martyrdom: Theological Reflections, Written by Christof Sauer And Richard
Howell, Mission Studies 31, no. 2 (2014): 283-284.
 13

___________________________________________________________

Barclay, the Letters to Philippians, Colossians, Thessalonians, p. 151.

Bradford, Eugene D. 1959. "Intercessory prayer: a ministerial task." The Westminster

Theological Journal 22, no. 1: 13-48. ATLASerials, Religion Collection,
EBSCOhost (accessed August 5, 2017).

Bruce, Frederick Fyvie the Epistles to the Colossians, To Philemon, And To the
Ephesians (Grand Rapids, Mich: Eerdmans, 2008). Pg. 232

Bruce, William Sermons, Expository and Practical (London: F. Pitman, 1861).

13.
Clendenen, E. Ray the New American Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman &
Holman, 1991).

Colossians 1:29 Commentary", last modified 2014, accessed August 20, 2017,
http://www.preceptaustin.org/colossians_129.

Dunn, James D.G the Epistles to the Colossians and to Philemon (New International
Greek Testament commentary; Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1996), p. 114;
Dunn, the Theology of Paul the Apostle (London: T & T Clark, 2003), p. 486.

Gustafson, J. (2004). An examined faith. Minneapolis, Minn.: Fortress Press.

Christopher H. Grundmann, Book Review: Suffering, Persecution and Martyrdom:

Theological Reflections, Written by Christof Sauer And Richard
Howell, Mission Studies 31, no. 2 (2014): 283-284.

Henderson. S. W. Gods Fullness in Bodily Form: Christ and Church in Colossians,

the Expository Times 118, no. 4 (2007): 169-173. ATLASerials, Religion
Collection, EBSCOhost (accessed August 18, 2017)

Kaiser, Walter C More Hard Sayings of The Old Testament (Downers Grove, Ill.:
InterVarsity Press, 1992). pg. 655

MacDonald Margaret Y and Daniel J Harrington, Colossians and

Ephesians (Collegeville, Minn.: Liturgical Press, 2008). pg. 236
 14
Murray, S.E. (1975). From Text to Sermon in Colossians (Order No. 7526118). Available from
ProQuest Global. (302819162). Retrieved from
http://ezproxy.liberty.edu/login?url=https://search-proquest-
com.ezproxy.liberty.edu/docview/302819162?accountid=12085

Stevens, George B. Suggestions for the Study of Pauls Teaching regarding the Person
and Work of Christ in the Prison Epistles, The Old and New Testament Student,
Volume. 11, No. 1, 1890: 31-33., 1890,www.Jstor.org/Acessed 27-08-2017\

St. Pauls Epistles to the Colossians & to Philemon: A Rev. Text with Bruce, Epistle to
Colossians, p. 221

Sumney, J.L (2006). I fill up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ: Pauls vicarious
suffering in Colossians. The Catholic Biblical Quarterly, 68(4), 664-680.

Yates, Roy The Evangelical Quarterly (Wesley House, Cambridge., 1970).

Van Der Watt, Colossians 1:3-12 Journal of Theology for Southern Africa 57, 32-
42 (1956). A Religion Database with Alta Serials, EBSCOhost (accessed August
12, 2017)

15.