What does Colossians 1:29 mean?
Paul ends this section describing his work as a minister, describing the hard work he was putting into serving Christ. He viewed his ministry as work, calling it "toil." Just as a farmer must constantly work his land and care for his livestock, Paul viewed his service to the church as an ongoing ministry that involved much effort. The term agōnizomenos is translated as "struggling, striving, or fighting." Paul is willing not only to work, but to work hard and at great cost on behalf of his fellow Christians.Paul both "toiled" and struggled to care for the many believers he served. It was not a part-time effort, but rather something that required "all his energy." Paul often worked to the point of exhaustion on behalf of those he served. Yet he did not serve in his own human strength. God provided the power. God expects us to be fully devoted to Him and in service to others (Matthew 22:37–40), yet our power is from Him, not our own works (Ephesians 2:8–9).
Colossians 1:24–29 completes this passage with an emphasis on Paul's work as a minister. According to Paul, his suffering is a service he offers for the sake of Christ, on behalf of the other believers. Paul's work for the sake for the church is just that: work. He is striving, fighting, and ''toiling'' on behalf of his faith. All the same, Paul recognizes that anything he accomplishes is only through the power given through Christ.
In chapter 1, Paul introduces himself, along with his co-author Timothy. As he often does, Paul gives thanks for what he hears about the faith of the believers in Colossae. Paul includes a prayer for their growth and spiritual strength. The letter then transitions to praise of Jesus, describing Him as absolutely supreme. All created things were made through, by, and for Him. And, since it was His sacrifice which saved us from sin, we can have confidence in our eternal destiny.
