Colossians 1:19 - Printer Friendly

ESV: For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell,

NIV: For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him,

NASB: For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him,

CSB: For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him,

NLT: For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ,

KJV: For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;

NKJV: For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell,

This verse emphasizes the incarnation of Jesus. The incarnation is God coming to us in human form, while remaining fully God. The words of this verse closely reflect the beginning of the Gospel of John, especially John 1:14: "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us." Jesus "set up His tent" among us, literally taking on the same temporary body as a mortal human being, identifying with our human weaknesses and limitations. He was in all ways like us, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15).

The idea of "dwelling" or presence is important in Scripture. God lived among His people in the wilderness. His presence was in the tabernacle and later the temple. And yet, these were impersonal, non-human presences. Jesus, on the other hand, came in human form to dwell among people. Jesus' birth as a man offered a personal connection to fulfill the prophecies of Messiah, who would offer eternal life to all who believed in Him (John 3:16).

Colossians 1:15–23 is an extensive praise of Jesus Christ. In this passage, Paul explains that Jesus is eternal, just as God is eternal, and all created things were created by Him, and through Him, and for Him. After describing Jesus as absolutely supreme, Paul then explains that it was His sacrifice which allowed the Colossians—and all saved believers—to be reconciled to God.

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.

Colossians chapter 1 is mostly focused on describing Christ as supreme. Jesus is not only the God of creation, He is the ultimate authority over all created things. The penalty for sin has been completely removed because of His perfect sacrifice. These are foundational ideas which Paul will use to set up his later points. In chapters 2, 3, and 4, Paul will explain why contrary claims are untrue, and show the right way for Christians to live out what we believe about Jesus.

The book of Colossians describes Christ as superior to all other teachers, faiths, and philosophies. In this letter, written from prison, Paul once again tackles false teachings. Among these errors are claims that Christians need to give up all physical enjoyments, that they should worship angels, and that they need to rely on the wisdom of an elite few. These problems are consistent with an ancient heresy known as Gnosticism. In response, Paul explains that Christ is supreme, and sufficient for our salvation.

Accessed 12/3/2024 12:20:18 PM