Colossians 1:25 - Printer Friendly

ESV: of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known,

NIV: I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness--

NASB: I was made a minister of this church according to the commission from God granted to me for your benefit, so that I might fully carry out the preaching of the word of God,

CSB: I have become its servant, according to God's commission that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known,

NLT: God has given me the responsibility of serving his church by proclaiming his entire message to you.

KJV: Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;

NKJV: of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God,

Referring to the church, Paul refers to himself as a "minster," using the Greek word diakonos, also meaning a "servant." Paul was a servant of the gospel (Colossians 1:23) and of the church. Both were important parts of his ministry. Paul then shares how he came to be a diakonos of Christ's church. This was something God entrusted to Paul, as a steward. A "steward" is someone charged with care until the master returns for His property. Paul viewed his work as part of God's plan for his life. It was not merely for his own benefit, but in order to serve others. In this particular context, that means the Colossian believers.

From Paul's perspective, his task is to spread knowledge of the word of God as far as possible. Here, though, Paul does not mean the written word of God—the New Testament had not yet been completed. Rather, he is referring to the gospel message, or truth of God, which he had been preaching. This included the writings of the Old Testament (John 10:35) as well as the teachings which Jesus gave to the apostles (Acts 4:31; 6:2, 7).

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.

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 5/5/2024 3:03:26 AM