Colossians 1:19
Verse
Context
The Supremacy of the Son
18And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and firstborn from among the dead, so that in all things He may have preeminence.19For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him,20and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through the blood of His cross.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For it pleased the Father that in him should all fullness dwell - As the words, the Father are not in the text, some have translated the verse thus: For in him it seemed right that all fullness should dwell; that is, that the majesty, power, and goodness of God should be manifested in and by Christ Jesus, and thus by him the Father reconciles all things to himself. The πληρωμα, or fullness, must refer here to the Divine nature dwelling in the man Christ Jesus.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Greek, "(God) was well pleased," &c. in him--that is, in the Son (Mat 3:17). all fulness--rather as Greek, "all the fulness," namely, of God, whatever divine excellence is in God the Father (Col 2:9; Eph 3:19; compare Joh 1:16; Joh 3:34). The Gnostics used the term "fulness," for the assemblage of emanations, or angelic powers, coming from God. The Spirit presciently by Paul warns the Church, that the true "fulness" dwells in Christ alone. This assigns the reason why Christ takes precedence of every creature (Col 1:15). For two reasons Christ is Lord of the Church: (1) Because the fulness of the divine attributes (Col 1:19) dwells in Him, and so He has the power to govern the universe; (2) Because (Col 1:20) what He has done for the Church gives Him the right to preside over it. should . . . dwell--as in a temple (Joh 2:21). This indwelling of the Godhead in Christ is the foundation of the reconciliation by Him [BENGEL]. Hence the "and" (Col 1:20) connects as cause and effect the two things, the Godhead in Christ, and the reconciliation by Christ.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For it pleased the Father,.... The phrase, "the Father", is not in the original text, but is rightly supplied; since he is expressly mentioned in the context, as he who makes the saints meet to be partakers of the heavenly glory; who deliver, them from the power and dominion of sin, and translates them into the kingdom of his dear Son; and who, by Christ, reconciles all things to himself, Col 1:12, and whose sovereign will and pleasure it is, that in him should all fulness dwell: by which is meant, not the fulness of the deity, though it is read by some the fulness of the Godhead: which seems to be transcribed from Col 2:9; but though all the perfections of God are in Christ, as eternity, omnipotence, omniscience, omnipresence, immutability, independence, and necessary existence, and every other, or he would not be equal with God; nor could all the fulness of the Godhead be said to dwell in him, should anyone be wanting; yet this is a fulness possessed by him, that does not spring from, nor depend upon the Father's good will and pleasure; but what he naturally and necessarily enjoys by a participation of the same undivided nature and essence with the Father and Spirit: nor is the relative fulness of Christ intended, which is his church, so called, Eph 1:23; and will be so when all the elect are gathered in, and filled with all the gifts and graces of his Spirit, and are arrived to the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ; for though every believer dwells in Christ, and Christ in him, yet the church is not said to dwell in Christ, but Christ in the church; moreover, as yet she is not his fulness, at least in the sense she will be, and much less can she be said to be all fulness: nor is this to be understood of Christ's fulness of fitness and abilities, as God-man and Mediator, to perform his work and office as such; though this may be taken into the sense of the text as a part, yet is not the whole; but rather chiefly that dispensatory communicative fulness, which is, of the Father's good will and pleasure, put into the hands of Christ to be distributed to others, is here designed. There is a fulness of nature in Christ; the light of nature is from him, and communicated by him to mankind; the blessings of nature are the blessings of his left hand, which he distributes to his people as he thinks fit; and all things in nature are subservient to his mediatorial kingdom and glory. There is a fulness of grace in him, out of which saints receive, and grace for grace, or a large abundance of it; the fulness of the spirit of grace, and of all the graces and gifts of the Spirit is in him; and of all the blessings of grace, as a justifying righteousness, pardon of sin, adoption, sanctification, even of all that grace that is implanted in regeneration, that is necessary to carry on and finish the good work upon the soul; there is a fulness of all light and life, of wisdom, and strength, of peace, joy, and comfort, and of all the promises of grace, both with respect to this world and that which is to come; and there is also a fulness of glory in him, not only the grace, but the glory of the saints, is laid up and hid with him, and is safe and secure in him: this is said to dwell in Christ, which implies its being in him; it is not barely in intention, design, and purpose, but it is really and actually in him, nor is it in any other; and hence it comes to be communicated to the saints: and it also denotes the continuance of it with him; it is an abiding fulness, and yields a continual daily supply to the saints, and will endure to the end of time, and be as sufficient for the last as the first believer; it is like the subject of it, the same yesterday, today, and for ever: and it also intends the safety of it: the saints' life both of grace and glory is hid with Christ, and is secure, it is out of the reach of men and devils, and can never be lost, or they deprived of it; and all this is owing not to any merits of men, to their faith and holiness, or good works, which are all the fruits of this fulness, but to the good will of God; "it pleased the Father" to place it here for them; it was owing to his good will to his Son, and therefore he puts all things into his hands; and to his elect in him, for, having loved them with an everlasting love, he takes everlasting care of them, and makes everlasting provision for them; it was his pleasure from all eternity to take such a step as this, well knowing it was not proper to put it into the hands of Adam, nor into the hands of angels, nor into their own at once; he saw none so fit for it as his Son, and therefore it pleased him to commit it unto him; and it is his good will and sovereign pleasure, that all grace should come through Christ, all communion with him here, and all enjoyment of him hereafter; which greatly enhances and sets forth the glory of Christ as Mediator, one considerable branch of which is, that he is full of grace and truth; this qualifies him to be the head of the church, and gives a reason, as these words be, why he has, and ought to have, the preeminence in all things.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:19 God in all his fullness emphasizes that God has chosen to reveal himself fully in Jesus Christ. Seeing Jesus and understanding him therefore means seeing and understanding God (see John 14:6-11). The false teachers seemed to be saying that Christians needed to look to other spiritual beings to find out more about God (see Col 1:16, 20). But Christ is sufficient for all our knowledge of God (cp. 2:8-9).
Colossians 1:19
The Supremacy of the Son
18And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and firstborn from among the dead, so that in all things He may have preeminence.19For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him,20and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through the blood of His cross.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
All Fulness in Christ
By C.H. Spurgeon4.8K54:23EXO 20:2PSA 16:5MAT 6:331CO 2:92CO 12:9EPH 3:20COL 1:19In this sermon, the preacher calls upon angels and redeemed spirits to sing praises to the Lamb that was slain. The preacher emphasizes that all fullness and grace is found in Jesus, and encourages sinners to be reconciled to God through Him. The preacher highlights the sovereignty of God and the pleasure of the Father in having all fullness dwell in Jesus. The sermon concludes with an invitation for sinners to come to Jesus and find salvation, emphasizing the mediatorial fullness and the ability of Jesus to save to the uttermost.
Christ Is All and in All
By Lance Lambert3.2K1:08:00Christ Is AllISA 53:5MAT 6:33COL 1:19COL 2:3COL 2:6HEB 13:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of believers growing and coming to full maturity. They highlight that the natural creation is longing for the manifestation of the children of God. The speaker also emphasizes the significance of obedience to God's leading, as even a seemingly small act of obedience can lead to a new dimension of spiritual experience. They share a personal testimony of giving up a beloved hobby and how it opened the door to a deeper relationship with the Lord. The sermon concludes with a reminder of God's immutability and the testimony of Jesus, which is having a personal relationship with Him.
The Open Secret of Christian Contentment
By J. Glyn Owen3.1K45:02ContentmentMAT 5:5MAT 6:33JHN 6:38PHP 4:1COL 1:19In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of standing firm in one's faith. He highlights that Satan knows the price we demand because we are not content with our Lord, and warns that the devil may offer us that very price to betray our Lord. The speaker also emphasizes the need to know and be satisfied with the greatness and grace of God in order to stand firm. He references the apostle Paul, who wrote the epistle in prison and endured great suffering, yet still found joy in the Lord. The speaker concludes by discussing the importance of contentment and how it enables believers to stand firm in their faith.
Who Is Jesus?
By David Hocking1.8K54:43COL 1:16COL 1:19COL 1:23COL 1:27HEB 12:22In this sermon, Dr. David Hawking emphasizes the importance of proclaiming the gospel and sharing the good news of Jesus with others. He encourages believers to serve God by getting involved in the process of proclaiming the gospel to everyone they can reach. Dr. Hawking highlights that Jesus is a revelation of the invisible God, as he had a human body and lived among us. He explains that Jesus is the complete and final revelation of God to mankind, and through him, we can know and understand the invisible God. The sermon concludes with a prayer for those who are unsure of their relationship with God, inviting them to see that Jesus alone can save them.
Faith and Feeling - Victory in Christ
By Roy Daniel1.3K52:40MAT 6:33ROM 8:15COL 1:19In this sermon, the preacher uses the analogy of a little child wanting to fly to illustrate how many people feel when they desire to live a victorious Christian life but don't know how to achieve it. The preacher emphasizes that just like the child's father arranged for a pilot to help him fly, God has made a way for believers to live in victory through Jesus Christ. The preacher also shares a personal experience of struggling with bondage and inward struggles during Bible college, highlighting how Satan works to hinder believers from experiencing the fullness of God's blessings. The sermon concludes with the message that God loves and thinks of every individual, and through faith in Him, believers can access His power and experience victory in their lives.
Unto Fulness #2 - the Vision of Fulness
By Stephen Kaung8991:19:48EPH 1:15EPH 1:18COL 1:15COL 1:19In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a vision in our spiritual lives. He uses the analogy of a farmer using a goat to gently touch the leg of an ox to show that we need discipline and to recognize that we have a master. The speaker then relates this to the story of Paul on the road to Damascus, where he realized for the first time that he had a master in Jesus Christ. The speaker concludes by stating that vision is essential for direction, unity, and endurance in our spiritual journey.
What Is Spiritual Fullness
By Stephen Kaung8171:21:44MAT 11:27JHN 1:18ROM 11:33EPH 1:23EPH 3:19EPH 4:13COL 1:19In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing the fullness of God's grace and truth through Jesus Christ. He highlights how Jesus demonstrated mercy, love, grace, and truth during his time on earth, forgiving sinners and performing miracles. The preacher also warns about the increasing sinfulness and rebellion in the world, suggesting that judgment may be imminent. He references biblical stories such as the flood and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah as examples of God's judgment on sinful cities. The sermon concludes with a reminder to be prepared for the coming redemption and to trust in God's love and mercy.
The Pleasure of God in the Gospel of His Son
By Eli Brayley80937:18Reconciliation through ChristGospelGod's PleasureCOL 1:19Eli Brayley emphasizes the pleasure of God in the Gospel of His Son, highlighting that it pleased the Father to have all fullness dwell in Christ and to reconcile all things through His blood. He explains that God's pleasure in the Gospel is not based on our worthiness but stems from His love and grace, as He willingly sacrificed His Son for our redemption. Brayley encourages believers to understand their acceptance in Christ, emphasizing that they are presented holy and blameless before God, not by their actions but through the grace of Jesus. The sermon calls for a deeper appreciation of God's mercy and the joy of being reconciled to Him through Christ's sacrifice.
Peacemakers
By Anton Bosch72849:09PeacemakersMAT 5:11MAT 6:33MAT 27:50EPH 2:14EPH 6:15COL 1:19COL 1:23In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the concept of making peace, both with God and with others. He emphasizes the importance of preaching the Gospel and leading others to repentance and acceptance of salvation. The preacher also highlights the role of intercession in pleading for people to be saved and transformed by the Spirit of God. The sermon references Colossians 1:19, which speaks about the reconciliation of all things through the blood of Jesus' cross, and Luke 23, where Jesus is accused of being a troublemaker. The preacher concludes by addressing the apparent contradiction of Jesus bringing both peace and a sword, emphasizing the need for peace to be achieved through the cross of Calvary.
Fullness in Everything
By Major Ian Thomas0FaithAdequacy in ChristJHN 13:3JHN 15:5COL 1:19COL 2:9Major Ian Thomas emphasizes the profound truth that believers can do nothing without Christ, who is the source of all fullness and adequacy. He illustrates that just as Jesus was fully available to the Father, we too can experience the fullness of life through our availability to Him. The key to unlocking this divine action in our lives is simple faith—trusting God's Word and acknowledging His sufficiency in every circumstance. Thomas encourages believers to rejoice and give thanks in all situations, as Christ's adequacy is sufficient for every challenge we face. Ultimately, our faith in Christ allows us to live fully and fruitfully in Him.
Its False Christs Compared With the Christ of God
By Catherine Booth0MAT 28:18JHN 14:6ROM 3:23ROM 5:82CO 5:17PHP 2:6COL 1:191JN 4:14Catherine Booth preaches about the universal need for a Christ, emphasizing humanity's struggle with moral evil and the realization of helplessness without divine intervention. She highlights the failure of human efforts and the observation of fruitless attempts in others, leading to the cry for an Almighty deliverer. Catherine Booth contrasts false representations of Christ in the modern age with the true Christ of the Bible, who meets humanity's need for pardon, enlightenment, and purification. She emphasizes the divinity of Christ, His sacrificial atonement, acceptance by God through resurrection, embodiment of righteousness, and claim as the sovereign over those He saves.
Administration and Reconciliation
By H.J. Vine0COL 1:19H.J. Vine preaches on the significance of administration and reconciliation in the divine plans of God, emphasizing their distinct activities and results. Administration, highlighted in Ephesians 1, focuses on the outward blessings and order established in Christ for future universal administration. On the other hand, reconciliation, emphasized in Colossians 1, brings inward blessedness and joy, securing favor and satisfaction for the heart of God through Christ's work on the Cross.
Does the Blessing Involve Sinlessness?
By Bishop W. F. Mallalieu0MAT 5:48JHN 1:7COL 1:19TIT 2:11HEB 13:20Bishop W. F. Mallalieu preaches about the possibility of living a sinless life through faith in Jesus Christ, emphasizing the power of faith to bring divine transformation and the importance of surrendering to God's will for sanctification. He highlights the need for God to create a new heart within us, leading to a life free from sin and filled with love. The sermon encourages believers to rejoice in the hope of being freed from all sins through trusting in God's faithfulness and cleansing power.
Things That Please God
By Raymond Golsworthy0GEN 1:31ISA 53:10MAT 17:5JHN 1:161CO 1:30COL 1:19COL 2:9Raymond Golsworthy preaches about God's pleasure in creation, in His Son, and in having all His fullness dwell in Christ. He emphasizes the importance of finding satisfaction in Christ alone, as it pleases God to have all His fullness permanently residing in Christ for the benefit of believers. Golsworthy highlights the need for Christians to continually go to Christ for all their needs, rather than seeking fulfillment in Christian things, doctrines, or other alternatives.
The Waiting for the Fulfillment.
By William Arthur0LUK 24:53JHN 16:23ACT 1:8ACT 1:14COL 1:19William Arthur preaches about the disciples' anticipation and preparation for the coming of the Holy Spirit after Jesus' ascension. The disciples, filled with great joy and hope, gather in Jerusalem, praising and blessing God, and praying fervently in unity for the promised baptism of fire. Despite the delay, they remain faithful, persistent, and united in prayer, eagerly awaiting the fulfillment of Jesus' promise. Peter, in his eagerness and impatience, demonstrates his readiness for the Holy Spirit's arrival by taking steps to fill the vacancy among the apostles, showing their active anticipation and preparation for the empowering of the Holy Spirit.
He Fills All, and Yet Remains Full
By Thomas Brooks0Divine AbundanceThe Fullness of ChristPSA 36:8JHN 1:16JHN 7:38ROM 11:362CO 9:8EPH 3:19PHP 4:19COL 1:19COL 2:9HEB 1:3Thomas Brooks emphasizes the boundless fullness of Christ, illustrating that just as the sun does not lose its light by illuminating the world, and a fountain does not diminish by filling vessels, Christ overflows with grace and goodness while remaining complete. He is the ultimate source of worth and wealth, encapsulating all perfections found in creation. Brooks encourages believers to recognize that all excellencies are united in Christ, who is the epitome of divine fullness.
The Lord Is King for Ever and Ever
By C.H. Spurgeon0Kingship of ChristDivine AuthorityPSA 2:6ISA 9:6MAT 28:18EPH 1:22COL 1:19REV 19:16C.H. Spurgeon proclaims that Jesus Christ is the true King, anointed by God, who reigns with all power and authority over heaven, earth, and hell. He emphasizes that Christ's kingship is not a matter of popular vote but a divine right, and every believer should joyfully crown Him as King. Spurgeon encourages the faithful to glorify Christ through their love and gratitude, recognizing His victory over sin and bondage. He calls for a heartfelt response to Christ's gentle rule, urging believers to acknowledge Him as their Liberator and King. Ultimately, Spurgeon exclaims the eternal reign of King Jesus, inviting all to honor Him with their lives.
Titles of Christ.
By Edward Payson0ISA 9:6JHN 1:14ROM 14:11EPH 2:14PHP 2:9COL 1:19COL 2:2HEB 7:25REV 19:16Edward Payson preaches about the prophecy in Isaiah 9:6-7, foretelling the birth of Jesus Christ and the glorious consequences of His incarnation. He emphasizes the need for strong faith to comprehend the mysteries of Christ's person, character, and work, urging listeners to have childlike faith like the wise men, shepherds, and Simeon. Payson delves into the wonderful names and titles given to Jesus, such as Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace, highlighting the miraculous aspects of Christ's life, death, and resurrection. He concludes by inviting all to accept Jesus as their Redeemer and experience the endless increase of His government and peace.
Lazarus
By Lewis Williams0ISA 1:2MAT 13:58JHN 11:45ROM 8:28COL 1:19HEB 2:6Lewis Williams preaches on the powerful example of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, emphasizing the need for believers to show a living example of Christ's power to save from sin in order to lead others to believe in Him. Through the story of Lazarus' resurrection, Williams delves into the deeper meanings behind Jesus' actions, highlighting the glory of God and the importance of faith and obedience in experiencing supernatural transformation. He challenges listeners to roll away the stones of sin and unbelief in their lives, allowing Jesus to bring forth new life and freedom, ultimately leading to belief in Him.
Loving Jesus (Who Wants Him?)
By Hans R. Waldvogel0Love for JesusSpiritual FulfillmentCOL 1:19COL 3:11TI 3:16Hans R. Waldvogel emphasizes the profound mystery of Jesus Christ, who embodies the fullness of God and invites believers to experience His love and presence. He challenges the audience to reflect on their love for Jesus, urging them to prioritize their relationship with Him above worldly distractions. Waldvogel highlights that true fulfillment comes from setting our affections on things above and living in the reality of being risen with Christ. He calls for a genuine response to Jesus' question, 'Lovest thou me?' and encourages believers to embrace their identity in Him. Ultimately, the sermon is a passionate plea for a deeper, more intimate relationship with Jesus, who desires to dwell within us.
The Purpose of God
By T. Austin-Sparks0ROM 8:281CO 1:13COL 1:19HEB 1:2HEB 5:12T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the singular, all-governing purpose of God, which is to have Christ fill all things and have all things in Him. The Church's primary role is to be a corporate expression of Christ and to work towards the increase of Christ in the world through evangelism and building up believers. The balance between evangelism and building up is crucial, as an imbalance can hinder the full expression of Christ in and through the Church. The ultimate goal is for Christians to reach the fullness of Christ, embodying His character and nature in a world that desperately needs His presence.
The Superiority of the New Position (Continued)
By T. Austin-Sparks0Superiority of ChristNew CovenantMAT 1:21MAT 28:182CO 5:19EPH 1:10COL 1:19HEB 1:1HEB 2:9HEB 3:1HEB 4:15HEB 10:31T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the superiority of the new dispensation through Jesus Christ as presented in the Letter to the Hebrews. He explains that in this new era, God speaks directly through His Son, who embodies the fullness of divine revelation and acts as the ultimate High Priest, surpassing figures like Moses and Aaron. The sermon highlights that Jesus, as the heir of all things and the one who upholds the universe, offers a relationship with God that is both personal and powerful. Sparks warns that failing to heed the voice of the Son means missing the finality of God's message, as there will be no other means of communication. Ultimately, he encourages believers to recognize the unparalleled greatness of Jesus and the abundant resources available in this new covenant.
Unobjectionable Object
By Miles J. Stanford02CO 3:18GAL 2:20EPH 1:17PHP 3:8COL 1:19Miles J. Stanford emphasizes the importance of centering our Christian life on the Father's Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, seeking wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. He highlights that true devotion goes beyond seeking relief for our conscience but involves a deep desire for fellowship with Jesus Himself. Stanford stresses that true devotedness comes from knowing the Lord Jesus personally and experiencing His love, leading to a transformation where Christ is formed in us by the Spirit.
The Fullness of the Mediator.
By John Gill0Christ as MediatorThe Fullness of ChristJER 2:13JHN 1:14JHN 14:62CO 1:20EPH 1:23COL 1:19COL 2:91TI 2:5HEB 13:81JN 5:11John Gill preaches on the fullness of Christ as the Mediator, emphasizing that all fullness dwells in Him as the embodiment of divine attributes and grace. He explains that this fullness includes the personal fullness of deity, the relative fullness of the church, and the fullness of grace and glory that Christ distributes to believers. Gill highlights that this fullness is a result of the Father's good pleasure, ensuring that Christ is the source of all spiritual blessings and the means through which believers receive grace. Ultimately, he encourages the congregation to seek their needs in Christ, who is the head of all things and the mediator of the new covenant.
Out of His Fulness
By Arno Clemens Gaebelein0JHN 1:16EPH 2:7COL 1:19COL 2:91PE 1:2REV 1:5Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches about the unfathomable and never-failing grace that believers receive from the eternal fountain, the Son of God, described as 'grace upon grace.' This grace originates from the eternal fulness possessed by the Son of God, who came to earth, died on the cross, and now dwells in glory with the fulness of the Godhead, enabling believers to receive all they need through Him. The inexhaustible supply of grace upon grace is likened to the never-ceasing waters of Niagara Falls, symbolizing the continuous outpouring of grace from the Lord in Glory to sustain, comfort, and empower His people for all eternity.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For it pleased the Father that in him should all fullness dwell - As the words, the Father are not in the text, some have translated the verse thus: For in him it seemed right that all fullness should dwell; that is, that the majesty, power, and goodness of God should be manifested in and by Christ Jesus, and thus by him the Father reconciles all things to himself. The πληρωμα, or fullness, must refer here to the Divine nature dwelling in the man Christ Jesus.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Greek, "(God) was well pleased," &c. in him--that is, in the Son (Mat 3:17). all fulness--rather as Greek, "all the fulness," namely, of God, whatever divine excellence is in God the Father (Col 2:9; Eph 3:19; compare Joh 1:16; Joh 3:34). The Gnostics used the term "fulness," for the assemblage of emanations, or angelic powers, coming from God. The Spirit presciently by Paul warns the Church, that the true "fulness" dwells in Christ alone. This assigns the reason why Christ takes precedence of every creature (Col 1:15). For two reasons Christ is Lord of the Church: (1) Because the fulness of the divine attributes (Col 1:19) dwells in Him, and so He has the power to govern the universe; (2) Because (Col 1:20) what He has done for the Church gives Him the right to preside over it. should . . . dwell--as in a temple (Joh 2:21). This indwelling of the Godhead in Christ is the foundation of the reconciliation by Him [BENGEL]. Hence the "and" (Col 1:20) connects as cause and effect the two things, the Godhead in Christ, and the reconciliation by Christ.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For it pleased the Father,.... The phrase, "the Father", is not in the original text, but is rightly supplied; since he is expressly mentioned in the context, as he who makes the saints meet to be partakers of the heavenly glory; who deliver, them from the power and dominion of sin, and translates them into the kingdom of his dear Son; and who, by Christ, reconciles all things to himself, Col 1:12, and whose sovereign will and pleasure it is, that in him should all fulness dwell: by which is meant, not the fulness of the deity, though it is read by some the fulness of the Godhead: which seems to be transcribed from Col 2:9; but though all the perfections of God are in Christ, as eternity, omnipotence, omniscience, omnipresence, immutability, independence, and necessary existence, and every other, or he would not be equal with God; nor could all the fulness of the Godhead be said to dwell in him, should anyone be wanting; yet this is a fulness possessed by him, that does not spring from, nor depend upon the Father's good will and pleasure; but what he naturally and necessarily enjoys by a participation of the same undivided nature and essence with the Father and Spirit: nor is the relative fulness of Christ intended, which is his church, so called, Eph 1:23; and will be so when all the elect are gathered in, and filled with all the gifts and graces of his Spirit, and are arrived to the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ; for though every believer dwells in Christ, and Christ in him, yet the church is not said to dwell in Christ, but Christ in the church; moreover, as yet she is not his fulness, at least in the sense she will be, and much less can she be said to be all fulness: nor is this to be understood of Christ's fulness of fitness and abilities, as God-man and Mediator, to perform his work and office as such; though this may be taken into the sense of the text as a part, yet is not the whole; but rather chiefly that dispensatory communicative fulness, which is, of the Father's good will and pleasure, put into the hands of Christ to be distributed to others, is here designed. There is a fulness of nature in Christ; the light of nature is from him, and communicated by him to mankind; the blessings of nature are the blessings of his left hand, which he distributes to his people as he thinks fit; and all things in nature are subservient to his mediatorial kingdom and glory. There is a fulness of grace in him, out of which saints receive, and grace for grace, or a large abundance of it; the fulness of the spirit of grace, and of all the graces and gifts of the Spirit is in him; and of all the blessings of grace, as a justifying righteousness, pardon of sin, adoption, sanctification, even of all that grace that is implanted in regeneration, that is necessary to carry on and finish the good work upon the soul; there is a fulness of all light and life, of wisdom, and strength, of peace, joy, and comfort, and of all the promises of grace, both with respect to this world and that which is to come; and there is also a fulness of glory in him, not only the grace, but the glory of the saints, is laid up and hid with him, and is safe and secure in him: this is said to dwell in Christ, which implies its being in him; it is not barely in intention, design, and purpose, but it is really and actually in him, nor is it in any other; and hence it comes to be communicated to the saints: and it also denotes the continuance of it with him; it is an abiding fulness, and yields a continual daily supply to the saints, and will endure to the end of time, and be as sufficient for the last as the first believer; it is like the subject of it, the same yesterday, today, and for ever: and it also intends the safety of it: the saints' life both of grace and glory is hid with Christ, and is secure, it is out of the reach of men and devils, and can never be lost, or they deprived of it; and all this is owing not to any merits of men, to their faith and holiness, or good works, which are all the fruits of this fulness, but to the good will of God; "it pleased the Father" to place it here for them; it was owing to his good will to his Son, and therefore he puts all things into his hands; and to his elect in him, for, having loved them with an everlasting love, he takes everlasting care of them, and makes everlasting provision for them; it was his pleasure from all eternity to take such a step as this, well knowing it was not proper to put it into the hands of Adam, nor into the hands of angels, nor into their own at once; he saw none so fit for it as his Son, and therefore it pleased him to commit it unto him; and it is his good will and sovereign pleasure, that all grace should come through Christ, all communion with him here, and all enjoyment of him hereafter; which greatly enhances and sets forth the glory of Christ as Mediator, one considerable branch of which is, that he is full of grace and truth; this qualifies him to be the head of the church, and gives a reason, as these words be, why he has, and ought to have, the preeminence in all things.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:19 God in all his fullness emphasizes that God has chosen to reveal himself fully in Jesus Christ. Seeing Jesus and understanding him therefore means seeing and understanding God (see John 14:6-11). The false teachers seemed to be saying that Christians needed to look to other spiritual beings to find out more about God (see Col 1:16, 20). But Christ is sufficient for all our knowledge of God (cp. 2:8-9).