Colossians 1:24
Verse
Context
Paul’s Suffering for the Church
23if indeed you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope of the gospel you heard, which has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.24Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions for the sake of His body, which is the church.25I became its servant by the commission God gave me to fully proclaim to you the word of God,
Sermons
J. Glyn Owen
Art Katz
Stephen Kaung
Vance Havner
T. Austin-SparksSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Rejoice in my sufferings for you - St. Paul always considers his persecutions, as far as the Jews were concerned in them, as arising from this simple circumstance - his asserting that God had chosen the Gentiles, and called them to enjoy the very same privileges with the Jews, and to constitute one Church with them. It was on this account that the Jews attempted his life at Jerusalem, when, in order to save it, he was obliged to appeal to Caesar; the consequences of which persecution he was now suffering in his imprisonment in Rome. See on Col 4:2 (note). That which is behind of the afflictions of Christ - I have still some afflictions to pass through before my race of glory be finished; afflictions which fall on me on account of the Gospel; such as Christ bore from the same persecuting people. It is worthy of remark that the apostle does not say παθηματα, the passion of Christ, but simply θλιψεις, the afflictions; such as are common to all good men who bear a testimony against the ways and fashions of a wicked world. In these the apostle had his share, in the passion of Christ he could have none. He trod the wine press alone, of the people there were none with him. His body's sake - Believers, both of Jews and Gentiles, who form that one body, of which Christ is the head.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Who--The oldest manuscripts omit "who"; then translate, "Now I rejoice." Some very old manuscripts, and the best of the Latin versions, and Vulgate, read as English Version. To enhance the glory of Christ as paramount to all, he mentions his own sufferings for the Church of Christ. "Now" stands in contrast to "I was made," in the past time (Col 1:23). for you--"on your behalf," that ye may be confirmed in resting solely on Christ (to the exclusion of angel-worship) by the glorification of Christ in my sufferings (Eph 3:1). fill up that which is behind--literally, "the deficiencies"--all that are lacking of the afflictions of Christ (compare Note, see on Co2 1:5). Christ is "afflicted in all His people's afflictions" (Isa 63:9). "The Church is His body in which He is, dwells, lives, and therefore also suffers" [VITRINGA]. Christ was destined to endure certain afflictions in this figurative body, as well as in His literal; these were "that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ," which Paul "filled up." His own meritorious sufferings in expiation for sin were once for all completely filled up on the Cross. But His Church (His second Self) has her whole measure of afflictions fixed. The more Paul, a member, endured, the less remain for the rest of the Church to endure; the communion of saints thus giving them an interest in his sufferings. It is in reference to the Church's afflictions, which are "Christ's afflictions, that Paul here saith, "I fill up the deficiencies," or "what remain behind of the afflictions of Christ." She is afflicted to promote her growth in holiness, and her completeness in Christ. Not one suffering is lost (Psa 56:8). All her members have thus a mutual interest in one another's sufferings (Co1 12:26). But Rome's inference hence, is utterly false that the Church has a stock treasury of the merits and satisfactions of Christ and His apostles, out of which she may dispense indulgences; the context has no reference to sufferings in expiation of sin and productive of merit. Believers should regard their sufferings less in relation to themselves as individuals, and more as parts of a grand whole, carrying out God's perfect plan.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you,.... The apostle, as soon as he had made mention of his being a minister of the Gospel, thinks and speaks of his "sufferings"; for those are what always more or less attend persons in such an office; they are appointed to them by God; Christ has foretold them of them; they are necessary for them; they must expect them, and patiently endure them: the apostle was under them now at this present time, for he wrote this epistle in his bonds when a prisoner at Rome, not for any immorality, any crime he had committed, but for Christ's sake, for his Gospel's sake, for the sake of the churches of Christ to whom he preached, for the confirmation of them, and so of these Colossians; and therefore he says, "for you"; and which he mentions to animate them to abide by the Gospel, for which he was suffering, that it might continue with them and others: nor was he distressed and discouraged at his afflictions, he "rejoiced" in them, because he had the presence of God in them, the Spirit of God and of glory rested on him, and God was glorified by them; he esteemed it an honour done him that grace was given, and he counted worthy to suffer for the sake of Christ; and as well knowing that he should live and reign with him, since he suffered with him and for him: and what greatly caused and increased his joy was what follows, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh; by which are meant not the afflictions or sufferings of Christ in his own person; for these were all over, he was now entered into his glory, was exalted at the Father's right hand, and was crowned with glory and honour: there was nothing left behind of his sufferings, to be undergone by any of his people; he had drank of the cup and all the dregs of it; he had sustained the whole of his Father's wrath, and all the curses of the law, being abated nothing, but was made perfect through sufferings; having perfectly suffered all, he suffered once and once for all, he will suffer no more; nor is there any need of his suffering more or again, for he has finished sin, wrought righteousness, made peace, and obtained eternal redemption; nor had he any partner in his sufferings, nor did he need any, or left any part of his sufferings to be filled up by others; for he endured all and the whole, which the law and justice of God could require in his own body, in the body of his flesh through death; of these sufferings the apostle does not speak, but of such which he filled up in "his" own "flesh"; and design the afflictions of Christ in his members, which are called "his", because of that near union there is between Christ and them; so that what befalls them may be predicated of him; when anyone of them suffers, he suffers with him, as the sufferings of a part of the body are ascribed to the whole person; and because of that sympathy there is between them, he has a fellow feeling with his people in all their infirmities; in all their afflictions he is afflicted: if Saul persecutes his saints, he persecutes him; whatever injury is done to them, he takes it as done to himself, who are to him as the apple of his eye. Moreover, hereby they are conformed unto him, and made like him; as he was, so are they in this world; there is a good deal of likeness between the afflictions of Christ and his people, though in some things there is a great disparity; add to this, that the afflictions of the saints are endured for Christ's sake, for the sake of his Gospel, and the profession of his name, and therefore called his, and the more cheerfully bore by them: now of these there were some remains to be filled up by the apostle; not that all the afflictions of the whole body of Christ were to be, or have been filled up by him; there was a great deal left behind by him to be filled up by others, and which has been filling up ever since, and still is, and yet all is not fulfilled to this day, nor will be till the end of time; but he speaks only of that part and measure of them, which was to be tilled up in his flesh; he had his measure of afflictions allotted to him, great part of which he had endured already, but some remained, the measure was not yet full, though pretty near being completed, which gave him pleasure; it was just filling up, and the time of his departure was at hand, when there would be no more sorrow; for it was only while he was in the flesh he was filling up this measure, and would be quickly up; and what added to his joy was, that as these were the afflictions of Christ, and the measure of them was appointed by his heavenly Father, to be filled up by him in this mortal state, so they were for his body's sake, which is the church; not in the room and stead of the church, and people of Christ, as were the sufferings of Christ personal; or to exempt them from sufferings who all have their share in this life; nor for their sins to make reconciliation for them, and procure the remission of them; nor to redeem them, or obtain salvation for them, all which is completed by Christ; but for their good and profit, that the Gospel might continue and be blessed to the conversion of many, for the increase of the church and additions to it, and for the furtherance of the Gospel, and that such who professed it might be established and confirmed in it, by the sufferings of the apostle for it: and such good effects did follow upon his sufferings and afflictions; they were for the consolation of many souls, the strengthening of weak believers, and causing even preachers of the Gospel to wax more confident, and more boldly preach the Gospel without fear of man.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:24–2:5 Paul considers his own role in the widespread preaching of the Good News (1:23). 1:24 I am participating in the sufferings of Christ (literally I am filling up what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ): While the redemptive suffering of Christ is unique and completely finished, Christ still suffers through his people in a world hostile to the message of redemption. Christ and his church will continue to suffer until God’s purposes in this world are complete (see also Mark 13:19-23; Rom 8:17-18; 1 Thes 3:3).
Colossians 1:24
Paul’s Suffering for the Church
23if indeed you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope of the gospel you heard, which has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.24Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions for the sake of His body, which is the church.25I became its servant by the commission God gave me to fully proclaim to you the word of God,
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
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Christ Is All: Joy in Suffering
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The Cross of Christ - Part 3
By Art Katz1.5K46:33Cross of ChristMAT 27:45ACT 16:16ROM 1:29ROM 8:17COL 1:241PE 2:211PE 5:10In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for believers to experience suffering and persecution in order to effectively preach the word of God. He references the story of Paul and Silas, who were imprisoned and beaten for their faith. Despite their difficult circumstances, they chose to pray and sing praises to God. The speaker encourages listeners to follow their example and trust in God's power to bring about deliverance and transformation. He also highlights the connection between challenging the world system and facing opposition from rulers and authorities.
Christ in You the Hope of Glory
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The Riches of Christ as Seen in the Sufferings of Christ
By Stephen Kaung9641:14:55ACT 9:152CO 4:7EPH 3:1COL 1:24In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the suffering of Jesus on the cross and the purpose behind it. He emphasizes that Jesus willingly endured immense suffering to atone for the sins of humanity. The preacher draws parallels between the first Adam and Jesus, highlighting the creation of Eve as a helper for Adam. He also mentions the various sufferings and hardships that the apostle Paul endured in his ministry. The sermon concludes with a discussion of Jesus' prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, where he willingly accepted the cup of suffering according to God's will.
Thorns
By Vance Havner94234:05CaresMRK 4:12CO 12:9EPH 6:4COL 1:24In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of starting the day early and cultivating the heart like a field. He uses the analogy of farming to explain that if we don't sow the seed of the Word of God and nurture it, our lives will be filled with negativity and distractions. The preacher also highlights the need for repentance and spiritual discipline, warning against a casual approach to faith. He encourages believers to prioritize their spiritual growth and not be consumed by worldly distractions. Additionally, he reminds the congregation of the hope of eternal life and the promise of promotion in God's kingdom for those who remain faithful.
Audio: A Pearl of Great Price by T. Austin Sparks
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Living in Christ
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Colossians - Serving the Church
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Unusual Servants
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Sharing in Suffering of Christ - Col 1_24
By Phil Beach Jr.2339:11Suffering For ChristIntimacy With GodSufferingJHN 15:13ACT 20:24COL 1:24Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the significance of sharing in the sufferings of Christ as articulated in Colossians 1:24. He explains that Paul's rejoicing in his sufferings is not about a lack in Christ's afflictions but rather a deep connection to the life of Christ living through him. Beach encourages believers to understand that true Christian life involves selflessness and a willingness to endure suffering for the sake of the church, reflecting the love of Christ. He highlights that the church collectively should experience the sufferings of Christ, which signifies a life fully yielded to Him. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deeper intimacy with Christ, where one's own life is secondary to the life of Jesus within us.
The Disciple's Sacrifice
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The Sufferings of Christ
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Fellowship in the Cross and Crown
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Our Home
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Christ's Sufferings Our Sufferings
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No One Can Harm the Man Who Does Not Harm Himself - Part 1
By St. John Chrysostom01KI 17:12LUK 6:26LUK 21:2ROM 5:32CO 4:16COL 1:241TI 6:7John Chrysostom preaches about the dangers of being captivated by the pursuit of wealth and the false sense of pleasure and honor it brings. He challenges the common assumption that material possessions lead to happiness and honor, highlighting the physical and spiritual harm that excessive wealth can bring. Chrysostom emphasizes that true virtue and honor come from self-control, moderation, and righteousness, rather than from external possessions or societal status. He uses examples from biblical figures like Job, Joseph, and Paul to illustrate how suffering and loss do not harm those who are virtuous, but rather lead to greater spiritual growth and reward.
The Honor of His Name
By Robert Anderson0ROM 8:182CO 1:5COL 1:241PE 4:131PE 5:9Greek Word Studies for aid_number 35905 delves into the concept of 'pathema,' which refers to the actual suffering experienced by believers, particularly for their faith in Christ and to be conformed to His image. The sufferings of this life, as highlighted by Paul and Peter, are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed to believers. Believers are encouraged to rejoice in sufferings, knowing that they are not alone in their experiences and that such trials unite them with other Christians worldwide. Understanding the principles of the Word helps believers handle any suffering and resist Satan's schemes to discourage them.
Jacob and the Law of Life
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The Potter
By Art Katz0Transformation through TrialsUnity in CommunityPSA 133:1ISA 64:8LUK 24:25ROM 5:32CO 4:7COL 1:242TH 1:31PE 1:61PE 2:211PE 4:12Art Katz emphasizes the transformative process of being shaped by God, likening it to the meticulous crafting of porcelain. He illustrates how the intense heat and careful molding of clay into fine china reflect God's work in our lives, where trials and tribulations serve to refine us into vessels of honor. Katz challenges the congregation to embrace suffering as a necessary part of spiritual growth, urging them to recognize the divine purpose behind their afflictions. He stresses that true community and unity among believers are forged in the furnace of affliction, leading to a deeper relationship with God and each other. Ultimately, he calls for a willingness to endure the refining fire, so that we may emerge as exquisite vessels that reflect God's glory.
An Apostle's Supreme Ambition (Philippians 3:10)
By T. Austin-Sparks0Spiritual GrowthKnowing ChristJHN 12:24ACT 14:19ROM 8:172CO 1:9GAL 2:20EPH 3:19PHP 3:10COL 1:242TI 2:121PE 4:13T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the Apostle Paul's supreme ambition to know Christ intimately, highlighting that this desire persists even after profound revelations and experiences. Paul expresses a longing for a deeper, personal knowledge of Jesus, which transcends mere intellectual understanding. The sermon outlines four key aspects: the passion for knowing Christ, the power of His resurrection, the fellowship of His sufferings, and the process of being conformed to His death. Sparks illustrates that true knowledge of Christ is rooted in personal experience and is often accompanied by suffering, which ultimately leads to spiritual growth and resurrection power. This journey of knowing Christ is progressive and transformative, shaping the believer's life and ministry.
Resurrection and Ascension Realities
By Thomas Bradbury0JHN 5:25JHN 14:2ROM 8:172CO 1:5GAL 6:14EPH 1:3PHP 3:20COL 1:24COL 3:1Thomas Bradbury preaches about the importance of seeking heavenly things above earthly desires, emphasizing the need to set our affections on Christ and the spiritual realities found in Him. He contrasts the focus on Christ in the epistle to the Ephesians with the external trappings of Christianity in the epistle to the Colossians, urging believers to seek a continual coming of the Lord Jesus Christ in their lives. Bradbury highlights the believer's union with Christ in death, resurrection, and ascension, encouraging a deep spiritual communion with the risen and reigning Christ, leading to a transformation in the believer's life and desires.
From Confusion to Clarity
By Norman Grubb0EXO 33:18ISA 45:7PHP 3:10COL 1:241TH 5:18Norman Grubb delves into the profound mystery of God's seemingly contradictory actions, emphasizing the unity in God's purposes amidst the duality we perceive in the world. He explores the concept of suffering as a gift from God, essential for the church's fellowship with Christ and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Grubb reflects on the struggles and enlightenment experienced by saints like Martin Luther, highlighting the transformative power of understanding God's ways. He emphasizes that all experiences, whether joyful or challenging, are orchestrated by God for His ultimate purposes, calling believers to embrace both the light and dark aspects of life as part of God's redemptive work.
Exposition on Psalm 42
By St. Augustine0COL 1:24St. Augustine preaches on the longing of the soul for God, using the imagery of a hart thirsting for water-brooks to symbolize the Church's desire for God's grace. He delves into the significance of the Psalms title 'On the end: a Psalms for understanding for the sons of Korah,' relating it to Christians being sons of Christ. St. Augustine emphasizes the need to destroy vices like serpents to intensify the longing for God's truth. He highlights the importance of unity in bearing one another's burdens, drawing parallels to the harts supporting each other's heads. The sermon explores the concept of pouring out one's soul above oneself to seek God and the significance of hope and confession in times of disquiet and trouble.
Exposition on Psalm 53
By St. Augustine0GEN 25:23MAT 10:39ACT 9:41CO 2:10GAL 4:19COL 1:24St. Augustine delves into Psalm 52, exploring the themes of acknowledging God's presence in times of pain and travail, the folly of denying God's existence, and the consequences of living in wickedness. He emphasizes the importance of seeking God and understanding His justice, especially in the face of corruption and evil beliefs. Augustine also reflects on Christ's crucifixion and the fear-driven actions of those who denied His divinity, highlighting the contrast between pleasing men and pleasing God.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Rejoice in my sufferings for you - St. Paul always considers his persecutions, as far as the Jews were concerned in them, as arising from this simple circumstance - his asserting that God had chosen the Gentiles, and called them to enjoy the very same privileges with the Jews, and to constitute one Church with them. It was on this account that the Jews attempted his life at Jerusalem, when, in order to save it, he was obliged to appeal to Caesar; the consequences of which persecution he was now suffering in his imprisonment in Rome. See on Col 4:2 (note). That which is behind of the afflictions of Christ - I have still some afflictions to pass through before my race of glory be finished; afflictions which fall on me on account of the Gospel; such as Christ bore from the same persecuting people. It is worthy of remark that the apostle does not say παθηματα, the passion of Christ, but simply θλιψεις, the afflictions; such as are common to all good men who bear a testimony against the ways and fashions of a wicked world. In these the apostle had his share, in the passion of Christ he could have none. He trod the wine press alone, of the people there were none with him. His body's sake - Believers, both of Jews and Gentiles, who form that one body, of which Christ is the head.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Who--The oldest manuscripts omit "who"; then translate, "Now I rejoice." Some very old manuscripts, and the best of the Latin versions, and Vulgate, read as English Version. To enhance the glory of Christ as paramount to all, he mentions his own sufferings for the Church of Christ. "Now" stands in contrast to "I was made," in the past time (Col 1:23). for you--"on your behalf," that ye may be confirmed in resting solely on Christ (to the exclusion of angel-worship) by the glorification of Christ in my sufferings (Eph 3:1). fill up that which is behind--literally, "the deficiencies"--all that are lacking of the afflictions of Christ (compare Note, see on Co2 1:5). Christ is "afflicted in all His people's afflictions" (Isa 63:9). "The Church is His body in which He is, dwells, lives, and therefore also suffers" [VITRINGA]. Christ was destined to endure certain afflictions in this figurative body, as well as in His literal; these were "that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ," which Paul "filled up." His own meritorious sufferings in expiation for sin were once for all completely filled up on the Cross. But His Church (His second Self) has her whole measure of afflictions fixed. The more Paul, a member, endured, the less remain for the rest of the Church to endure; the communion of saints thus giving them an interest in his sufferings. It is in reference to the Church's afflictions, which are "Christ's afflictions, that Paul here saith, "I fill up the deficiencies," or "what remain behind of the afflictions of Christ." She is afflicted to promote her growth in holiness, and her completeness in Christ. Not one suffering is lost (Psa 56:8). All her members have thus a mutual interest in one another's sufferings (Co1 12:26). But Rome's inference hence, is utterly false that the Church has a stock treasury of the merits and satisfactions of Christ and His apostles, out of which she may dispense indulgences; the context has no reference to sufferings in expiation of sin and productive of merit. Believers should regard their sufferings less in relation to themselves as individuals, and more as parts of a grand whole, carrying out God's perfect plan.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you,.... The apostle, as soon as he had made mention of his being a minister of the Gospel, thinks and speaks of his "sufferings"; for those are what always more or less attend persons in such an office; they are appointed to them by God; Christ has foretold them of them; they are necessary for them; they must expect them, and patiently endure them: the apostle was under them now at this present time, for he wrote this epistle in his bonds when a prisoner at Rome, not for any immorality, any crime he had committed, but for Christ's sake, for his Gospel's sake, for the sake of the churches of Christ to whom he preached, for the confirmation of them, and so of these Colossians; and therefore he says, "for you"; and which he mentions to animate them to abide by the Gospel, for which he was suffering, that it might continue with them and others: nor was he distressed and discouraged at his afflictions, he "rejoiced" in them, because he had the presence of God in them, the Spirit of God and of glory rested on him, and God was glorified by them; he esteemed it an honour done him that grace was given, and he counted worthy to suffer for the sake of Christ; and as well knowing that he should live and reign with him, since he suffered with him and for him: and what greatly caused and increased his joy was what follows, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh; by which are meant not the afflictions or sufferings of Christ in his own person; for these were all over, he was now entered into his glory, was exalted at the Father's right hand, and was crowned with glory and honour: there was nothing left behind of his sufferings, to be undergone by any of his people; he had drank of the cup and all the dregs of it; he had sustained the whole of his Father's wrath, and all the curses of the law, being abated nothing, but was made perfect through sufferings; having perfectly suffered all, he suffered once and once for all, he will suffer no more; nor is there any need of his suffering more or again, for he has finished sin, wrought righteousness, made peace, and obtained eternal redemption; nor had he any partner in his sufferings, nor did he need any, or left any part of his sufferings to be filled up by others; for he endured all and the whole, which the law and justice of God could require in his own body, in the body of his flesh through death; of these sufferings the apostle does not speak, but of such which he filled up in "his" own "flesh"; and design the afflictions of Christ in his members, which are called "his", because of that near union there is between Christ and them; so that what befalls them may be predicated of him; when anyone of them suffers, he suffers with him, as the sufferings of a part of the body are ascribed to the whole person; and because of that sympathy there is between them, he has a fellow feeling with his people in all their infirmities; in all their afflictions he is afflicted: if Saul persecutes his saints, he persecutes him; whatever injury is done to them, he takes it as done to himself, who are to him as the apple of his eye. Moreover, hereby they are conformed unto him, and made like him; as he was, so are they in this world; there is a good deal of likeness between the afflictions of Christ and his people, though in some things there is a great disparity; add to this, that the afflictions of the saints are endured for Christ's sake, for the sake of his Gospel, and the profession of his name, and therefore called his, and the more cheerfully bore by them: now of these there were some remains to be filled up by the apostle; not that all the afflictions of the whole body of Christ were to be, or have been filled up by him; there was a great deal left behind by him to be filled up by others, and which has been filling up ever since, and still is, and yet all is not fulfilled to this day, nor will be till the end of time; but he speaks only of that part and measure of them, which was to be tilled up in his flesh; he had his measure of afflictions allotted to him, great part of which he had endured already, but some remained, the measure was not yet full, though pretty near being completed, which gave him pleasure; it was just filling up, and the time of his departure was at hand, when there would be no more sorrow; for it was only while he was in the flesh he was filling up this measure, and would be quickly up; and what added to his joy was, that as these were the afflictions of Christ, and the measure of them was appointed by his heavenly Father, to be filled up by him in this mortal state, so they were for his body's sake, which is the church; not in the room and stead of the church, and people of Christ, as were the sufferings of Christ personal; or to exempt them from sufferings who all have their share in this life; nor for their sins to make reconciliation for them, and procure the remission of them; nor to redeem them, or obtain salvation for them, all which is completed by Christ; but for their good and profit, that the Gospel might continue and be blessed to the conversion of many, for the increase of the church and additions to it, and for the furtherance of the Gospel, and that such who professed it might be established and confirmed in it, by the sufferings of the apostle for it: and such good effects did follow upon his sufferings and afflictions; they were for the consolation of many souls, the strengthening of weak believers, and causing even preachers of the Gospel to wax more confident, and more boldly preach the Gospel without fear of man.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:24–2:5 Paul considers his own role in the widespread preaching of the Good News (1:23). 1:24 I am participating in the sufferings of Christ (literally I am filling up what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ): While the redemptive suffering of Christ is unique and completely finished, Christ still suffers through his people in a world hostile to the message of redemption. Christ and his church will continue to suffer until God’s purposes in this world are complete (see also Mark 13:19-23; Rom 8:17-18; 1 Thes 3:3).