Verse
Context
Paul’s Suffering for the Church
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,26the mystery that was hidden for ages and generations but is now revealed to His saints.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Whereof I am made a minister - Having received especial commission from God to preach salvation to the Gentiles. According to the dispensation - Κατα την οικονομιαν· According to the Gospel economy or institution; the scheme or plan of salvation by Christ crucified. To fulfill the word of God - The Greek πληρωσαι τον λογον του Θεου may be translated, fully to preach the doctrine of God. See Rom 15:19, and the note there. Were we to take the word in its common meaning, it might signify to accomplish the purpose of God, as predicted by the prophets.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
am--Greek, "I was made a minister": resuming Col 1:23, "whereof I Paul was made a minister." dispensation--the stewardship committed to me to dispense in the house of God, the Church, to the whole family of believers, the goods of my Master (Luk 12:42; Co1 4:1-2; Co1 9:17; Eph 3:2). which is given--Greek, "which was given." for you--with a view to you, Gentiles (Col 1:27; Rom 15:16). to fulfil--to bring it fully to all: the end of his stewardship: "fully preached" (Rom 15:19). "The fulness of Christ (Col 1:19), and of the times (Eph 1:10) required him so to do" [BENGEL].
John Gill Bible Commentary
Whereof I am made a minister,.... Not of Christ, or of the Gospel as before, though both were true; but of the churches for whose sake he endured afflictions; and which carries in it a reason of his suffering for them: he was not a saviour of the body, nor a redeemer of the church, nor Lord of it; but a minister, a servant of it, that ministered to it in holy things, in the word and ordinances; not a deacon, as the word, sometimes signifies, nor an ordinary minister, or a pastor of a particular church; but a minister of the church in general, being an apostle sent to preach the Gospel everywhere: he was made a minister of it, not by men, or anything he received from men; nor by himself, not by usurpation, he did not thrust himself into this office, or take it upon him of himself; but was put into it by Christ, who counted him faithful, he appeared to him, and made him a minister, qualified him for this office, called him to it, and sent him to perform it: and which he executed according to the dispensation of God: or divine economy, which denotes such an authority and administration as is used in a family. The church is God's family, it is called the house and household of God, and the household of faith, part of which is in heaven and part on earth; God is the householder or master of the family; Christ is the Son over his own house; ministers are stewards in it, and their work is to give to everyone their portion of meat in due season; their authority from God to do so, and the exercise of it, are the economy or dispensation of the Gospel committed to them: this is of God and not man, for none but God can give them a power to dispense it, and which is purely of his grace, called therefore the dispensation of the grace of God, Eph 3:2; and here said to be given, which is given to me for you; not according to any merits of his, who was before a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an injurious person to Christ and his Gospel; but according to the pure grace of God, and that not for himself, but for the good of others, for the Gentiles especially, and so for the Colossians: to fulfil the word of God; either the promises and prophecies contained in the word of God, respecting the preaching of the Gospel to the Gentiles, and their conversion by it; which had in a great measure their accomplishment through the ministry of the apostle: or to fill all places with the word of God and Gospel of Christ, as the apostle did from Jerusalem, and round about to Illyricum, diffusing the savour of the knowledge of Christ in every place; and sinners being converted, churches were planted and daily filled with such as should be saved; or to preach fully and faithfully the Gospel, keeping back nothing that was profitable, but declaring the whole counsel of God, continuing faithful to it to the end, as he did: to fill up or fulfil words is an Hebraism, and signifies to confirm them, or act according to them; see Kg1 1:14 and the Septuagint there.
Paul’s Suffering for the Church
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,26the mystery that was hidden for ages and generations but is now revealed to His saints.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Local Church 1 - Part 5
By William MacDonald2.9K08:38ISA 40:15MAT 16:18ACT 15:14EPH 3:10COL 1:251TI 3:1This sermon emphasizes the significance of the church as a divine institution that will endure against all odds, serving as a witness to angelic beings and forming the capstone of scriptural revelation. The church is portrayed as a place where believers are refined and unified, fulfilling God's purpose to call people to His name and propagate the faith. The importance of elders in local assemblies is highlighted, showcasing God's deep regard for the church over worldly empires.
Importance of the Assembly
By William MacDonald1.4K33:34AssemblyPSA 126:5PRO 14:12MAT 16:18ACT 2:421CO 3:9COL 1:25In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not changing the message of the Gospel, but being open to changing the methods of delivering it. He uses the example of cereal companies improving their packaging to boost sales without changing the product itself. The purpose of life is seen as serving the Lord within the context of the local church, and the speaker encourages aspiring leaders to step up and serve. The speaker also highlights the significance of the church in the New Testament and the enthusiasm with which the apostles spoke about it.
Cincinatti Missions 1993 Conference Commitment to the Assembly
By William MacDonald1.1K57:50Conference1CO 12:12EPH 4:7COL 1:251TI 3:14In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the church as the body of Christ. He highlights that the church is the completion of Christ and his vehicle for expressing himself to the world. The speaker acknowledges the weakness of the clerical system and believes that the future of Christianity rests in the hands of ordinary men and women, rather than professional ministers. He quotes J.A. Stewart, who emphasizes the role of each member of the local assembly in evangelizing and bringing new believers into the church. The sermon also references Ephesians chapter four, which speaks about the grace given to each individual and the gifts given by Christ after his ascension.
The Assembly Incomplete Message
By William MacDonald1.1K37:28Incomplete MessagePSA 126:5PRO 14:13ISA 6:8MAT 5:14COL 1:14COL 1:25In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of going back to the simplicity of the message of the Gospel while being open to changing methods. He uses the example of cereal companies improving their sales by improving the packaging rather than the product itself. The speaker also highlights the significance of the church in the New Testament and encourages listeners to prioritize the assembly in their lives. He emphasizes the need for Christians to be willing to adapt their methods while staying true to the unchanging message of the Gospel.
On Eagles' Wings Pt 50
By Don Courville33029:56Radio ShowMAT 6:331CO 3:9EPH 3:9COL 1:25COL 1:282TI 2:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having faith and not giving up. He shares an illustration of a ditch caving in on some men because the walls were not properly supported, comparing it to our lives without the word of God. The speaker also mentions a scientific discovery of drilling into the earth's crust and hearing human screams, which some believe to be condemned souls from hell. The sermon also touches on the topic of suffering, highlighting the pain of childbirth and the joy that follows, and encourages listeners to rely on God's grace to carry them through difficult times. Additionally, the speaker expresses concern about the lack of discipleship in the church and the need for a revival.
Can We Go Back to the Beginning?
By W.M. Easton0MAT 18:20ACT 2:42EPH 1:22COL 1:25HEB 13:8W.M. Easton emphasizes the importance of holding fast to the unchanging truth of Scripture, particularly regarding the Person of Christ, and the need to resist the temptation to deviate from the foundational teachings of the apostles. He highlights the progression of divine revelation throughout history, from the early days of the Church to the full understanding of the Church as the Body of Christ and the House of God. Easton stresses the necessity of acting upon the complete revelation of God's Word, even in the midst of the Church's ruin, and the importance of maintaining Scriptural discipline and separation from unfaithfulness to Christ.
The Truth or Its Effects?
By H.J. Vine0JHN 1:17JHN 14:6EPH 4:13COL 1:25COL 2:9HEB 12:21PE 2:241JN 4:61JN 5:20H.J. Vine preaches on the profound truth that grace and truth are found through Jesus Christ, as depicted in John 1:17. The sermon emphasizes the unique roles of different apostles in ministering the truth about Jesus, with Paul revealing Him as the Son of God and John providing the deepest understanding of His divine nature. The Holy Spirit guides believers to progress in the truth, encouraging them to grow in grace, knowledge, and communion with God, while warning against distractions that hinder true understanding and joy in the truth.
Preaching Holiness
By Charles William Butler0ACT 3:61CO 9:16EPH 4:11COL 1:251TH 5:23Charles William Butler emphasizes the importance of preaching the truth as revealed in the Word of God to promote true holiness. The ultimate goal of every New Testament minister is to present every individual as perfect in Christ Jesus, reaching the fullness of Christianhood. Preaching the doctrine of holiness using Bible terms is crucial to accomplishing God's purpose and leading others to sanctification, even if it may face opposition or rejection. Personal experience of the truth is essential for effective preaching, as demonstrated by Peter's example in the Bible.
The Ancient Principle of Truth, or the Light Within, Asserted
By Isaac Penington0DEU 30:14PSA 51:6PSA 119:105ROM 9:18COL 1:25Isaac Penington preaches about the ancient principle of truth, asserting the light within according to true experience and faithful testimony of the Scriptures. He answers four questions: the nature of the light within, its inward work in the heart, how it is kindled and increased, and how it can be diminished or extinguished. Penington appeals to the witness of God in all consciences, questioning whether the testimony of the Scriptures or the voice and testimony of the light and Spirit of God within the heart is the more sure word of prophecy.
The Holy Spirit in the Epistle to the Colossians
By Arno Clemens Gaebelein0COL 1:25COL 2:8COL 2:18COL 3:1COL 3:16COL 3:23COL 4:6Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches on the Epistle to the Colossians, highlighting the deep truths revealed about the church being the glory of Christ and destined to be like Him. The epistle warns against false doctrines like Gnosticism that deny the glory, deity, and atoning work of Christ. The absence of teachings about the Holy Spirit in Colossians is due to the believers drifting away from the true exaltation of Christ, causing the Spirit to focus on leading them back to Christ's glory and fullness.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Whereof I am made a minister - Having received especial commission from God to preach salvation to the Gentiles. According to the dispensation - Κατα την οικονομιαν· According to the Gospel economy or institution; the scheme or plan of salvation by Christ crucified. To fulfill the word of God - The Greek πληρωσαι τον λογον του Θεου may be translated, fully to preach the doctrine of God. See Rom 15:19, and the note there. Were we to take the word in its common meaning, it might signify to accomplish the purpose of God, as predicted by the prophets.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
am--Greek, "I was made a minister": resuming Col 1:23, "whereof I Paul was made a minister." dispensation--the stewardship committed to me to dispense in the house of God, the Church, to the whole family of believers, the goods of my Master (Luk 12:42; Co1 4:1-2; Co1 9:17; Eph 3:2). which is given--Greek, "which was given." for you--with a view to you, Gentiles (Col 1:27; Rom 15:16). to fulfil--to bring it fully to all: the end of his stewardship: "fully preached" (Rom 15:19). "The fulness of Christ (Col 1:19), and of the times (Eph 1:10) required him so to do" [BENGEL].
John Gill Bible Commentary
Whereof I am made a minister,.... Not of Christ, or of the Gospel as before, though both were true; but of the churches for whose sake he endured afflictions; and which carries in it a reason of his suffering for them: he was not a saviour of the body, nor a redeemer of the church, nor Lord of it; but a minister, a servant of it, that ministered to it in holy things, in the word and ordinances; not a deacon, as the word, sometimes signifies, nor an ordinary minister, or a pastor of a particular church; but a minister of the church in general, being an apostle sent to preach the Gospel everywhere: he was made a minister of it, not by men, or anything he received from men; nor by himself, not by usurpation, he did not thrust himself into this office, or take it upon him of himself; but was put into it by Christ, who counted him faithful, he appeared to him, and made him a minister, qualified him for this office, called him to it, and sent him to perform it: and which he executed according to the dispensation of God: or divine economy, which denotes such an authority and administration as is used in a family. The church is God's family, it is called the house and household of God, and the household of faith, part of which is in heaven and part on earth; God is the householder or master of the family; Christ is the Son over his own house; ministers are stewards in it, and their work is to give to everyone their portion of meat in due season; their authority from God to do so, and the exercise of it, are the economy or dispensation of the Gospel committed to them: this is of God and not man, for none but God can give them a power to dispense it, and which is purely of his grace, called therefore the dispensation of the grace of God, Eph 3:2; and here said to be given, which is given to me for you; not according to any merits of his, who was before a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an injurious person to Christ and his Gospel; but according to the pure grace of God, and that not for himself, but for the good of others, for the Gentiles especially, and so for the Colossians: to fulfil the word of God; either the promises and prophecies contained in the word of God, respecting the preaching of the Gospel to the Gentiles, and their conversion by it; which had in a great measure their accomplishment through the ministry of the apostle: or to fill all places with the word of God and Gospel of Christ, as the apostle did from Jerusalem, and round about to Illyricum, diffusing the savour of the knowledge of Christ in every place; and sinners being converted, churches were planted and daily filled with such as should be saved; or to preach fully and faithfully the Gospel, keeping back nothing that was profitable, but declaring the whole counsel of God, continuing faithful to it to the end, as he did: to fill up or fulfil words is an Hebraism, and signifies to confirm them, or act according to them; see Kg1 1:14 and the Septuagint there.