A Mystery Revealed
Why is suffering often part of the process of helping others grow?
Colossians 1:24-2:5
Read the whole passage before anything else. Everything below exists to help you understand what you just read.
24Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and fill up on my part that which is lacking of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the assembly,
25of which I was made a servant according to the stewardship of God which was given me toward you to fulfill the word of God,
26the mystery which has been hidden for ages and generations. But now it has been revealed to his saints,
27to whom God was pleased to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
28We proclaim him, admonishing every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus;
29for which I also labor, striving according to his working, which works in me mightily.
1For I desire to have you know how greatly I struggle for you and for those at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;
2that their hearts may be comforted, they being knit together in love, and gaining all riches of the full assurance of understanding, that they may know the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ,
3in whom all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden.
4Now I say this that no one may delude you with persuasiveness of speech.
5For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in the spirit, rejoicing and seeing your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.
What just happened?
Imagine the dusty, sun-baked landscape of Asia Minor, around 60-62 AD. The city of Colossae, nestled in the Lycus River valley, was not a major metropolis like nearby Ephesus. It was a smaller, inland city, but strategically located on a trade route. Its population was a mix of Phrygians, Greeks, and a significant Jewish community. The church there, likely founded not by Paul himself but by his associate Epaphras, was a relatively new congregation, facing unique pressures. These pressures came from various directions: local pagan customs, certain Jewish traditions, and a nascent philosophical movement that mixed these elements into a complex spiritual stew, threatening to pull the young believers away from the simple truth of Jesus.
At this very moment, the author of this letter, Paul, is not freely traveling the Roman roads. He’s writing from a Roman prison, likely in the bustling, powerful city of Rome itself, or perhaps Caesarea. This wasn't a comfortable, solitary confinement cell. Roman prisons were often loud, cramped, and unsanitary. Paul, a man of intense action and ceaseless travel, found himself physically restricted, yet his mind and spirit were anything but. From his confinement, he heard reports from Epaphras about the Colossian church – good news of their faith and love, but also concerning reports about the emerging theological challenges that sought to diminish the centrality of Christ.
Paul's letter, then, is not just a theological treatise; it's a deeply personal appeal from a confined mentor to a struggling congregation he cares about deeply. He’s writing to stabilize them, to remind them of the profound, all-sufficient reality of Jesus Christ in a world full of competing voices and complex spiritual ideas. His goal is to ground them firmly in Christ, to inoculate them against false teachings, and to encourage them to live out the implications of their new identity. He wants them to understand that everything they need for life and godliness is already found in Christ, without needing any add-ons or secret knowledge.
Suffering on Behalf of Others
Paul starts this section with a startling statement: "Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and fill up on my part that which is lacking of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the assembly." What could possibly be "lacking" in the afflictions of Christ? Jesus's suffering on the cross was complete, a once-for-all atonement for sin. Paul isn't suggesting that Jesus's sacrifice was insufficient. Instead, he’s talking about the *continuing* outworking of Christ's mission in the world. Christ's suffering established the church, his body. Now, his followers, like Paul, participate in extending that church and its message, which often involves suffering.
The word 'afflictions' (Greek: *thlipsis*) refers to tribulation, pressure, or distress. It’s the kind of suffering that comes from being faithful to Christ in a hostile world. Paul is saying that *his* suffering—the beatings, imprisonments, shipwrecks, and daily anxieties he endured—is a continuation of the opposition Christ himself faced. It's not about adding to the redemptive work of the cross, but about personally participating in the struggle to bring Christ's kingdom to completion on earth, enduring hardship for the sake of the church (the "assembly," Greek: *ekklēsia*). His pain has a purpose: it serves the Colossians and the larger body of Christ.
The Unveiling of a Deep Secret
Paul explains his role: "of which I was made a servant according to the stewardship of God which was given me toward you to fulfill the word of God, the mystery which has been hidden for ages and generations. But now it has been revealed to his saints, to whom God was pleased to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." Paul sees himself as a 'servant' (Greek: *diakonos*), an agent or minister, entrusted with a divine 'stewardship' (Greek: *oikonomia*), like a household manager given charge over God's affairs.
The core of this stewardship is to "fulfill the word of God" by revealing a "mystery" (Greek: *mystērion*). This isn't a secret handshake or a puzzle to be solved by the super-spiritual. In the Bible, a *mystery* is something previously hidden in God's plan, now being revealed through Christ and the apostles. For ages, it was unclear how God's promises to Israel would extend to the rest of humanity. The revelation? "Christ in you, the hope of glory." This is the astonishing truth: Jesus Christ, the Messiah of Israel, is now indwelling believers from *all* nations (the 'Gentiles'), offering them the same hope of future glory. This inclusion of non-Jews on equal footing was a radical, previously hidden truth, now openly declared.
Struggling to Present Everyone Mature
Paul states his mission clearly: "We proclaim him, admonishing every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus; for which I also labor, striving according to his working, which works in me mightily." To 'proclaim' (Greek: *katangellō*) means to declare thoroughly and publicly. His method involves 'admonishing' (Greek: *nouthetō*), which is gentle correction or warning, and 'teaching' (Greek: *didaskō*), instruction. The goal? To present everyone 'perfect' (Greek: *teleios*), meaning mature or complete, in Christ. This isn't about sinless perfection but spiritual maturity, fully developed in their understanding and experience of Christ.
Paul emphasizes the intense effort this requires: "I also labor, striving according to his working, which works in me mightily." The word 'striving' (Greek: *agōnizomai*) is where we get our word 'agonize' or 'agonize.' It suggests a wrestler's struggle or an athlete's intense exertion. This struggle isn't in his own strength, but "according to his working" – referring to God's powerful energy (Greek: *energeia*) at work within him. Then, in 2:1-3, Paul applies this struggle directly to his readers: "For I desire to have you know how greatly I struggle for you and for those at Laodicea... that their hearts may be comforted, they being knit together in love, and gaining all riches of the full assurance of understanding, that they may know the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, in whom all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden." His wrestling is for their comfort, unity, understanding, and their grasp of the profound riches of wisdom found *only* in Christ.
What are we supposed to see?
This passage powerfully shows God's commitment to making his truth accessible to all people, regardless of their background. For 'ages and generations,' the mechanism for how Gentiles would fully participate in God's plan was shrouded in mystery. But God, through Christ and then through his chosen messengers like Paul, actively moved to *reveal* this truth. He wasn't content for it to remain a secret accessible only to a select few; he delighted in making known "the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles." This isn't a passive unveiling; it's an intentional, glorious act of inclusion, demonstrating God's expansive love and his desire to draw all people to himself, shattering the traditional barriers between Jew and Gentile.
Furthermore, God is shown as the ultimate source and keeper of all wisdom and knowledge. Paul emphasizes that "all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden" in Christ. This isn't just a theological statement; it's a strategic move. In a world full of competing philosophies and 'secret knowledge' movements, God places the ultimate repository of truth directly in the person of Jesus. He shows himself to be the one who defines reality, the one whose plan encompasses all genuine understanding. He is not just giving us fragments of truth; he is giving us the person in whom all truth resides, actively working in Paul to ensure this truth is effectively communicated and understood by others.
- 1WHAT HE VALUES
God values the inclusion of all people, particularly the Gentiles, into his family and plan, showing no favoritism based on ethnicity or previous religious standing.
- 2WHAT HE VALUES
God values the spiritual maturity and firm understanding of his people, actively working through his servants to teach, admonish, and equip them to stand firm in their faith.
- 3IDENTITY
God is the revealer of hidden truths, the one who brings light to what was previously unknown, ensuring that his plan and character are progressively disclosed to humanity.
Where this sits in the whole Bible
Colossians 1:24 → 2 Corinthians 11:23-28
Paul's suffering here isn't hypothetical; in 2 Corinthians, he lists the actual beatings, imprisonments, dangers, and anxieties he faced, illustrating what it means to 'fill up...the afflictions of Christ'.
Colossians 1:26-27 → Ephesians 3:4-6
Ephesians directly parallels Colossians, calling the inclusion of Gentiles into the body of Christ a 'mystery' that was not made known in other generations but is now revealed through the apostles and prophets.
Colossians 2:3 → John 1:14, 18
John speaks of Jesus as the Word made flesh, full of grace and truth, the one who has 'declared' or 'exegeted' God, aligning with Colossians' assertion that all wisdom and knowledge are hidden in him as the ultimate revelation of God.
Paul's 'struggle' (agonizomai) for others' maturity is not merely intellectual; it's a deeply felt, whole-person effort, mirroring the intensity of an athlete pushing to the finish line.
Don't rush past this
The most uncomfortable idea here is Paul's claim to "rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and fill up on my part that which is lacking of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake." This statement can sound jarring, even heretical, if misread. It implies a kind of suffering that is not merely endured, but embraced, as a purposeful participation in God's ongoing work, extending the reach of Christ's kingdom through the hardships of his servants. It confronts our natural aversion to pain, suggesting that some suffering is not just unavoidable, but somehow productive and even a source of joy when understood in light of a greater purpose.
What's truly difficult is the notion that *our* suffering, in some sense, contributes to the expansion and health of the church. This is not about earning salvation or adding to Christ's finished work on the cross, which is complete and perfect. Rather, it challenges us to consider that following Christ often involves a cost, and that cost, when willingly paid for the sake of others and the gospel, takes on a redemptive quality in the lives it touches. It pushes against the idea that faith should lead to an easy life, instead suggesting that profound spiritual growth and impact often come through the crucible of difficulty and self-sacrifice for the sake of others.
Turn it inward
Three questions from this passage. Answer them or just sit with them — nothing here is required to finish the lesson.
God, it's hard to imagine rejoicing in suffering, or actively struggling for others when life is already so demanding. Yet, you call us to participate in your work. Help me to see the purpose in my own difficulties and give me the strength to labor for the spiritual growth of those around me. Reveal more of your wisdom to me and through me, so that others may find their hope in Christ, just as I do.
This week, identify one relationship where you have an opportunity to help someone else grow spiritually. It could be a family member, a friend, or someone in your community. Ask yourself: What specific, practical action can I take to 'struggle' for their growth, whether it's an encouraging word, an offer to listen, or a shared time in study or prayer?
History, language, objections and sources. None of it is needed to understand the passage.
If all wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Christ, does that mean science, philosophy, and other fields of human inquiry are pointless or inferior?
This passage is about the ultimate, foundational wisdom and knowledge necessary for understanding God, humanity, and salvation. It's not dismissing all other forms of knowledge. When Paul says 'all treasures of wisdom and knowledge' are hidden in Christ, he's addressing the specific context of the Colossian heresy, which was introducing Gnostic-like 'secret knowledge' or complex philosophical systems as necessary for spiritual fullness beyond Christ. Paul is asserting that Christ himself is the ultimate source of spiritual truth, the blueprint of the universe, and the one who fully reveals God. This doesn't mean that scientific discovery or philosophical inquiry about the natural world are irrelevant; rather, it suggests that a complete understanding of reality, including these fields, ultimately finds its coherence and deepest meaning within God's creative and redemptive purposes, centered in Christ. The passage isn't anti-intellectual; it's anti-alternative ultimate sources of spiritual truth. This is a point of interpretation rather than a consensus on whether external knowledge is *pointless*, but rather whether it is *sufficient* for knowing God.
Paul says he 'fills up' what is 'lacking' in the afflictions of Christ. Isn't this saying Christ's suffering was incomplete or insufficient for salvation?
This is a common point of contention. Almost universally, Christian theology affirms the absolute sufficiency and completeness of Christ's atoning work on the cross for salvation. Paul is not suggesting anything is lacking in the redemptive power of Jesus's death. The 'lacking' here refers not to the *quality* or *sufficiency* of Christ's past suffering for sin, but to the *quantitative* or *temporal* aspect of suffering in the ongoing mission of the Church. Christ suffered to *establish* the Church; his followers now suffer to *extend* its reach and *endure* opposition until its full consummation. Paul is participating in the suffering that necessarily accompanies the gospel's advance in a fallen world, a suffering that Christ himself foretold his followers would experience (e.g., Matthew 10:22, John 15:20). He is enduring the 'birth pangs' of the kingdom, identifying with Christ in the process of building His body, the Church. This interpretation is widely held among Protestant scholars and within Catholic theology, which also affirms the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice, viewing this as a participation in Christ's ongoing work rather than an addition to His unique atonement.
Paul says he 'struggles greatly' and 'labors' for the Colossians' maturity. Does this mean our spiritual growth depends on someone else's effort more than our own?
Paul's intense struggle highlights the reality that spiritual growth isn't a passive process, either for the one growing or for those nurturing that growth. His 'labor' and 'striving' are expressions of his stewardship and love, recognizing that guiding others to maturity in Christ is hard work, often accompanied by emotional and spiritual agony. However, this doesn't diminish the individual's responsibility for their own faith. The Colossians themselves are called to 'steadfastness' (2:5). Paul's struggle is to equip, admonish, and teach them so they *can* grow and stand firm, not to do the growing *for* them. His effort is a necessary part of presenting the truth and providing guidance, but the ultimate decision to receive, apply, and obey rests with each individual. It’s a partnership: God works through Paul, Paul works for the Colossians, and the Colossians must respond in faith and obedience. The 'level' here leans towards belief, as different theological traditions might emphasize divine sovereignty or human responsibility slightly differently, but generally acknowledge both.
The Colossian Heresy: What was it?
The 'persuasiveness of speech' (Colossians 2:4) Paul warns against points to a complex mix of ideas circulating in Colossae, often referred to as the 'Colossian heresy.' While its exact nature is debated by scholars, it appears to have blended elements of Jewish legalism (observance of food laws, festivals, circumcision – Colossians 2:16), asceticism (severe self-discipline, neglect of the body – Colossians 2:23), and a mystical devotion to 'elemental spirits of the world' or 'angel worship' (Colossians 2:8, 18). This hybrid belief system promised deeper spiritual knowledge or a more complete experience of God, suggesting that Christ alone was insufficient. Paul's letter systematically dismantles these claims by constantly reasserting the absolute supremacy and sufficiency of Christ for salvation and spiritual completeness. His focus is on Christ as the head of all things, in whom all wisdom and knowledge are found, leaving no room for supplementary spiritual practices or mediators.