MR. D'S NOTES ON COLOSSIANS

COPYRIGHT 2002

Rev. Stanley L. Derickson Ph.D.

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CHAPTER TWO


2. CHRIST OUR PERFECTER
Christ our Perfecter perfects our service (vs. 28).
Col. 1.24-29


Vs. 24 "Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:"

So I suppose you are going to call upon me to make a concise and understandable statement as to the precise meaning of the text let it suffice to say:

1. Christ's sufferings on the cross are not lacking in any manner.

2. Paul as well as his readers knew exactly what he had in mind when he made this statement.

3. We need not worry about there being any error in the text for the Holy Spirit was under control as the text was being produced.

4. Paul seems to closely identify his own suffering with that of Christ's indeed, this man was called by Jesus Christ personally. The close affinity would only be natural. Paul also is the apostle that pictures the Lord as the head of the church and himself as suffering for that body the church.

5. Since the term translated "fill up" is only used in this instance and since none of the commentaries mention this item of information, and since there is nothing to indicate what this word means I must wonder why the translators use the term "fill up" in this particular usage.

That was not too concise so let us try and do better. Let's try to rephrase the verse with some of the other possible meanings to the words used.

Lexicon: "the meaning is, 'what is wanting in the afflictions of Christ to be borne by me, that I supply in order to repay the benefits which Christ conferred on me by filling up the measure of the afflictions laid upon me'."

The lexicon says it is a combination of two words. One is anti and the other is anapleroo. The curious item is that anapleroo can be translated "fill up" by itself, so I must wonder why Paul added the prefix anti. Anti is translated for, because, and therefore.

Robertson mentions that this double compound verb - there you can be impressed - is the only occurance of this type of usage in the New Testament. He states of it "to fill up (\ana\), in turn (\anti\)." He continues with a very clear statement backing up what has already been said "Paul attaches no atoning value whatever to his own sufferings for the church"

Who now rejoice in my sufferings (affliction, passion) for you, and fill up (only usage in New Testament) that which is behind (penury, lacking, want) of the afflictions (tribulation, affliction, burden, anguish, trouble) of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church,

A paraphrase might go along this line. Who now rejoice in my passion for you and fill up that which is want of the burden of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church. Christ did not have opportunity to finish the work that He had started.

If you view it as burden or anguish of Christ you eliminate many problems. Christ had the overall desire to redeem mankind. He started the work and made total provision, and then the apostles and all believers that followed are finishing the work.

POSSIBLE INTERPRETATIONS

How did Paul fill up Christ's suffering? What is meant here?

1. Christ's work was not enough - Paul had to finish it in some way. Not acceptable!

2. We all must suffer for our salvation - Christ starts us and we finish it. Not acceptable!

3. Paul and Christ suffer together in mystical union. (Christ indwelling Paul.) Not acceptable!

4. Christ views all done to His children as if done to Himself. This one has some possibility.

5. Paul hadn't suffered as much as Christ so is lacking in his suffering. Could relate but the lack is in Christ's suffering according to the text, not Paul's as the text states.

6. Christ suffered for us eternally but was taken home so couldn't finish the suffering needed to build His church thus Paul was called to fill up or complete the suffering needed for the church’s beginnings. This relates. We will develop this later.

7. Misc. views or non-views. These usually use rhetoric to skirt the issue to the point that you are not sure you care what it means.

8. The Romanist view will see merit in the sufferings of the saints and the merit thus would work into the scheme of works. Indulgences find some area of reality in this verse I would assume.

9. Robertson suggests that Christ did not stop suffering in his work on the cross, but that there was suffering left over - plenty for Paul and all of us in turn.

"lacking" relates to "that which is lacking, deficiency, shortcoming"/Vine p 304 I Cor. 16:17 uses the same term. "I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus; for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied." It is also translated want, penury, that which was lacking, and lacking.

"affliction" seems to relate to being troubled and is used of sufferings due to circumstances or people that are antagonistic.

The grammar seems to show that Paul is the one that is acting in this verse and that it is something he is doing at the present time (of the verse) and he continues to do it. Thus we must conclude that Paul is rejoicing and filling up on a continuing basis by his own choice and the Colossians can be assured of it. This is a statement of fact. The present action indicates that this "filling up" is something that is an ongoing process and that it seemingly will continue to be needed.

Some might apply this to the idea that all saints are to suffer in some manner to fill up something. The "what" of this something would remain to be seen.

1. To say that Christ's work on the cross was lacking in any way would be to contradict a wealth of Scripture. (Col. 1:20; Col. 2:14-15) This term is never used of Christ's suffering on the cross.

2. The idea that we HAVE TO FINISH something that Christ started is also a contradiction to many Scriptures. (Eph. 2:8-9) The problem with this position is that Paul nowhere, here or elsewhere, indicates that other believers are to do the same thing. The fact of the indwelling of Christ in all believers would almost demand that all be involved in this process if this is what the Apostle is speaking of.

3. Barnes suggests Paul hadn't suffered as much as Christ had suffered so needed to suffer more. The problem here is the fact that the need is in Christ's suffering not in Paul's.

"(1) That he suffered in the same cause as that for which Christ suffered; (2) That he endured the same kind of sufferings, to some extent, in reproaches, persecutions, and opposition from the world; (3) That he had not yet suffered as much as Christ did in this cause, and, though he had suffered greatly, yet there was much that was lacking to make him equal in this respect to the Savior; and (4) That he felt that it was an object to be earnestly desired to be made in all respects just like Christ, and that his present circumstances he was fast filling up that which was lacking, so that he would have a more complete resemblance to Him." P 254 Barnes Notes on Colossians

Those holding this view would read it this way. Now I rejoice in the sufferings (Paul's or Christ's) for you. Now I fill up in my flesh the things lacking of the afflictions of Christ. This thinking has some possibilities yet it has no Scriptural backing.

4. The Romanist view must be rejected on the basis of Eph. 2:8,9 and others as well. There is no suffering which can account to anyone as merit!

THE FACTS CONSIDERED

1. We don't know if Christ suffering in the text relates to pre-cross or cross suffering or both.

2. Paul does it on a continuing basis.

3. Paul does it for the Church.

4. Paul does it in his body so it is not spiritual or mystical.

5. Afflictions = circumstances, burden, anguish or antagonism.

6. It seems to be connected with Paul's being a minister of the Gospel.

7. The lack is in Christ's suffering not Paul's.

8. Ralph Martin observes that these are sufferings which are not self imposed but those imposed upon him for the churches sake and his ministry to them. Paul's suffering comes as a result of the work he is doing.

9. The term translated filled up according to Robertson has the thought of filled up in turn. It was Paul's turn to suffer. Christ had done His suffering, now it was Paul's turn.

10. Philip 3:10 may shed some light on the apostles feelings. "That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings,"

11. Paul knew that the Lord felt that what was done to His people was done to Him. Acts 9:5 "...I am Jesus, whom thou persecutest;". Paul was persecuting - killing Christians yet, Christ put it in a personal context - you persecute me.

12. Some scholars have tried to phrase this as "sufferings on account of Christ" yet the Greek scholars fail to see this as a possible translation.

It would seem from the verse considered in number nine under facts that there is some sort of suffering in common with the Lord when we suffer for Him. The exact nature of this etc. seems at this point to be hard to see other than that it exists.

Eadie ties in other references which may relate to this thought. (Heb. 13:13; II Cor. 2:10 and Heb. 11:26)

Heb. 13.12 "Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. 13 Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach."

II Cor. 2.10 "To whom ye forgive any thing, I [forgive] also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave [it], for your sakes [forgave I it] in the person of Christ;" Paul relates to Christ very closely.

Heb. 11.26 "Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward." Another wanting to closely associate with Christ in suffering.

This linked to Christ's question of the apostle on the road to Damascus concerning why Saul was persecuting Him might lead one to feel that this is the thought of the text. He mentions that Christ's personal suffering is over, yet there is much suffering to come within the church for His sake.

There is one further thought along this line which adds weight to such a position. The fact that Christ is the head of the body and if the body suffers so must also the head suffer.

Paul suffered not as a goal but as a natural everyday walk - he realized he was suffering much as Christ did. Suffering shouldn't be a burden - be happy in your circumstance even if it is in the midst of suffering. It's how we react to it that is important to the Lord. Paul rejoiced - how about you?

Let me put this into a theological context by giving it a high class title.

Let us call this study "Sufferology" just to get us thinking in the right direction.

Suffering seems to be an integrated part of the normal Christian life. We in America seem to be blessed with not having to suffer for Christ, though our brothers in other countries where Christians are persecuted feel the church in America would be strengthened with a little suffering.

James 5.10 mentions that the suffering of the prophets is an example for us as we go through suffering. "Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience."

II Cor. 1.5-7 is a key text in understanding what Paul suggests in Col. 1.24.

II Cor. 1.5-7 "For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.
6 And whether we be afflicted, [it is] for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, [it is] for your consolation and salvation. 7 And our hope of you [is] stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so [shall ye be] also of the consolation."

Notice that the sufferings of Christ abounds in us. In some way we are linked to the suffering that Christ went through. It may only be that we benefit from the suffering, though the passage indicates to me that we participate in some way.

The next verse links suffering of verse five with his own suffering to get the Gospel to others.

And finally in verse seven Paul indicates that those affected by the Gospel will also suffer - it is assumed in the same manner that Paul did.

Christ suffered to provide salvation to all mankind, Paul suffers with Christ to get the Gospel to others, and those Paul reaches will suffer to get the Gospel to others.

Romans 8.17-18 adds to this thought somewhat. "And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with [him], that we may be also glorified together. 18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time [are] not worthy [to be compared] with the glory which shall be revealed in us."

Again, we see that Paul suffered with Christ is some manner. Since we know it was not on the cross the normal thought would be that all of Paul's suffering in his life was with Christ in the same work of redemption - Christ suffered to provide redemptions possibility and Paul as well as those that follow would also suffer in the sharing of that redemption to others. Similar to the Hebrews 11.26 passage.

Some other texts seem to back this up.

Phil. 3.10 mentions the fellowship of His suffering. "That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;"

I Pet. 4.13 mentions that the suffering under persecution of Peter's readers was suffering with Christ. "But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy."

That believers will suffer is made clear in Phil. 1.29 "For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;"

One final verse relates the same thought. II Tim. 3.12 "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."

Is this some mystical suffering that we must go through, no, most certainly not, it is merely saying that as Christ suffered, so we will suffer for the Gospel's sake.

His suffering thankfully provided salvation to all of mankind, but our suffering only provides those we meet the opportunity to receive that salvation.

It seems, based on sufferology he is just picturing what he is doing - suffering to take the Gospel to those that need it. He is doing all he is doing for them. Fill up what is lacking - Christ could not do this part of the work so Paul suffers to fill in what Christ could not do - evangelize.

All is done for the church - and he REJOICES to suffer.

Wow, to suffer with Christ in His work - what an honor! Suffering should be more palatable if we understand these truths.

Vs. 25 "Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;" Paul saw himself as one called to minister to the Colossians specifically and to all mentioned in verse twenty-seven.

The term dispensation is translated stewardship in one translation. It is a Greek term meaning to administer as a household or an estate. (Lu. 16.2-4; I Cor. 9.17; Eph. 1.10; Eph. 3.2; Col. 1.25; I Tim. 1.4)

Vs. 26 "[Even] the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:" He is telling them of Christ's revelation to him.

Mystery isn't like Sherlock Holmes or Perry Mason, but means, something that was previously unknown.

Vs. 27 "To whom God would make known what [is] the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:"

Vs. 28 "Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:" He is sharing this gospel to all that he might teach to prepare them for sharing the Gospel with others.

Realizing that Paul was an apostle called by the Lord to a specific ministry, I would like to use this passage in a general way and relate it to any minister of the Lord. In fact the passage relates to all of us, but we want to pick on preachers for a little while.

What is the purpose of the pastor?
What is his goal?
What is his goal in life?
What is his goal in ministry?

Let's list some of the duties of a pastor.

Keep the lawn
Teach Sunday School
Preach 2-3 services a week
Work with youth
Weddings
Funerals
Visitation
Janitor
Bulletin
Meetings
Council
Father
Husband
Sometimes outside work
Fix it man (at home and at the church)
Painter
Builder

DO ALL OF THESE RELATE TO HIS GOALS?

What drives the pastor? Keep the church going and growing so that he can have opportunity to do the work described in this passage.

Here we see Paul was aiming at making these people mature, or complete and ready for the ministry that God had for them. This should be the work of pastors and teachers within the church. Even parents with their children should be bringing them toward maturity in the Lord that they might be able to go forth with the work of the Lord.

Isn't this what Ephesians four is talking about? Eph. 4.11 "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:"

Believers should look to and expect this preparation from their church leadership. If they are not feeling this process, they should consult with the leaders to encourage them to get with the program that God has set before them.

One of our grown children and spouse noticed that their church was just not feeding the flock. Many in the church felt that the church was strong in evangelism, but that there was no depth of teaching for the adults. Some of them approached the pastoral staff. A meeting was set and as it began the staff was on the defensive, but the lay people finally were allowed to share that they were just concerned and that they wanted the staff to be informed.

The meeting progressed and the staff decided that they should move on this information and try to remedy the problem. This is the proper approach - many pastors/staff have not listened in similar circumstances I have observed. This is a sad case when the pastor/staff feels they are above practical criticism.

There is also a responsibility on the believer’s shoulder as well. The pastor and teachers often prepare lessons/sermons that will assist some of their people in their Christian walk. If those believers do not show up for that service/lesson, then they have missed out on some of the preparation God has prepared for them.

If you are building a house, you go by a plan. You move along as fast as you can so you can complete the job. When you come to a part that is hard work you don't skip over it you do it. Running a foundation is hard work! You do it because it is necessary.

So, in our spiritual lives some hard spots come along. We shouldn't try to bypass them. They are necessary to bring us to completion.

A good pastor/teacher will see hard spots in your life and try to get you to move through them. It may be a particular sin or it may be a coolness toward church - he is trying to help you.

A pastor/teacher may confront you personally or he may do it in a message/lesson. Listen. Consider what he says in light of the Word. If he is right, then move toward changing your life.

They want you perfect as you stand before Christ. Not for their own pride in saying I did that, but in thanksgiving that he has helped Christ in your life. It is also a desire that you not be found lacking as you face the Lord.

They want to please their Lord, by helping His people please their Lord.

Vs. 29 "Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily." Christ works within us, but we must be a willing participant.

We see in Paul's comments a purpose, suffering, ministering, benefiting revealing and proclaiming. I would like to look into this passage a little further.

What was Paul's purpose in life? Perfecting of the saints would seem to fit the question. He did it even though he suffered many things as he ministered to the church (II Cor. 11.23-29).

He was looking to reconcile all he could to His Lord. He always went to the Jews first, and then to the Gentiles. (Acts 13.44-47) He did this with the full authority of Christ. (Acts 26.16; Col. 1.25)

He benefited the church in many ways. He was quite prolific in leading people to the Lord. He assisted by preaching and setting up leadership in the churches he planted. Perfecting of the saints was a key part of his ministry. He sent Timothy, Titus and most likely others to churches to assist with problems and to encourage the believers toward maturity.

What one word might we use to describe the motivating force behind Paul's ministry to the church?

SELFLESS

He gave of himself totally. Whom did he give himself to? Christ and no other, not even himself.

The term translated self in Scripture is where we get our English word "automatic" from. It relates to me or oneself. What is an automatic machine? Once started it does everything for itself. Likewise, the self-centered person, once started does everything for themselves.

Let's look at self for a moment or two.

Self wants its own way.
Self wants nothing for anyone else.
Self wants to posses everything.
Self gives nothing.
Self wants.
Self wants everything to revolve around them.
Self wants everything they think/believe to be implemented.

Actually sounds like a lot of politicians in our day.

Let's describe selfless.

Selflessness wants to go along with the other persons desire.
Selflessness wants others to gain.
Selflessness wants to share with others.
Selflessness wants to assist others.
Selflessness wants to make others feel important.
Selflessness wants to benefit others.

Christ is the perfect example of selflessness, but Paul is a close second it would seem.

Christ never acquired earthly possessions save a robe which was taken from him in the end.

Christ showed mercy to all that came to Him. He helped them physically as well as spiritually.

Christ ministered to near exhaustion.

Christ maintained a proper spiritual atmosphere for the disciples to learn in.

Christ gave Himself to his ministry.

Christ gave Himself to be crucified.

All He did was aimed away from Himself.

Just a few thoughts to assist you in finding selflessness.

Give of your material wealth - money to the church, to missionaries, or maybe to other believers in need.

Give of your food - groceries to the needy - meals for visiting speakers/missionaries.

Give of your transportation - to and from church - to and from grocery store etc.

Give of your time - time to talk with them - time to listen to them - time to help them do things.

Give of your talents - use them for others - fix things for them - assist them to do things.

Use your occupation as you can. When speaking in Nevada at a missions conference I was approached by a man from the church that stated that he had a pair of cowboy boots just like mine (a different pair than those mentioned earlier in the study :-). I replied that I hoped his weren't exactly like mine - holding one boot up to reveal a large hole in the sole.

Later that day I found I was staying in the man's home for the night. The next morning after breakfast he told me we were going for a ride. We ended up at a shoe store - his shoe store. We went in and he presented me with a new pair of boots.

The next morning another missionary ate breakfast with us and mentioned he needed to go shopping briefly to pick up some new shoes - his had come apart the previous evening. As the missionary finished his meal the business man leaned over to the missionary and said something. They left quietly and returned in awhile. The missionary was wearing a new pair of shoes. What a blessing that man was to a couple of missionaries!

Mechanics can assist missionaries/pastors with car troubles, doctors might give some needed medical advice - the possibilities are wide open.

In short give of yourself in any way that you can. Paul gave his all for the church. It might be of note that he did not give his all for the lost, though I doubt he ever ignored their needs as he shared the Lord with them.

Some might ask, but what about those that will take advantage of you. Be sure someone will, then it won't surprise you. Your responsibility is to give, it is their responsibility to take only what is needed - both of you will stand before Someone one day to answer for what YOU did.

The text mentions Paul was laboring. This term labor relates to some real toil. Now if we are speaking of the pioneers we know of the toil they went through just to survive from day to day. On the other hand our toil often isn't quite so hard. Indeed, most of us have a lot of spare time in which we can fill in with tasks relating to ministry.

Strive in verse twenty-nine is the Greek word that we gain "agonize" from. I think we know what that term means - not that many of us get ourselves into that position in or lives.

Paul is not just mouthing words - he is totally given to the edification of others. Why? To present believers to the Lord mature.

To present people perfect - for this Paul labored and strived according to Christ's working in him. Because Christ was working in Paul's life, Paul worked in the harvest field - in other people’s lives.

Apply that to yourself today. If Christ is working in your life, you WILL BE WORKING IN THE HARVEST FIELD. The more Christ works in your life the more you will be working in the lives of others.

You are the only limitation upon how God uses your life.