Paul’s Suffering and the Mystery of Christ for the Church
Colossians 1:24-2:5
Col.1.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Νυν: ADV
- χαιρω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- εν: PREP
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- παθημασιν: NOUN,dat,pl,n
- υπερ: PREP
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- και: CONJ
- ανταναπληρω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- υστερηματα: NOUN,acc,pl,n
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- θλιψεων: NOUN,gen,pl,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- Χριστου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- εν: PREP
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- σαρκι: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- μου: PRON,gen,sg,1
- υπερ: PREP
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- σωματος: NOUN,gen,sg,n
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- εκκλησια: NOUN,nom,sg,f
Parallels
- 2 Corinthians 1:5-7 (verbal): Paul uses language about sharing in “the sufferings of Christ” and the resulting consolation for the church, closely echoing Colossians’ phrasing about Christ’s afflictions and the communal dimension of suffering.
- 2 Corinthians 4:10-12 (thematic): Speaks of always carrying in the body the death of Jesus so that his life may be manifested; highlights Paul’s bearing of Christ‑like sufferings in his body for the sake of others, paralleling Colossians’ claim to fill up Christ’s afflictions for the church.
- Philippians 3:10 (thematic): Paul’s desire to “know Christ and the power of his resurrection” by sharing in his sufferings (becoming like him in his death) parallels Colossians’ emphasis on participatory suffering as central to Paul’s ministry.
- Romans 8:17 (thematic): The theme that believers are heirs with Christ ‘if indeed we share in his sufferings’ connects suffering with union to Christ and future glory, providing theological background for Colossians’ presentation of suffering for the church.
- Philippians 1:29 (thematic): The statement that it has been granted to believers to suffer for Christ’s sake frames suffering as a vocation/blessing for the community, which resonates with Paul’s rejoicing in his sufferings on behalf of the Colossians.
Alternative generated candidates
- Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking of the afflictions of Christ on behalf of his body—his church—
- Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake; I fill up on my part what is lacking of the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of his body, the church.
Col.1.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ης: PRON,gen,sg,f
- εγενομην: VERB,aor,mid,ind,1,sg
- εγω: PRON,nom,sg,1
- διακονος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- κατα: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- οικονομιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- δοθεισαν: PART,aor,pass,acc,sg,f
- μοι: PRON,dat,sg,1
- εις: PREP
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- πληρωσαι: VERB,aor,act,inf
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- λογον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- Ephesians 3:7 (verbal): Paul describes himself as a minister/servant by God’s stewardship/gift given to him (uses οἰκονομία/διάκονος/δοθεῖσαν vocabulary), paralleling Colossians’ language of an entrusted stewardship for the church.
- 1 Corinthians 9:17 (verbal): Speaks of an entrusted 'stewardship' (οἰκονομία) that Paul did not claim for himself but received from the Lord—parallels Colossians’ emphasis on ministry as a divinely given stewardship.
- 1 Timothy 1:12 (verbal): Paul thanks Christ for counting him faithful and appointing him to the ministry (language of being put/entrusted into service), echoing Colossians’ theme of being given a ministry by God for others.
- 2 Corinthians 5:18–20 (thematic): God has given believers a ministry (διακονία) of reconciliation and entrusted them with the message for others—thematically parallels Colossians’ idea of receiving a God-given commission to fulfill and proclaim God's word to the community.
Alternative generated candidates
- of which I became a minister according to the stewardship given me by God to make clear the word of God,
- Of this gospel I became a minister according to the stewardship of God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God.
Col.1.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- μυστηριον: NOUN,nom,sg,n
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- αποκεκρυμμενον: VERB,perf,pass,part,nom,sg,n
- απο: PREP
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- αιωνων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- απο: PREP
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- γενεων: NOUN,gen,pl,f
- νυν: ADV
- δε: CONJ
- εφανερωθη: VERB,aor,pass,ind,3,sg
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- αγιοις: NOUN,dat,pl,m
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- Romans 16:25-26 (verbal): Uses nearly identical language: the mystery was kept secret for long ages but is now revealed and made known to all nations — close verbal and thematic parallel.
- Ephesians 3:3-6 (verbal): Speaks of a previously hidden mystery now revealed by revelation — specifically the inclusion of Gentiles with Israel, echoing Colossians' framing of a revealed divine plan.
- 1 Corinthians 2:7-10 (thematic): Speaks of God’s wisdom and hidden things revealed to the mature/by the Spirit — parallels the idea of a once-hidden divine plan now disclosed to believers.
- Matthew 13:11 (allusion): Jesus explains that the 'mysteries of the kingdom of heaven' are given to the disciples to know, paralleling the motif of revelation of hidden truth to God’s people.
- 1 Peter 1:10-12 (thematic): Describes prophets who searched and inquired about the salvation now revealed to the church — similar structure of a long-hidden revelation disclosed in the last times.
Alternative generated candidates
- the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints.
- The mystery that has been hidden for ages and generations, but now has been revealed to his saints.
Col.1.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- οις: PRON,dat,pl,m
- ηθελησεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- θεος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- γνωρισαι: VERB,aor,act,inf
- τι: PRON,int,nom,sg,n
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- πλουτος: NOUN,nom,sg,n
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- δοξης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- μυστηριου: NOUN,gen,sg,n
- τουτου: DEM,gen,sg,m
- εν: PREP
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- εθνεσιν: NOUN,dat,pl,n
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- Χριστος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- εν: PREP
- υμιν: PRON,dat,pl,2
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- ελπις: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- δοξης·: NOUN,gen,sg,f
Parallels
- Eph.3.6 (allusion): Explicitly states the revealed mystery that Gentiles are fellow heirs and partakers of Christ—same revelation Colossians attributes to God making known the mystery among the nations.
- Eph.1.18-19 (thematic): Speaks of the 'riches of his glorious inheritance' and the surpassing power available to believers, echoing Colossians' language of the 'riches of the glory' and the eschatological hope centered in Christ.
- Rom.8.10-11 (verbal): Affirms that Christ/the Spirit dwells in believers and brings life and future resurrection—parallels the concrete claim 'Christ in you' as the basis for hope.
- Gal.2.20 (verbal): Paul's formula 'Christ lives in me' closely parallels Colossians' 'Christ in you,' both expressing the believer's identity and experiential union with Christ.
- Rom.5.2 (thematic): Uses the phrase 'hope of the glory of God,' paralleling Colossians' 'hope of glory' and linking present faith to future glorification in Christ.
Alternative generated candidates
- To them God chose to make known the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: Christ in you, the hope of glory.
- To them God chose to make known the riches of the glory of this mystery among the nations—Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Col.1.28 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ον: PART,pres,act,nom,sg,m
- ημεις: PRON,nom,pl,1
- καταγγελλομεν: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,pl
- νουθετουντες: PART,pres,act,nom,pl,m
- παντα: ADJ,nom,pl,n
- ανθρωπον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- διδασκοντες: PART,pres,act,nom,pl,m
- παντα: ADJ,nom,pl,n
- ανθρωπον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- εν: PREP
- παση: ADJ,dat,sg,f
- σοφια: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- ινα: CONJ
- παραστησωμεν: VERB,aor,act,sub,1,pl
- παντα: ADJ,nom,pl,n
- ανθρωπον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- τελειον: ADJ,acc,sg,m
- εν: PREP
- Χριστω·: NOUN,dat,sg,m
Parallels
- Eph.4:11-13 (thematic): Describes the ministerial purpose to equip the saints so that the body attains unity and maturity—paralleling Paul’s aim in Colossians to present everyone mature in Christ.
- Phil.3:12-15 (verbal): Paul speaks of pressing on toward the goal and uses language of being 'mature'/'perfect' (τοῖς τελείοις), echoing Colossians’ goal of presenting believers fully mature in Christ.
- 2 Cor.4:5 (verbal): 'For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus...' connects directly with Colossians’ opening phrase 'whom we proclaim,' emphasizing Christ-centered proclamation rather than self-promotion.
- Acts 20:20-21 (structural): Paul’s description of teaching publicly and from house to house and of admonishing and testifying parallels Colossians’ verbs (admonishing, teaching) and the method/concern of pastoral ministry.
- 2 Tim.4:2 (verbal): 'Preach the word... reprove, rebuke, exhort, with patience and teaching' mirrors Colossians’ combination of proclamation, admonition, and teaching as means to build and mature believers.
Alternative generated candidates
- Him we proclaim, admonishing and teaching every person with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.
- We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.
Col.1.29 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- εις: PREP
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- κοπιω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- αγωνιζομενος: PART,pres,mid,nom,sg,m
- κατα: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- ενεργειαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- ενεργουμενην: PART,pres,pass,acc,sg,f
- εν: PREP
- εμοι: PRON,dat,sg,1
- εν: PREP
- δυναμει: NOUN,dat,sg,f
Parallels
- Philippians 2:13 (verbal): Both verses attribute human activity to God's agency — 'for it is God who works in you' parallels 'the energy working in me' (same idea/word-group of ἐνεργέω).
- Ephesians 3:7 (verbal): Paul describes his ministry as enacted 'through the working of God's power' (τῆς ἐνεργείας τῆς δυνάμεως αὐτοῦ), closely matching Colossians' language of God's energizing power at work in him.
- 1 Corinthians 15:10 (thematic): Paul emphasizes that his labor and toil are the result of God's grace active in him ('but by the grace of God I am what I am... yet not I, but the grace of God with me'), paralleling the dependence on divine power in Colossians 1:29.
- Colossians 1:24 (structural): Immediate context: Paul speaks of rejoicing in sufferings and 'filling up what is lacking' for the church, which leads directly into his statement about toiling and struggling according to God's energizing power in 1:29.
- 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (thematic): God's power being made perfect in weakness and Paul's consequent reliance on divine strength parallels the motif in Colossians of ministry accomplished not by human ability but by God's power working in him.
Alternative generated candidates
- For this I also labor, striving according to his working that powerfully works within me.
- For this I labor and struggle, working according to the power that works in me mightily.
Col.2.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Θελω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- γαρ: PART
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- ειδεναι: VERB,pres,act,inf
- ηλικον: ADJ,acc,sg,m
- αγωνα: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- εχω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- υπερ: PREP
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- και: CONJ
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- εν: PREP
- Λαοδικεια: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- οσοι: PRON,nom,pl,m
- ουχ: PART,neg
- εορακαν: VERB,perf,act,ind,3,pl
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- προσωπον: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- μου: PRON,gen,sg,1
- εν: PREP
- σαρκι: NOUN,dat,sg,f
Parallels
- Colossians 1:29 (verbal): Paul uses the same root of 'struggle' (agonizomai) about his labor and struggle on behalf of the churches—paralleling 'what a great struggle I have.'
- Philippians 1:29-30 (verbal): Speaks of believers sharing in the same 'struggle' (agon) and explicitly links Paul's visible conflict with what others have seen, echoing Colossians 2:1's concern for those who have not seen him.
- 2 Corinthians 11:23-28 (thematic): A catalogue of Paul's hardships and sufferings for the sake of the churches—themewise parallel to his declaration of a great struggle on behalf of Colossae and Laodicea.
- Colossians 2:5 (structural): Immediate contextual parallel: Paul contrasts his bodily absence with his spiritual presence and concern for the community—ties to v.1's mention of those 'who have not seen my face in the flesh.'
Alternative generated candidates
- For I want you to know how great a struggle I have on your behalf and on behalf of those at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh,
- For I want you to know what great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not seen my face in the flesh;
Col.2.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ινα: CONJ
- παρακληθωσιν: VERB,aor,pass,subj,3,pl
- αι: ART,nom,pl,f
- καρδιαι: NOUN,nom,pl,f
- αυτων: PRON,gen,pl,m
- συμβιβασθεντες: PART,aor,pass,nom,pl,m
- εν: PREP
- αγαπη: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- εις: PREP
- παν: ADJ,nom,sg,n
- πλουτος: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- πληροφοριας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- συνεσεως: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- εις: PREP
- επιγνωσιν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- μυστηριου: NOUN,gen,sg,n
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- Χριστου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- Colossians 1:26-27 (verbal): Same letter and phraseology: both speak of "the mystery" now revealed — the mystery of God, Christ (Christ in you, the hope of glory), directly paralleling Colossians 2:2’s focus on the mystery of God, Christ.
- Ephesians 3:16-19 (thematic): Prayer for inner strength and comprehensive knowledge of Christ's love to attain fullness — echoes Col.2:2’s aims of hearts encouraged, enriched in full assurance of understanding and knowledge of Christ.
- Ephesians 1:17-18 (thematic): Paul’s petition for a spirit of wisdom and revelation leading to the knowledge of God and enlightened hearts parallels Col.2:2’s desire for full assurance and knowledge of the mystery of God.
- Philippians 2:2 (verbal): Appeal to be of one mind, having the same love and accord mirrors Col.2:2’s call for hearts to be "knit together in love," a close verbal and conceptual parallel.
- Colossians 3:14 (thematic): Love as the binding/constitutive force for unity — "put on love, which binds everything together in perfect unity" resonates with Col.2:2’s image of believers being joined or knit together in love.
Alternative generated candidates
- that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, namely Christ,
- that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and brought into the full riches of the assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of God's mystery—Christ.
Col.2.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- εν: PREP
- ω: PRON,dat,sg,m
- εισιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,pl
- παντες: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- θησαυροι: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- σοφιας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- γνωσεως: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- αποκρυφοι: ADJ,nom,pl,m
Parallels
- 1 Corinthians 1:30 (thematic): Paul identifies Christ as the source/mode of God's wisdom for believers (‘Christ Jesus…who of God is made unto us wisdom’), paralleling Colossians' claim that all treasures of wisdom are found in him.
- Romans 11:33 (verbal): Uses similar vocabulary—‘the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God’—echoing Colossians' language of hidden ‘treasures of wisdom and knowledge.’
- Job 28:12-28 (allusion): The ancient wisdom-poem on the hiddenness of true wisdom and its ultimate source in God matches the motif of wisdom as a hidden treasure that only God possesses or reveals (cf. ‘where shall wisdom be found?’).
- Ephesians 3:10 (thematic): Speaks of the manifold wisdom of God made known through Christ and the church, resonating with Colossians’ theme that Christ is the repository and revealer of divine wisdom and knowledge.
Alternative generated candidates
- in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
- In him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Col.2.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- τουτο: PRON,nom,sg,n
- λεγω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- ινα: CONJ
- μηδεις: PRON,nom,sg,m
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- παραλογιζηται: VERB,pres,mp,subj,3,sg
- εν: PREP
- πιθανολογια: NOUN,dat,sg,f
Parallels
- Colossians 2:8 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same context: warns explicitly to beware of being taken captive by philosophy and empty deceit—develops the same concern about persuasive human arguments.
- 2 Corinthians 11:3-4 (thematic): Paul expresses fear that the Corinthians’ minds may be led astray by persuasive speech about another Jesus, paralleling the warning against deception by persuasive arguments.
- Galatians 1:6-9 (thematic): Paul rebukes quick desertion to a different gospel and warns against accepting false teaching—same theme of being misled by persuasive but false doctrine.
- Ephesians 4:14 (structural): Speaks of believers being tossed by every wind of doctrine and deceived by the craftiness of men; parallels the structural concern with doctrinal deception and persuasive rhetoric.
- Romans 16:18 (verbal): Warns that some deceive by 'smooth talk and flattery'—language of persuasive speech that parallels the idea of being misled by persuasive arguments.
Alternative generated candidates
- I say this so that no one may delude you with plausible arguments.
- I say this so that no one may delude you with plausible words.
Col.2.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ει: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
- γαρ: PART
- και: CONJ
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- σαρκι: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- απειμι: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- αλλα: CONJ
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- πνευματι: NOUN,dat,sg,n
- συν: PREP
- υμιν: PRON,dat,pl,2
- ειμι: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- χαιρων: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- βλεπων: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,sg,m
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- ταξιν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- στερεωμα: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- εις: PREP
- Χριστον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- πιστεως: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
Parallels
- 1 Corinthians 5:3 (verbal): Paul explicitly uses the same wording—'absent in body but present in spirit'—when exercising apostolic authority from a distance; a close verbal parallel to Colossians 2:5.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:17 (verbal): Paul speaks of being separated from the Thessalonians in person but not in heart, expressing the same contrast between physical absence and spiritual presence found in Colossians 2:5.
- Romans 1:11-12 (thematic): Paul writes that he longs to see believers so that he may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith; parallels Colossians 2:5's emphasis on rejoicing in and being encouraged by the recipients' faith.
- Colossians 1:23 (structural): Within the same letter Paul calls for continuing 'in the faith, grounded and steadfast'—language and concern closely related to Colossians 2:5's reference to the 'steadfastness of your faith in Christ.'
- 1 Thessalonians 3:6-7 (thematic): Timothy's report of the Thessalonians' faith brings Paul comfort and joy—mirroring Colossians 2:5's note that Paul rejoices and takes heart in seeing the believers' order and steadfast faith.
Alternative generated candidates
- For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing and seeing your orderly conduct and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.
- For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.
I now rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I fill up what is lacking of Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, which is the church.
Of this I became a minister according to the stewardship of God that was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God,
the mystery hidden for ages and generations, but now revealed to his saints.
To them God chose to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the nations—Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Him we proclaim, admonishing and teaching every person with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.
For this I toil, striving according to his power that works mightily within me.
For I want you to know what great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not seen my face in the flesh,
that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all the riches of full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of God’s mystery, even Christ,
in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
I say this so that no one may delude you with persuasive speech.
For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing and beholding your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.