Colossians 1:24

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:

Who {G3739} now {G3568} rejoice {G5463} in {G1722} my {G3450} sufferings {G3804} for {G5228} you {G5216}, and {G2532} fill up {G466} that which is behind {G5303} of the afflictions {G2347} of Christ {G5547} in {G1722} my {G3450} flesh {G4561} for {G5228} his {G846} body's {G4983} sake {G5228}, which is {G3603} the church {G1577}:

I rejoice in my present sufferings on your behalf! Yes, I am completing in my own flesh what has been lacking of the Messiah’s afflictions, on behalf of his Body, the Messianic Community.

Now 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.

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 church;

Commentary

Context

The Apostle Paul, writing from prison (likely Rome), addresses the church in Colossae. In this letter, he powerfully articulates the supremacy and preeminence of Jesus Christ over all creation and all spiritual powers (Colossians 1:15-20). Colossians 1:24 comes after Paul has described Christ's work of reconciliation and his own commission to preach the Gospel. Here, Paul shifts to his personal experience, particularly his sufferings, and explains their significance within God's redemptive plan for the church.

Key Themes

  • Rejoicing in Suffering: Paul expresses joy amidst his afflictions, a recurring theme in his epistles (Philippians 2:17). This joy stems from the understanding that his suffering serves a divine purpose for the benefit of others, specifically the Colossian believers and the wider church.
  • Participation in Christ's Afflictions: The phrase "fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ" is pivotal. It does not imply that Christ's atoning work on the cross was incomplete or insufficient for salvation (John 19:30; Hebrews 10:14). Rather, Paul understands his sufferings as participating in the ongoing experience of Christ's body, the Church, in a world hostile to the Gospel. Just as Christ suffered for His kingdom, His followers will also experience suffering as they advance that kingdom.
  • The Church as Christ's Body: Paul explicitly states his suffering is "for his body's sake, which is the church." This highlights the profound unity between Christ and His followers. When the church suffers, Christ suffers with it, and conversely, the suffering of individual members contributes to the larger body's growth and testimony (1 Corinthians 12:27; Ephesians 1:23). Paul's apostolic afflictions are not merely personal hardships but instrumental for the church's spiritual maturity and expansion.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Greek phrase "fill up that which is behind" is antanaplero (ἀνταναπληρόω), meaning "to fill up in turn" or "to complete what is lacking in proportion." It suggests a reciprocal filling up, not of Christ's redemptive suffering, but of the necessary sufferings that accrue to Christ's body (the Church) as it lives out its mission in a fallen world. These are the sufferings *experienced by* Christ's people, *for* Christ's sake, in the ongoing spiritual battle.
  • "Afflictions of Christ" (thlipseis tou Christou) refers to the sufferings that Christ's followers endure *because of their union with Him* and for the advancement of His kingdom. It can also imply that Christ Himself continues to suffer *with and through* His persecuted people (compare Acts 9:4, where Jesus asks Saul, "Why persecutest thou me?").

Practical Application

Colossians 1:24 offers profound encouragement and perspective for believers today. It teaches us that:

  1. Suffering Can Be Purposeful: Our hardships, when endured for Christ's sake, are not meaningless. They can contribute to the spiritual well-being and growth of others and the wider church.
  2. We Are United with Christ: Our experiences, even our pain, are intimately connected to Christ's ongoing work in the world. We are not suffering alone; we are part of His body.
  3. Joy in Adversity is Possible: Like Paul, we can find joy in suffering when we understand its redemptive purpose and its connection to God's larger plan for His church. This verse encourages a mindset of endurance and faithful perseverance in the face of challenges for the Gospel.
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Cross-References

  • Romans 5:3 (21 votes)

    And not only [so], but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

  • 2 Timothy 1:8 (16 votes)

    Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;

  • 2 Corinthians 1:5 (14 votes)

    For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.

  • 2 Corinthians 1:8 (14 votes)

    For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:

  • Philippians 3:10 (13 votes)

    That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

  • 2 Corinthians 7:4 (12 votes)

    Great [is] my boldness of speech toward you, great [is] my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.

  • 2 Timothy 2:9 (11 votes)

    Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, [even] unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.