Colossians 1:25

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;

Whereof {G3739} I {G1473} am made {G1096} a minister {G1249}, according to {G2596} the dispensation {G3622} of God {G2316} which {G3588} is given {G1325} to me {G3427} for {G1519} you {G5209}, to fulfil {G4137} the word {G3056} of God {G2316};

I became a servant of the Good News because God gave me this work to do for your benefit. The work is to make fully known the message from God,

I became its servant by the commission God gave me to fully proclaim to you the word of God,

whereof I was made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which was given me to you-ward, to fulfil the word of God,

In Colossians 1:25, the Apostle Paul continues to explain his role and mission in spreading the Gospel. This verse is part of a larger section where Paul defends his apostolic authority and reveals the profound "mystery" of Christ, which has now been unveiled to both Jews and Gentiles.

Context of Colossians 1:25

This verse follows Paul's profound declaration in Colossians 1:24 about suffering for the sake of the church and his connection to Christ's body. He is building up to the revelation of "the mystery" in Colossians 1:26-27, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Verse 25 clarifies the divine mandate behind his ministry, emphasizing that his work is not self-appointed but a direct commission from God.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Paul's Divine Commission: Paul asserts that his role as a "minister" (Greek: diakonos, servant or attendant) is not of human origin but divinely appointed. This highlights the authority and legitimacy of his message and calling.
  • The "Dispensation of God": The Greek term here is oikonomia, which signifies a stewardship, a household management, or a divine administration. It refers to a specific arrangement or plan that God entrusted to Paul. This was a unique responsibility to manage and reveal God's truth, particularly to the Gentiles. Paul often spoke of this stewardship; see 1 Corinthians 9:17 and Ephesians 3:2.
  • Purpose: "To Fulfil the Word of God": Paul's ultimate goal was not just to preach, but to "fulfil" or fully preach and make known the word of God. This involved bringing to light aspects of God's redemptive plan that were previously hidden, especially the inclusion of the Gentiles into God's family through Christ, which he elaborates on in Ephesians 3:6.

Linguistic Insights

The term "dispensation" comes from the Greek word oikonomia (οἰκονομία). It literally means "house management" or "stewardship." In a theological sense, it refers to a particular arrangement or administration of God's plan throughout history. Paul saw himself as a faithful steward entrusted with a specific phase of God's revelation, particularly concerning the mystery hidden for ages and generations.

Practical Application

Colossians 1:25 reminds believers that every calling and ministry within the church is ultimately a "dispensation of God" – a divine trust given for a specific purpose. It encourages us to view our roles, no matter how great or small, as a stewardship from God, to be faithfully carried out. Just as Paul was commissioned to "fulfil the word of God," believers today are called to understand, live out, and share the complete message of Christ, making His truth known in their spheres of influence. This verse underscores the importance of a clear divine purpose behind our service, aiming to fully represent and advance God's kingdom.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Ephesians 3:2

    If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:

  • Colossians 1:23

    If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and [be] not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, [and] which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;

  • 2 Timothy 4:2

    Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

  • 2 Timothy 4:5

    But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

  • Galatians 2:7

    But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as [the gospel] of the circumcision [was] unto Peter;

  • Galatians 2:8

    (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)

  • 1 Timothy 4:6

    ¶ If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.

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