Standard Lesson Commentary Title- Glorious Riches
The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.
(Deuteronomy 29:29).
Colossians is a letter written by Paul to the church at Colosse. This letter is thought to have been written around 63 AD following a meeting of Epaphras and Paul. It is not certain if Epaphras was visiting or possibly, for a short time, a fellow prisoner with Paul; however, it is known that this letter is one of the four books written by Paul while in prison. Epaphras had started the church in Colosse, and they were struggling. The discussions at Colosse were about mixing in religious practices (whether Jewish or Pagan) and setting rules or required works for those who chose to join in. Even today, churches miss the simplicity that is Christ. He is sufficient. Nothing needs added to, taken away from, or tweaked by men. Salvation cannot be earned by our goodness, works, or imposed piety. Jesus did everything that was necessary, once and for all, leaving nothing undone. His sinless sacrifice purchased our pardon. That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2: 7-9).
Paul begins with thankfulness for the church and a prayer for their success. He is not envious of a church he didn’t start. May we also learn from his example, to have a heart like Paul’s and to pray for the church in this same manner:
For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; ( Col 1: 9).
That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; (Col 1:10).
Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; (Col 1:11).
Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: (Col 1:12).
Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: (Col 1:13).
Paul’s example speaks volumes.
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:
Paul takes a line or two just prior to this passage to point out Jesus’ character, and to remind those who will hear his letter who He is. Jesus is the redeemer and the forgiver of sins. He is the image of the invisible God. He is the Firstborn of creation. By Him, all things were created, including the things we see and the things we cannot see. He is the beginning of all things, and He keeps things in order. By Him, all things consist. He is the head of the church. No one else can do what Jesus has done. He has reconciled believers to God, and Paul is His minister. Paul is suffering in prison for the witness of Jesus Christ and is happy (rejoices) in being able to suffer for Christ and to edify the church, understanding that God is in control and is using all these things to accomplish His work.
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;Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
There are several mysteries in scripture. Biblical mysteries are different than puzzles or riddles. Scriptural mysteries are things God has made known but are outside of human reasoning. These are things only God can do. Jesus is a mystery. Mankind has not understood, since the Garden of Eden, how the Messiah would work. God becoming man, prophesied as King and servant, and then cut off (killed ) but still alive. He was hidden from generation to generation, while prophets and Jewish families carried the story of God, teaching their children and maintaining a lineage for the Messiah, having faith that He would keep his promises, but not really understanding all of the details. God has revealed the fullness of these scriptures through Jesus. God removed the mystery of His plan.
God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high: (Hebrews 1: 1-3).
Paul understands his servant role in proclaiming this new dispensation of time - the church age.
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:
Another mystery - God dwelling in us. One unified church of all people (Jews, Gentiles, Male, Female, bond or free). Everyone has the same privilege under the banner of salvation through Christ. This was a most difficult thing to understand. The Jews had spent 1500 years worth of history suffering on and off because of intermingling with Gentiles and breaking God’s commandments, and they are told now that circumcision of the heart was more important than circumcision of the flesh. Jesus made access for anyone, everyone, and whosoever would choose to follow Him. There is no longer a need for sacrifices or a temple!
For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. (Ephesians 2: 14-22).
Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
Paul doesn’t preach about Peter or John. Paul preaches about Jesus. Paul’s job is our job. To warn about the consequences of not understanding Jesus. To teach any man and every man in the wisdom that is of God. Teaching what the word of God says. This is a serious matter. Paul is happy to share. It is essential that we share this news with those around us.
Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;
Paul tells the Colossian church that though they have never seen him, it is his desire to make sure they are grounded in the truth of Jesus. Farther into his letter, he will write about the things the first century churches had to be diligent to avoid and those things they must be prepared to defend. Though they don’t know Paul in person, he recognizes their struggle and will labor and strive on their behalf.
That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Why will Paul work so hard for the Colossian church? So that their hearts may be comforted as they become filled with the knowledge of God and God’s will. That they may become confident and strengthened in wisdom and spiritual understanding pertaining to the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. That they may walk worthy, bound together in support, in love and in the freedom of forgiveness. So they will knit themselves tightly as a supportive family, blessed in His goodness, joyful, fruitful, and look forward to the glorious riches of heaven. Without Jesus, there is darkness. With Jesus, we are delivered, redeemed, forgiven, and a part of God’s Kingdom. For the same reason, we should strive to uncover the hidden treasures of Christ! Once the mystery is revealed, we must do something with it. What will you do?
Thank you for studying with us! God bless!