Suffering, Stewardship, and Fulfillment in Colossians 1:24-25

Colossians 1:24-25 (NASB):

“Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I do my share on behalf of His body, which is the church, in filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions. Of this church I was made a minister according to the stewardship from God bestowed on me for your benefit, so that I might fully carry out the preaching of the word of God.”

1. “Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake”
2. “filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions”
   1. The Meaning of θλίψεων (thlipseōn):
3. “Minister according to the stewardship of God”
   1. The Meaning and Etymology of οἰκονομία (oikonomia):
   2. Why This Matters:
4. “Fully carry out the preaching of the Word of God”
   1. The Meaning of “Make Full”
5. Application
6. Prayer

“Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake”

Paul finds joy in his sufferings. The word “rejoice” (chairō) is rooted in concepts tied to grace and gratitude:

• χάρις (charis): Meaning “grace” or “favor,” emphasizing undeserved kindness and blessings, showing how joy is closely connected to the experience of grace.
• χαρά (chara): Meaning “joy” or “delight,” directly signifying the state of joy.
• χαρίζομαι (charizomai): Meaning “to give freely” or “to show favor,” linking joy to acts of generosity and kindness.
• The root χαρ- (char-) is also connected to ευχαριστέω (eucharisteō): Meaning “to give thanks,” which ties joy to gratitude. True joy arises from recognizing grace and expressing thankfulness.

Paul embodies this grace as joy—something freely given, rooted in gratitude. His example teaches us that we don’t have to wait for ideal circumstances to give thanks to the Lord. We can give thanks even amidst suffering.

It’s worth noting that Paul doesn’t minimize his suffering or romanticize it. He acknowledges it as suffering but rejoices for the sake of others. His joy is purposeful—it’s for their benefit, so they might know the gospel and be transformed by it.

“filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions”

Paul states that he shares in what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions on behalf of Christ’s body, the church. The phrase “lacking in Christ’s afflictions” can be difficult for some to accept, but Paul is clear in his meaning. As believers, we are Christ’s body, and He continues to face persecution through us. This is consistent with Jesus’ words to Paul on the road to Damascus, where He said, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” (Acts 9:4).

It’s important to understand that Paul is referring specifically to persecutions, not sickness or disease. The word used for “afflictions” here is θλίψεων (thlipseōn), and it is never used to describe illness or physical maladies—whether in classical Greek, the Septuagint, or the New Testament.

The Meaning of θλίψεων (thlipseōn):

• Root Idea: The root θλίβω (thlibō) means “to press,” “squeeze,” or “compress,” often implying physical pressure or, figuratively, mental or emotional stress caused by external forces.
• Contexts of Use:
  • Physical Pressure: As in crushing grapes.
  • Metaphorical Pressure: Describing oppression, hardship, or persecution caused by external circumstances such as political conflict, interpersonal struggles, or societal pressures.
• This word is consistently used to describe persecutions and tribulations faced by believers. For example:
  • In John 16:33, Jesus says, “In the world, you will have tribulation (θλῖψις).”
  • In Acts 14:22, Paul declares, “Through many tribulations (θλίψεων), we must enter the kingdom of God.”

Tribulations are an undeniable reality for believers in this world. Some claim that those who preach prosperity, divine healing, or faith suggest there won’t be persecutions, but that’s a misunderstanding. The Word stands firmly against sickness and disease, which are works of the devil. Jesus and the apostles consistently opposed these, bringing healing and deliverance. However, you never see Jesus rebuking or opposing those who persecuted Him.

The reason lies in the nature of authority and free will. Satan is a defeated foe with no legitimate authority on earth, but people, created in God’s image, have free will and dominion on earth. God does not override their free will, because His ultimate desire is for everyone to come to repentance and be saved.

Paul encourages believers to rejoice in afflictions—not because persecution is enjoyable, but because out suffering (if necessary) becomes a means for Christ’s work to continue in the world, bringing life and salvation to others.

“Minister according to the stewardship of God”

Paul describes himself as a minister according to the stewardship or administration entrusted to him by God. The term “stewardship” in Colossians 1:25 is translated from the Greek word οἰκονομία (oikonomia), which holds profound meaning tied to management and responsibility.

The Meaning and Etymology of οἰκονομία (oikonomia):

• Root Components:
  • οἶκος (oikos): Meaning “house” or “household.”
  • νόμος (nomos): Meaning “law” or “custom.”
  • Combined Meaning: Literally, “household management” or “the rule of the house.”
• Basic Usage: Initially, it referred to managing a household, but it evolved to signify broader administration, including the careful management of resources, roles, and responsibilities.

Why This Matters:

Many times, I’ve heard objections when organization, administration, or scheduling is introduced into church practices. Some charismatic individuals argue, “Don’t apply management principles to God. Trust in the Holy Spirit.” This often results in behaviors like preparing sermons an hour before delivery, selecting songs at the last minute, or leaving major decisions entirely to the spur of the moment, labeling these as “Holy Spirit-led.” Meanwhile, structured planning or administration is dismissed as “worldly.”

However, Paul directly counters this mindset. In 1 Corinthians 14:33, he reminds us that “God is not a God of chaos but of order.” God Himself administers His household with care, assigning roles and responsibilities with purpose and precision. In His design, no one arbitrarily assumes any role they please—there is order, and there is structure.

While there have been excesses where rigid schedules dominate to the exclusion of the Spirit’s leading, the opposite extreme—treating spontaneity as the default—also falls short. Spontaneity should be the exception, not the rule. Proper administration, preparation, and organization are not contrary to the Holy Spirit’s work; they align with God’s character as a God of order and reflect good stewardship of the responsibilities He entrusts to us. This principle should be emphasized, especially in modern charismatic circles, to encourage a healthy balance of Spirit-led spontaneity and Spirit-honoring preparation.

“Fully carry out the preaching of the Word of God”

The phrase “might fully carry out the preaching of the Word of God” in Colossians 1:25 can also be understood as “to make full the Word of God.” This highlights a poetic and deeply theological connection in Colossians 1:24-25, where Paul employs parallel ideas to explain his ministry and its purpose.

The expressions “filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions” and “fully carry out the preaching of the Word of God” (or “make full the Word of God”) are deliberately interwoven. Paul uses this imagery to connect his own role in Christ’s mission with the fulfillment of God’s plan through the gospel.

The Meaning of “Make Full”

The Greek verb πληρόω (plēroō), translated as “make full” or “fully carry out,” is significant. In the New Testament, it often conveys ideas of:

• Completion: Bringing something to its intended end.
• Fulfillment: Achieving the purpose for which something was intended.
• Fullness: Reaching a state of wholeness or perfection.

Paul’s Role in God’s Plan

Paul sees his suffering as integral to this process. By enduring what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions, Paul enables the Word to achieve its full purpose—reaching its intended audience and bringing them to the knowledge of Christ. Some people preach the Word to gain likes, increase views, or build their personal brand. However, the Word reaches its fullness only when it fulfills its true purpose: touching the hearts of the lost and leading them to salvation. His personal sacrifices are part of the larger mission to make the gospel complete in the sense of its full proclamation and impact on the world.

In this, Paul aligns his ministry with Christ’s ongoing work, demonstrating how his own trials serve the greater goal of spreading the Word and bringing God’s plan to completion.

Application

• Rejoicing in Suffering: Reflect on how you respond to trials and difficulties. Like Paul, choose to see your sufferings as opportunities to glorify God and bless others. Ask yourself: Am I willing to endure challenges so that others may come to know Christ?
• Stewardship of Ministry: Evaluate how you manage the responsibilities God has entrusted to you. Are you embracing organization and preparation as tools to honor God, or are you neglecting them under the guise of spontaneity? Seek balance by allowing the Holy Spirit to guide both your planning and your actions.
• Fulfilling the Word’s Purpose: Examine the motives behind how you share God’s Word. Are you more focused on personal recognition or truly reaching the lost? Commit to ensuring that your ministry or witness focuses on bringing others to Christ.
• Alignment with God’s Plan: Consider how your life and actions align with God’s mission. Are you actively contributing to the fullness of God’s plan, even if it requires personal sacrifice? Ask God for the grace to play your role faithfully.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the example of Paul, who found joy in his sufferings for the sake of Your gospel. Help me to embrace challenges with gratitude and purpose, knowing that You can use every trial to bless others and advance Your kingdom.

Lord, teach me to be a faithful steward of the responsibilities You’ve entrusted to me. Guide me to balance preparation with openness to Your Spirit, so that my actions reflect Your order and purpose.

Help me to make the Word of God full in my life, not seeking personal gain or recognition but focusing on touching the hearts of the lost and leading them to salvation. Let my life and ministry align with Your ongoing work in this world.

Give me the courage to endure afflictions for Your glory, knowing that through them, Your plan is fulfilled, and others are brought closer to You. Strengthen me, Lord, to live a life that honors You in every aspect.

In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.