Suffering for the sake of the Gospel

Colossians 1:24–29
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)

Paul’s enemies made much of the fact the great apostle Paul was a prisoner in Rome. No doubt the false teachers in Colossae also ridiculed him and used this as a weapon to fight the truth of the Gospel. As we read this, we are reminded that as a prisoner in Rome, Paul’s physical activities are restricted but his spiritual ministry was energetic and enthusiastically effective. The road from Jerusalem to Rome had been long and bloody. Paul bore in his body many marks for the cause of Christ yet he rejoiced that he was able to suffer for His Savior (v. 24). His trials and tribulations were used of God to spread the message of the cross to areas where the gospel had not as yet been heard. A Christian should never “suffer as an evil doer;” but it is an honor to “suffer as a Christian” (I Peter 4:15-16). There is a special reward for those who suffer for the sake of Christ (Matt. 5:10-12).

Paul had a unique ministry given to him by God on behalf of the Gentiles (v. 25). He was to make known a wonder­ful mystery (. 26). This mystery was not some baffling riddle. It was simply something that up to now had not been fully revealed. It was something that had been kept a secret since the world began but is now made known. The mystery, which Paul was to declare to the Gentiles, was that they were to be included in the benefits of the gospel of Christ (v. 27). Imagine what this meant to the Gentiles. During Old Testament times, a Gentile had to become a Jewish proselyte in order to share in the blessing of Israel. But in this new dispensation, Jews and Gentiles alike are saved by faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 10:12-13). Paul wanted to present every believer “perfect in Christ Jesus (v. 28).” The word perfect means mature or complete, not flawless. Like Paul we need to work wholeheartedly to share God’s word though the power of His Spirit in us (v. 29).

Application

Just as Paul wanted to see each believer perfect (mature) spiritually that should be my goal but I must do it in God’s power through His Spirit living in me.