The Meaning of Colossians 1:24 Explained

Colossians 1:24

KJV: 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:

YLT: I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and do fill up the things lacking of the tribulations of the Christ in my flesh for his body, which is the assembly,

Darby: Now, I rejoice in sufferings for you, and I fill up that which is behind of the tribulations of Christ in my flesh, for his body, which is the assembly;

ASV: 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;

KJV Reverse Interlinear

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: 

What does Colossians 1:24 Mean?

Verse Meaning

This verse is ". . . probably the most controversial in the letter." [1]
It might have seemed ironical that Paul was in prison, in view of what he had just said about the success of the gospel. Therefore he quickly explained that his afflictions were part of God"s plan, and he rejoiced in them. Paul could rejoice because he knew his imprisonment would benefit his readers through his ministry to them in this letter if in no other way. Furthermore he regarded his sufferings as what any servant of Christ could expect in view of the world"s treatment of his Master.
". . . the word thlipseon (AV [2], "afflictions") is never used in the New Testament of the atoning sufferings of Christ. We, therefore, must reject any conception of a treasury of merit, such as Roman Catholics allow, composed of Christ"s sufferings plus the sufferings of the saints and dispensed as indulgences.
"If we also dismiss the interpretations which understand Paul to be referring to sufferings demanded by Christ or suffered for His sake (the natural sense of the genitive is opposed to this), we are still left with several alternatives." [3]
One view is that the phrase "Christ"s afflictions" refers to the quota of sufferings the church must undergo corporately before the end of the age (cf. Matthew 24:6; Hebrews 11:40; Revelation 6:11). [4] However this idea is foreign to the context that stresses the contribution Paul"s sufferings made to the Colossian"s welfare. Paul"s point was not that his sufferings relieved the Colossians of their share of sufferings for Christ (cf. Colossians 1:28-29; Colossians 2:1-2).
A second view is that Paul was saying his sufferings were similar to Christ"s. Both he and Christ suffered for believers, Christ on the cross and Paul presently. [5] Yet Paul wrote here of Christ"s sufferings. They were His own.
A third view is that the sufferings of Christ to which Paul referred are those sacrificial works the Lord left for believers to perform. [6] As Christ suffered during His ministry, so Christians suffer during our ministries. However if this is what Paul meant, why did he speak of them as Christ"s afflictions? This view, as the preceding two views, expresses a Scriptural Revelation , but that revelation does not seem to be Paul"s point here.
A fourth view, the one I prefer, regards the afflictions of Christ as Christ"s actual sufferings now, not on the cross but in and through Paul whom He indwelt (cf. 2 Corinthians 11:23-28). [7] When believers suffer, Christ also suffers because He indwells us (cf. Acts 9:4).
"It is no wonder, then, that Paul rejoiced in his sufferings. Seen in the light of his union with Christ, they were transfigured and made an occasion for fellowship with Him, as well as a benefit to the body, the church." [8]

Context Summary

Colossians 1:21-29 - Laboring To Perfect The Church
How wonderful is God! His scheme of grace embraces the world of men, but He can concentrate on individual souls as unworthy as ours. You"¦ hath He reconciled. And He will never abandon His work until we arrive in His presence-chamber without spot or blemish or any such thing. But, of course, the putting forth of His power on our behalf is conditioned on our steadfast faith.
Paul drank deeply of the Master's cup. It seemed as if Jesus had trusted him with participation in the sorrows of Gethsemane and Calvary. And he was thus fitted for the stewardship of two great secrets, which it was his joy to unfold. In Ephesians 3:1-21 he says that he was commissioned to show the Gentiles that they might become fellow-heirs; but here, Colossians 1:27, that they might experience the indwelling of Christ. Those who are conscious of that indwelling know its riches of power and joy and victory. Their hope of glory is dimmed by no fear, because they have the Christ; in their hearts, and, therefore, heaven in their hearts, so it follows naturally that their hearts will one day be with Christ in heaven. Christ in us is the hope of glory. Note the individual interest which the true pastor takes in his flock, as shown in the repeated use of every man. [source]

Chapter Summary: Colossians 1

1  After salutation Paul thanks God for the Colossians' faith;
7  confirms the doctrine of Epaphras;
9  prays further for their increase in grace;
14  describes the supremacy of Christ;
21  encourages them to receive Jesus Christ, and commends his own ministry

Greek Commentary for Colossians 1:24

Now I rejoice [νυν χαιρομεν]
This is not a new note for Paul. See him in jail in Philippi (Acts 16:25) and in 2 Corinthians 11:16-33; Romans 5:3; Philemon 2:18. [source]
Fill up on my part [ανταναπληρω]
Very rare double compound verb (here only in N.T.) to fill It is now Paul‘s “turn” at the bat, to use a baseball figure. Christ had his “turn,” the grandest of all and suffered for us all in a sense not true of any one else. It is the idea of balance or correspondence in αντι — anti as seen in Demosthenes‘s use of this verb (De Symm., p. 282), “the poor balancing the rich.” And yet Christ did not cause suffering to cease. There is plenty left for Paul and for each of us in his time. That which is lacking (τα υστερηματα — ta husterēmata). “The left-overs,” so to speak. Late word from υστερεω — hustereō to come behind, to be left, to fail. See Luke 21:4; 1 Thessalonians 3:10; 2 Corinthians 8:14; 2 Corinthians 9:12. For his body‘s sake As Paul showed in his exultation in suffering in 2 Corinthians 11:16-33, though not in the same sense in which Christ suffered and died for us as Redeemer. Paul attaches no atoning value whatever to his own sufferings for the church (see also Colossians 1:18). [source]
That which is lacking [τα υστερηματα]
“The left-overs,” so to speak. Late word from υστερεω — hustereō to come behind, to be left, to fail. See Luke 21:4; 1 Thessalonians 3:10; 2 Corinthians 8:14; 2 Corinthians 9:12. [source]
For his body‘s sake [υπερ του σωματος αυτου]
As Paul showed in his exultation in suffering in 2 Corinthians 11:16-33, though not in the same sense in which Christ suffered and died for us as Redeemer. Paul attaches no atoning value whatever to his own sufferings for the church (see also Colossians 1:18). [source]
Who now []
Omit who. Now is temporal: in the midst of my imprisonment and sufferings, after having become a minister of the Gospel, and having preached it. [source]
In my sufferings []
Not as our idiom, rejoice in, as rejoice in the Lord, but in the midst of; while enduring. [source]
Fill up [ἀνταναπληρῶ]
Only here in the New Testament. Lit., fill up in turn. Rev., on my part ( ἀντί ) Ἁναπληρόω tofill up occurs 1 Corinthians 14:16; 1 Corinthians 16:17; Galatians 6:2, and elsewhere. The double compound προσαναπληρόω tofill up by adding, 2 Corinthians 9:12(note); 2 Corinthians 11:9. Ἁντί onmy part offsets Christ in the next clause. Lightfoot explains well: “It signifies that the supply comes from an opposite quarter to the deficiency, and so describes the correspondence of the personal agents,” and not merely the correspondence of the supply with the deficiency. [source]
That which is lacking of the afflictions of Christ [τὰ ὑστερήματα τῶν θλίψεων τοῦ Χριστοῦ]
Lacking, lit., behind. Used with different compounds of πληρόω tofill, 1 Corinthians 16:17; 2 Corinthians 9:12; 2 Corinthians 11:9; Philemon 2:30. Of the afflictions of Christ. The afflictions which Christ endured; which belonged to Him: not Paul's afflictions described as Christ's because endured in fellowship with Him (Meyer); nor the afflictions which Christ endures in His Church (Alford, Ellicott, Eadie). These afflictions do not include Christ's vicarious sufferings, which are never denoted by θλίψεις tribulationsThat which is lacking of the afflictions of Christ signifies that portion of Christ's ministerial sufferings which was not endured by Him in person, but is endured in the suffering of Christians in all generations in carrying out Christ's work. Compare 2 Corinthians 1:5, 2 Corinthians 1:7; Philemon 3:10. Hence those are mistaken interpretations which explain the filling up as a correspondence of the supply with the deficiency. The correspondence is between the two parties, Christ and His followers, and the supply does not correspond with the deficiency, but works toward supplying it. The point is not the identification of Paul with Christ in His sufferings (which is true as a fact), but the distinction between Paul and Christ. Hence the present tense, I am filling up, denoting something still in process. The full tale of sufferings will not be completed until the Church shall have finished her conflict, and shall have come up “out of great tribulation” to sit at the marriage-supper of the Lamb. [source]
In my flesh []
Connect with fill up. [source]
For His body's sake, which is the Church []
Σάρξ fleshis never used of a metaphorical organism like the Church, but σῶμα bodySee on flesh, Romans 7:5, sec. 3. In Colossians 1:22, flesh was used with body in order to define the reference of body to the fleshly human organism of Christ. Compare John 1:14. Here σῶμα bodyonly, defined by Church. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Colossians 1:24

1 Corinthians 12:12 So also is Christ [ουτως και ο Χριστος]
One would naturally expect Paul here to say ουτως και το σωμα του Χριστου — houtōs kai to sōma tou Christou (so also is the body of Christ). He will later call Christ the Head of the Body the Church as in Colossians 1:18, Colossians 1:24; Ephesians 5:23, Ephesians 5:30. Aristotle had used σωμα — sōma of the state as the body politic. What Paul here means is Christ as the Head of the Church has a body composed of the members who have varied gifts and functions like the different members of the human body. They are all vitally connected with the Head of the body and with each other. This idea he now elaborates in a remarkable manner. [source]
1 Corinthians 12:28 In the church [en tēi ekklēsiāi)]
The general sense of αποστολους — ekklēsia as in Matthew 16:18 and later in Colossians 1:18, Colossians 1:24; Ephesians 5:23, Ephesians 5:32; Hebrews 12:23. See list also in Ephesians 4:11. See note on Matthew 10:2 for προπητας — apostolous the official title given the twelve by Jesus, and claimed by Paul though not one of the twelve. Prophets (διδασκαλους — prophētas). For-speakers for God and Christ. See the list of prophets and teachers in Acts 13:1 with Barnabas first and Saul last. Prophets are needed today if men will let God‘s Spirit use them, men moved to utter the deep things of God. Teachers Old word from αποστολος — didaskō to teach. Used to the Baptist (Luke 3:12), to Jesus (John 3:10; John 13:13), and of Paul by himself along with επειτα δυναμεις — apostolos (1 Timothy 2:7). It is a calamity when the preacher is no longer a teacher, but only an exhorter. See note on Ephesians 4:11. Then miracles (δυναμεισ ιαμητων γλωσσων — epeita dunameis). Here a change is made from the concrete to the abstract. See the reverse in Romans 12:7. See these words (γλωσσων — dunameisαντιλημπσεις — iamētōnαντιλαμβανομαι — glōssōn) in 1 Corinthians 12:9, 1 Corinthians 12:10 with κυβερνησεις — glōssōn last again. But these two new terms (helps, governments). Helps Old word, from Κυβερνητης — antilambanomai to lay hold of. In lxx, common in papyri, here only in N.T. Probably refers to the work of the deacons, help rendered to the poor and the sick. Governments (επισχοποι — kubernēseis). Old word from πρεσβυτεροι — kubernaō (cf. οι προισταμενοι — Kubernētēs in Acts 27:11) like Latin gubernare, our govern. So a governing. Probably Paul has in mind bishops (οι ηγουμενοι — episcopoi) or elders (presbuteroi), the outstanding leaders (hoi proistamenoi in 1 Thessalonians 5:12; Romans 12:8; hoi hēgoumenoi in Acts 15:22; Hebrews 13:7, Hebrews 13:17, Hebrews 13:24). Curiously enough, these two offices (pastors and deacons) which are not named specifically are the two that survive today. See note on Philemon 1:1 for both officers. [source]
2 Corinthians 1:5 Sufferings of Christ []
Not things suffered for Christ's sake, but Christ's own sufferings as they are shared by His disciples. See Matthew 20:22; Philemon 3:10; Colossians 1:24; 1 Peter 4:13. Note the peculiar phrase abound ( περισσεύει ) in us, by which Christ's sufferings are represented as overflowing upon His followers. See on Colossians 1:24. [source]
2 Corinthians 1:5 Abound unto us [περισσευει εις ημας]
Overflow unto us so that we suffer like sufferings and become fellow sufferers with Christ (2 Corinthians 4:10.; Romans 8:17; Philemon 3:10; Colossians 1:24). Through Christ (δια του Χριστου — dia tou Christou). The overflow (περισσευει — perisseuei) of comfort comes also through Christ. Is Paul thinking of how some of the Jewish Christians in Corinth have become reconciled with him through Christ? Partnership with Christ in suffering brings partnership in glory also (Romans 8:17; 1 Peter 4:13). [source]
2 Corinthians 4:10 Bearing about [περιπεροντες]
Ignatius was called Τεοπορος — Theophoros God-bearer. See 1 Corinthians 15:31 where Paul says “I die daily” and Philemon 3:10; Colossians 1:24. [source]
Ephesians 1:22 Gave him to be head [αυτον εδωκεν κεπαλην]
Gave (εδωκεν — edōken first aorist active indicative of διδωμι — didōmi) to the church (the universal spiritual church or kingdom as in Colossians 1:18, Colossians 1:24) Christ as Head (κεπαλην — kephalēn predicate accusative). This conception of εκκλησια — ekklēsia runs all through Ephesians (Ephesians 3:10, Ephesians 3:21; Ephesians 5:23, Ephesians 5:24, Ephesians 5:25, Ephesians 5:27, Ephesians 5:29, Ephesians 5:32). [source]
Philippians 3:10 Fellowship of His sufferings []
Participation in Christ's sufferings. See Matthew 20:22, Matthew 20:23; and on Colossians 1:24. Compare 2 Corinthians 1:5; 1 Peter 4:13. Faith makes a believer one with a suffering Christ. [source]
Colossians 2:11 The body of the sins of the flesh [τοῦ σώματος τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν τῆς σαρκὸς]
Omit of the sins. The body of the flesh (compare on Colossians 1:22) is the body which consists of the flesh, flesh having its moral sense of that material part which is the seat and organ of sin, “the flesh with its passions and lusts” (Galatians 5:24; compare 1 John 2:16). See on Colossians 1:24. For the distinction between σῶμα bodyand σάρξ fleshsee on flesh, Romans 7:5, sec. 3. [source]
Colossians 1:11 With joyfulness []
Compare Colossians 1:24; James 1:2, James 1:3; 1 Peter 4:13. Some connect with giving thanks, Colossians 1:12, and this is favored by the construction of the previous clauses: in every good work bearing fruit: with all power strengthened: with joy giving thanks. But Paul is not always careful to maintain the symmetry of his periods. The idea of joy is contained in thanksgiving, which would make the emphatic position of with joy inexplicable; besides which we lose thus the idea of joyful endurance (Colossians 1:24) and of joyful suffering expressing itself in thanksgiving. Compare Romans 5:3. [source]
Colossians 1:18 The head of the body [η κεπαλη του σωματος]
Jesus is first also in the spiritual realm as he is in nature (Colossians 1:18-20). Paul is fond of the metaphor of the body (σωμα — sōma) for believers of which body Christ is the head (κεπαλη — kephalē) as seen already in 1 Corinthians 11:3; 1 Corinthians 12:12, 1 Corinthians 12:27; Romans 12:5. See further Colossians 1:24: Colossians 2:19; Ephesians 1:22.; Ephesians 4:2, Ephesians 4:15; Ephesians 5:30. [source]
Colossians 3:15 Rule [βραβευετω]
Imperative active third singular of βραβευω — brabeuō to act as umpire With one Head (Christ) as in Colossians 1:18, Colossians 1:24. Be ye thankful “Keep on becoming thankful.” Continuous obligation. [source]
Colossians 3:15 In one body [εν ενι σωματι]
With one Head (Christ) as in Colossians 1:18, Colossians 1:24. [source]
1 Thessalonians 1:6 In much affliction [εν τλιπσει πολληι]
Late word, pressure. Tribulation (Latin tribulum) from τλιβω — thlibō to press hard on. Christianity has glorified this word. It occurs in some Christian papyrus letters in this same sense. Runs all through the N.T. (2 Thessalonians 1:4; Romans 5:3). Paul had his share of them (Colossians 1:24; 2 Corinthians 2:4) and so he understands how to sympathize with the Thessalonians (1 Thessalonians 3:3.). They suffered after Paul left Thessalonica (1 Thessalonians 2:14). [source]
1 Thessalonians 3:10 And perfect [και καταρτισαι]
First aorist active articular infinitive of purpose The shortcomings, the lacks or left-overs (Colossians 1:24). From υστερεω — hustereō (υστερον — husteron), to be late. [source]
1 Thessalonians 3:10 That which is lacking in [τα υστερηματα]
The shortcomings, the lacks or left-overs (Colossians 1:24). From υστερεω — hustereō (υστερον — husteron), to be late. [source]
1 Thessalonians 1:6 Having received the word [δεχαμενοι τον λογον]
First aorist middle participle of δεχομαι — dechomai probably simultaneous action (receiving), not antecedent. In much affliction (εν τλιπσει πολληι — en thlipsei pollēi). Late word, pressure. Tribulation (Latin tribulum) from τλιβω — thlibō to press hard on. Christianity has glorified this word. It occurs in some Christian papyrus letters in this same sense. Runs all through the N.T. (2 Thessalonians 1:4; Romans 5:3). Paul had his share of them (Colossians 1:24; 2 Corinthians 2:4) and so he understands how to sympathize with the Thessalonians (1 Thessalonians 3:3.). They suffered after Paul left Thessalonica (1 Thessalonians 2:14). With joy of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit gives the joy in the midst of the tribulations as Paul learned (Romans 5:3). “This paradox of experience” (Moffatt) shines along the pathway of martyrs and saints of Christ. [source]
Hebrews 11:26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ [ἡγησάμενος τὸν ὀνειδισμὸν τοῦ Χριστοῦ]
The participle gives the reason for his choice of affliction instead of sin: since he esteemed. “The reproach of Christ” is the reproach peculiar to Christ; such as he endured. The writer uses it as a current form of expression, coloring the story of Moses with a Christian tinge. Comp. Romans 15:3; Hebrews 13:13; 2 Corinthians 1:5; Colossians 1:24; Philemon 3:14; 1 Peter 4:14. The phrase is applied to Moses as enduring at the hands of the Egyptians and of the rebellious Israelites the reproach which any faithful servant of God will endure, and which was endured in a notable way by Christ. [source]

What do the individual words in Colossians 1:24 mean?

Now I rejoice in the sufferings for you and I am filling up that which is lacking of the tribulations - of Christ the flesh of me the body of Him which is the church
Νῦν χαίρω ἐν τοῖς παθήμασιν ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν καὶ ἀνταναπληρῶ τὰ ὑστερήματα τῶν θλίψεων τοῦ Χριστοῦ τῇ σαρκί μου τοῦ σώματος αὐτοῦ ἐστιν ἐκκλησία

Νῦν  Now 
Parse: Adverb
Root: νῦν  
Sense: at this time, the present, now.
χαίρω  I  rejoice 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Active, 1st Person Singular
Root: χαίρω  
Sense: to rejoice, be glad.
παθήμασιν  sufferings 
Parse: Noun, Dative Neuter Plural
Root: πάθημα  
Sense: that which one suffers or has suffered.
ἀνταναπληρῶ  I  am  filling  up 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Active, 1st Person Singular
Root: ἀνταναπληρόω  
Sense: to fill up in turn.
τὰ  that  which 
Parse: Article, Accusative Neuter Plural
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
ὑστερήματα  is  lacking 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Neuter Plural
Root: ὑστέρημα  
Sense: deficiency, that which is lacking.
τῶν  of  the 
Parse: Article, Genitive Feminine Plural
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
θλίψεων  tribulations 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Plural
Root: θλῖψις  
Sense: a pressing, pressing together, pressure.
τοῦ  - 
Parse: Article, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
Χριστοῦ  of  Christ 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: Χριστός  
Sense: Christ was the Messiah, the Son of God.
σαρκί  flesh 
Parse: Noun, Dative Feminine Singular
Root: σάρξ  
Sense: flesh (the soft substance of the living body, which covers the bones and is permeated with blood) of both man and beasts.
μου  of  me 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Genitive 1st Person Singular
Root: ἐγώ  
Sense: I, me, my.
σώματος  body 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Neuter Singular
Root: σῶμα  
Sense: the body both of men or animals.
αὐτοῦ  of  Him 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Root: αὐτός  
Sense: himself, herself, themselves, itself.
ἐκκλησία  church 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Feminine Singular
Root: ἐκκλησία  
Sense: a gathering of citizens called out from their homes into some public place, an assembly.