Tess, I too have wondering about this verse.
Alan and I where discussing this too. I am including our discussion regarding V24.
What i think v24 means. Christ's afflictions are not known and loved by everyone. Christ is not earth bound so we are called to walk like Christ and minister Suffer. So that when we minister the Word, others can hear the Word and see the Word by our Christ like hearts then they too will know and love Christ our Lord The will know the Affliction of Christ. So i guess we are to fill what is lacking.
Also the constant use of the word "you" in Colossians. It sounds like he Paul is trying to ralley them?
Also the constant use of the word "you" in Colossians. It sounds like he Paul is trying to ralley them?
If you have a few minutes I would love to know what your think.
Love,
Mom.
Yes you are on the right track. The key is that Paul is filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions (in his flesh). This speaks to Paul's sufferings and sacrifices. The suffering and sacrifices that Paul endures displays and manifests Christ's sacrifice on the cross to people who had not seen his sacrifice. Christ's sacrifice was not insufficient in some way. Moreover, Paul is saying that when he is suffering and imprisoned for the sake of the Gospel he is manifesting Christ's sacrifice on the cross. Paul is suffering for the sake of other people's gain that they may know God. Paul gives up contentment for pain, sorrow, suffering, so that people may gain from it a knowledge of the cross more intimately, both unbelievers and believers. He seems to be proving a point that he is jealous for their maturity in Christ. Colossians 1:28 & 29...and also Colossians 2:1-5. He seems to be struggling and suffering displaying in his flesh Christ's afflictions so that the Colossians will know that Paul is for them and that they may be encouraged and built up in Christ more....
Love you mom, and hope that helps.
Love,
Alan
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That's a good description!
ReplyDeleteAdding to it, I have listed some scripture where Jesus is telling the apostles and those whose are His that they WILL be persecuted on account of Christ and the gospel. There is that continual suffereing for God's word by His people, and perseverance in the Faith (In Christ)will lead us home. Our physical bodies may perish, but eternally speaking, we will not perish.
John 15:18
"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. "
Matthew 10:22
"All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved."
Luke 21:10-19
The he [Jesus} said to them,"Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, and invarious places fmaines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven. But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kigs and governors for my name's sake. This will be our opporuntity to bear witness. Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. you will be dilivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death. You will be hated by all for my name's sake. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your lives."
I think something also needs to be said of Paul's joy in that suffering and also of our own perspectives of suffering for the gospel. I know that it is difficult for me to comprehend suffering for Christ, in the sense that Paul expereinced it. The most that I have experienced is some ridicule here and there, which is not close to what Stephen or Paul went through. It was not for their own glory, but for the glory of the only One deserving of that Glory. The mindset is not on today's world, but on the Kindgom. Which it is through this goal and the power in Christ that Paul has the strength and endurance to carry on. "For this I toil, struggling with all His[Christ's] energy that He powerfully works within me[Paul]." (Col 1:29)
I found another scripture on sufferring that I found interesting and reassuring:
ReplyDelete1 Peter 5:6-11
"Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, (7) casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. (8) Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the fevil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (9)Resist him, firm in your faith, knowingh that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. (10)And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strenthen,and establish you. (11) to him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen"