King James Version
What Does Colossians 1:25 Mean?
“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; to fulfil: or, fully to preach the word”
Context
23
If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;
24
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:
25
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; to fulfil: or, fully to preach the word
26
Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
27
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: in: or, among
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(25) **Whereof I am made** (or, *became*) **a minister.**—Above (in Colossians 1:23) St. Paul describes himself as a “minister of the gospel,” here as a “minister (or, *servant*) of the Church.” Elsewhere he is always the “minister of God” and “of Christ”; here of the Church, as the Body of Christ, and so indissolubly united with Christ.
**The dispensation of God.**—See Ephesians 3:2-9, and Notes there. The reference is to his peculiar “Apostleship of the Gentiles.”
**To fulfil.**—The marginal reading and reference to Romans 15:19 give the explanation of the word, “fully to preach the Word of God”—to be a messenger of the perfect revelation, which had now unfolded what was previously a hidden “mystery.”
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Colossians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Colossians 1:25 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Colossians 1:25
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge