Colossians 1:28,29

28. whom we proclaim, admonishing every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ; 29. whereunto I labor also, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

Translation and Paraphrase

28. (Yes, God's mystery is Christ,) whom we are proclaiming (by) admonishing every man and teaching every man with all (the) wisdom (we can muster), so that we may present every man perfect in Christ (Jesus).

29. Toward this (goal of presenting every man perfect in Christ) I toil, contending (against all obstacles in a manner) according to his (Christ's divine) working, which works in me with (great) power.

Notes

1.

In Colossians 1:28-29 Paul assured the Colossians that he taught and labored with much effort to tell every man about God's glorious mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

2.

Paul's proclamation of Christ consisted both of admonitions (warnings) and teachings.

3.

Paul admonished and taught in all wisdom. He recognized that people come from many backgrounds, and have many different prejudices. He became all things to all men that he might by all means save some. (1 Corinthians 9:19-22)

4.

The goal of Paul's teaching was that he might present every man perfect in Christ. This is the goal also of Christ Jesus himself. Colossians 1:22. It is a goal too huge for human power. Our generation with its immortality, its selfishness, its violence, and lack of moral principles needs to be converted, and transformed, and presented perfect in Christ. This was what Paul set out to do for his generation. Will we attempt it for our generation?

5.

Three times in Colossians 1:28 Paul repeats every man, as if to emphasize the universal appeal of the gospel, the free offer of salvation for all, and the need of all humanity for the gospel.

6.

Paul labored (Gr. kopiao) to present every man perfect in Christ. This word means to grow weary and exhausted; to labor with wearisome effort; to toil. 1 Timothy 4:10; 1 Corinthians 4:12; 1 Corinthians 15:10.

7.

Paul describes his toil as striving. Striving (Gr. agonizomai) refers to contests, contending against adversaries, struggling with difficulties and dangers. The point is that there are opponents to be subdued.

8.

Paul was able to strive as he did against all obstacles because Christ helped him. Paul was striving according to his (Christ'S) working, which worketh in me mightily. He could do all things in Christ who strengthened him. Philippians 4:13. Compare Colossians 1:11; Ephesians 1:19; Ephesians 3:7. For examples of how Christ helped Paul see Romans 15:18-19; Acts 23:11; Acts 27:23-24.

Study and Review

18.

Who is the whom referred to at the beginning of Colossians 1:28?

19.

Paul says that his proclaiming was accompanied by two types of speaking. What are they? (Colossians 1:28)

20.

In what way did Paul teach every man?

21.

What was the goal of Paul's teaching?

22.

To what does the whereunto of Colossians 1:29 refer?

23.

According to what did Paul strive? (Colossians 1:29)

24.

What worked within Paul?

25.

From information given in Colossians 1:29, where would you say Paul obtained the ability to do the great labors he did?