Colossians 2:9-10

9. for in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, 10. and in him ye are made full, who is the head of all principality and power:

Translation and Paraphrase

9. (It is essential that you follow Christ only,) because in him dwells all the fullness of God-hood in a bodily manner. (It dwelt in his body on earth, and is now in his present glorious heavenly body.)

10. (Also) in him (Christ) you are made complete in every particular; (this is possible only in Christ, the one) who is head over every rule and authority (in heaven and on earth).

Notes

1.

Colossians 2:9-10 continues a list of reasons why we should beware of men's traditions and hold only to Christ. (See outline.) The reasons given here are that Christ has perfect God-hood (Colossians 2:9); Christ gives perfect completeness; Christ has perfect authority. Why should we turn away from Christ or add anything to what he has said when his nature and works are so perfect? All things that are necessary for life and godliness have been given in Christ. 2 Peter 1:3.

2.

Christ has perfect Godhead, or God-hood. The Greek word (theotes) translated Godhead refers to essential God-quality. A similar word (theiotes) is used in Romans 1:20; it refers to divinity as reflected in various ways. All the fulnessthe abundance, the full measureof God-hood dwells in Christ. The verb dwell here is from the Gr. katoikeo, meaning to settle or dwell, as opposed to paroikeo, to sojourn or dwell temporarily. God-hood is a permanent quality in Christ.

3.

God-hood dwells in Christ bodily, that is, in a bodily manner. Colossians 1:19. This reference to a bodily manner probably refers both to Christ's body that he had while on earth, and his present exalted and spiritual body in heaven, visible only to the inhabitants of heaven. John 1:14.

No matter what body is referred to, the teaching of Paul that divine fulness dwelt in a body specially struck at the Gnostic doctrines. They did not think that spiritual and material things could be in contact.

This idea is not some remote historical curiosity. Some scholars today are arguing that we can hold to spiritual truths from Christ, while we at the same time deny the reality of the historical Jesus who is portrayed in the gospel. This is nothing but a modern version of Gnosticism.

4.

There is no more glorious declaration in all the Bible than the statement that in him ye are made full (or complete).

This is an echo of John 1:16: And of his fullness have we all received.

We all long for a full life. We want to be a complete person with nothing lacking that is of real worth. Contrary to the feelings of most of us fullness of life comes altogether from our association with Christ, and not from any things we may acquire. Luke 12:15.

5.

Christ has perfect authority. He the head over all principality and power. The terms principality (Gr. arche, beginning or rule) and power (Gr. exousia, authority) apparently refer to high ranking angelic beings, both good and bad. Colossians 2:15; Ephesians 1:21-22; Ephesians 3:10; Ephesians 6:12. The terms may also include all authority among both angels and men.

The Gnostics emphasized angels; but Christ is head over all angelic forces. Hebrews 1:4-8; Colossians 2:18.

Study and Review

13.

What does Godhead mean in Colossians 2:9?

14.

In what manner does the fullness of the Godhead dwell in Christ? (Colossians 2:10)

15.

How does Colossians 2:9 specially apply to Gnostic doctrines?

16.

Where are we made full (or complete) ?

17.

Of what is Christ head (besides the church)? (Colossians 2:10)

18.

What (or who) is all principality and power?