Devine Scripture

Colossians 1:24

What does Colossians 1:24 mean?

A plain-English look at Colossians 1:24 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Colossians 1:24 means

Paul astonishingly says he rejoices in his sufferings for the Colossians and “fills up” what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions “in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church.” He does not mean Christ’s atoning work is deficient; the cross fully saves. Rather, Paul’s ministerial hardships extend the presence of Christ’s sufferings in history as the gospel advances. The Head suffered once for sin; the body shares in sufferings as it carries His message. Paul’s joy shows he views trials as purposeful, benefiting the church. His pain is not wasted; it participates in Christ’s mission to build up His people through sacrificial service.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

King James Version · 1611

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:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Now I have joy in my pain because of you, and in my flesh I undergo whatever is still needed to make the sorrows of Christ complete, for the salvation of his body, the church;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

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,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you and fill up those things that are wanting of the sufferings of Christ, in my flesh, for his body, which is the church:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

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;

Context

Verse 24 begins Paul’s personal reflection on his ministry (verses 24–29). After stressing the gospel’s universality and the call to persevere (verse 23), Paul explains how his own afflictions serve the church’s good. Verses 25–27 will describe his stewardship to reveal the once-hidden mystery—Christ among the Gentiles. Verses 28–29 will outline his aim to present everyone mature in Christ and the divine energy empowering his labor.

v.23if so be that ye continue in the faith, grounded and stedfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel which ye heard, which was preached in all creation under heaven; whereof I Paul was made a minister.

v.24This passage

v.25whereof I was made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which was given me to you-ward, to fulfil the word of God,

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 2 Corinthians 11:23

    Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as one beside himself) I more; in labors more abundantly, in prisons more abundantly, in stripes above measure, in deaths oft.

  • Philippians 3:10

    that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, becoming conformed unto his death;

  • Philippians 2:17

    Yea, and if I am offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all:

  • Romans 5:3

    And not only so, but we also rejoice in our tribulations: knowing that tribulation worketh stedfastness;

  • 2 Corinthians 7:4

    Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying on your behalf: I am filled with comfort, I overflow with joy in all our affliction.

  • Ephesians 3:13

    Wherefore I ask that ye may not faint at my tribulations for you, which are your glory.

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