Colossians 1:25
What does Colossians 1:25 mean?
A plain-English look at Colossians 1:25 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Colossians 1:25 means
Paul was “made a minister” according to the divine stewardship given to him “to fulfil the word of God.” His calling is not self-made; it is a trust from God aimed at bringing God’s message to completion, especially by taking it to the Gentiles. To fulfill the word may mean fully proclaiming it—nothing lacking in scope or clarity. Paul’s ministry is thus measured not by novelty but by faithfulness to God’s revelation. The church’s health depends on stewards who dispense God’s truth, not their own opinions. Paul views himself as a servant under orders, dedicated to making God’s word heard and obeyed among those to whom he is sent.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000whereof I was made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which was given me to you-ward, to fulfil the word of God,
KJV
King James Version · 1611Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901whereof I was made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which was given me to you-ward, to fulfil the word of God,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Of which I became a servant by the purpose of God which was given to me for you, to give effect to the word of God,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862of which I--I did become a ministrant according to the dispensation of God, that was given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Whereof I am made a minister according to the dispensation of God, which is given me towards you, that I may fulfil the word of God:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890of which I became minister, according to the dispensation ofGod which [is] given me towards you to complete the word ofGod,
Context
Following his statement about suffering for the church (verse 24), Paul explains the nature of his ministry (verse 25). This stewardship focuses on unveiling God’s long-hidden plan, which he will call “the mystery” in verses 26–27. Knowing Paul’s role and authority reassures the Colossians that his message answers their needs and aligns with God’s redemptive plan, countering alternative teachers.
v.24Now 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;
v.25This passage
v.26even the mystery which hath been hid for ages and generations: but now hath it been manifested to his saints,
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Colossians 1:23
if 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.
- 1 Timothy 4:6
If thou put the brethren in mind of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished in the words of the faith, and of the good doctrine which thou hast followed until now:
- 1 Thessalonians 3:2
and sent Timothy, our brother and God’s minister in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith;
- Ephesians 3:2
if so be that ye have heard of the dispensation of that grace of God which was given me to you-ward;
- Galatians 2:7
but contrariwise, when they saw that I had been intrusted with the gospel of the uncircumcision, even as Peter with the gospel of the circumcision
- 2 Timothy 4:2
preach the word; be urgent in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.
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