A note from our Pastor:

“For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;”

Colossians 1:19

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

The writings of the Aposlte Paul are often complex, making their difficult to understand. His theology is accurate, but the interpretation is often skewed. Our study verse for this week is one of those complex verses. It contains thoughts that, in their structure, are completely unique to the Apostle’s writings.

I am not a scholar of the scriptures in their native language. Based on the commentary of other scholars, it is established that the words “the Father” did not appear in the original text. Commentaries generally agree that the addition of the words “the Father” was rightly done.

Some have interpreted our study verse as expressing the same meaning as Colossians 2:9. “For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.” The context of Colossians 2:9 is similarly focused on discipleship and following after Christ. However, simply understanding that Colossians 1:19 and Colossians 2:9 have similar meanings does not add clarity.

The question remains, what is meant by “all fullness dwell?”

First, the fullness in Jesus Christ is not something given by God the Father. Rather, it exists in him because Jesus Christ is God and always has been. He was God before creation, he was God during the Old Testament, he was God during his incarnation, and he is God for all eternity. This fullness is an expression of his divinity. Second, the fullness is something that can only come from Christ because of his role in eternal salvation and his role as mediator. It does not mean that the rest of the Godhead is in disagreement, but it is a distinct role and function of Jesus Christ.

The fullness referenced in this verse by the Apostle is Jesus Christ revealing the truth of salvation to his people. It began with his earthly ministry as he established his core teachings. It was cemented by his death, burial, resurrection, and post-resurrection teachings. It was passed on to his disciples with his ascension and the day of Pentecost. With this revelation come other aspects of God. From Jesus Christ to his people flow grace, mercy, love, hope, peace, joy, and many other aspects. All of the good gifts that come from above make up this fullness in Christ, but it is all centered around the revelation of the truth of salvation.

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah