Colossians 1:25 kjv

Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;

Colossians 1:25 nkjv

of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God,

Colossians 1:25 niv

I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness?

Colossians 1:25 esv

of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known,

Colossians 1:25 nlt

God has given me the responsibility of serving his church by proclaiming his entire message to you.

Colossians 1 verses

Colossians 1 25 Meaning

Colossians 1:25 reveals the apostle Paul's divinely appointed role as a minister of the gospel. He explicitly states that his apostleship and mission were entrusted to him by God, not by human design, for the benefit of the Colossian believers and all Gentiles. His purpose, established by this divine stewardship, was to fully and completely proclaim the Word of God, especially the previously hidden "mystery" of Christ among the Gentiles, making it known in its entirety to the church.

Colossians 1 25 Context

Colossians chapter 1 begins with Paul's thanksgiving for the believers in Colossae, focusing on their faith, love, and hope in the gospel (vv. 3-8). He then prays for their spiritual wisdom and knowledge to live lives worthy of the Lord (vv. 9-12). The chapter crescendos with a profound theological exposition of the supremacy and preeminence of Christ as the Creator, Sustainer, Head of the Church, and Reconciler (vv. 13-20). This exalted view of Christ directly counters any emerging Gnostic-like philosophies or syncretistic practices that would diminish His unique position. Paul then connects Christ's work of reconciliation to the Colossian believers' personal salvation (vv. 21-23). Verse 24 introduces Paul's suffering for the Church, interpreting it as "filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions," not as a deficit in Christ's atonement, but as the suffering endured by His body, the Church, in completing the redemptive purpose in the world. Verse 25 follows directly from this, explaining that Paul's suffering is intrinsically linked to his role as a minister, appointed by God to fully proclaim "the word of God"—specifically the mystery revealed in Christ's work among the Gentiles, which is further detailed in the subsequent verses (Col 1:26-27). Historically, Paul writes this letter while imprisoned, likely in Rome, addressing concerns about false teachings that sought to undermine the sufficiency of Christ by promoting human traditions, legalism, angel worship, or secret knowledge. Paul’s assertion of his divine stewardship reinforces the authenticity and completeness of the gospel he delivered, emphasizing that it lacks nothing and needs no supplements.

Colossians 1 25 Word analysis

• Of which: Refers directly back to "the mystery" (Col 1:26, "the mystery which has been hidden from ages") and the glorious gospel mentioned throughout the preceding verses (e.g., Col 1:23). It is the central subject of Paul's commission.
• I became a minister: From Greek egeno an diakonos (ἐγενόμην διάκονος).
  • diakonos (διάκονος): "servant," "deacon," "attendant," or "minister." It implies one who serves by carrying out instructions or fulfilling a role, often of a significant nature. It underscores Paul's humility yet divine appointment. He is not self-appointed but divinely placed into service for the gospel's sake.
• according to the stewardship: From Greek kata tēn oikonomian (κατὰ τὴν οἰκονομίαν).
  • oikonomia (οἰκονομία): "administration," "dispensation," "management," "arrangement of affairs." This word signifies a divinely ordained plan or management of the house/household (God's household, the church) or a specific role of administration. Paul sees himself as managing God's affairs and revealing His plan for the Gentiles. It highlights that his ministry is not random or self-chosen but part of God's overarching design.
• from God: The source of this "stewardship" and "minister" appointment. This asserts divine authority for Paul's ministry, making it clear that his apostleship is God-ordained, not humanly conferred or earned. This counters any attempts to diminish his authority or the legitimacy of the Gentile mission.
• given to me for you: "For you" refers primarily to the Gentile believers, specifically the Colossians. It emphasizes the direct and purposeful nature of Paul's commission. His calling was not abstract but for the practical benefit and evangelization of specific communities like theirs, highlighting God's intent for the gospel to reach them.
• to fulfill: From Greek plerōsai (πληρῶσαι), an aorist active infinitive of plēroō (πληρόω).
  • plēroō (πληρόω): "to fill," "to make full," "to complete," "to bring to an end," "to accomplish." In this context, it doesn't mean to "add to" the Word of God as if it were incomplete, but rather "to bring to completion" or "to make fully known." Paul's mission was to fully preach and present the gospel's truth, specifically revealing the mystery of Christ to the Gentiles. It speaks of the full unfolding and comprehensive proclamation of God's revealed truth.
• the word of God: From Greek ton logon tou theou (τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ). This phrase refers to the comprehensive revelation of God's will and truth, particularly the Gospel message concerning Christ. In context with "to fulfill" and the subsequent verses about "the mystery," it points to the completed revelation of salvation in Christ, which includes the incorporation of Gentiles into God's plan.

Word-groups by Word-groups Analysis:

• "Of which I became a minister according to the stewardship": This phrase establishes Paul's identity and function, anchoring both in a divine mandate. It demonstrates that his ministry is a servant leadership given by an unchallengeable authority, God, for a specific administrative purpose concerning His saving plan.
• "from God given to me for you": This clarifies the divine origin and intended beneficiaries of Paul's unique calling. It removes any doubt about the authority behind his message and assures the Gentile believers that they are integral to God's plan, a truth previously less understood in redemptive history.
• "to fulfill the word of God": This defines the ultimate aim of Paul's divine appointment and stewardship. It means to fully articulate and actualize the Gospel message in all its implications, ensuring that the revelation of Christ and His plan for salvation reaches its complete expression through his ministry, particularly its application to Gentiles. It emphasizes that the message Paul delivered was the complete divine revelation, needing no external additions or secret knowledge as false teachers might claim.

Colossians 1 25 Bonus section

The concept of oikonomia (stewardship or dispensation) in Pauline theology is profound. It refers to God's wise and purposeful arrangement for human salvation throughout history. Paul saw his ministry as a specific part of this divine administration, particularly for the "dispensation of the grace of God" to the Gentiles (Eph 3:2). This highlights the orderly and pre-determined nature of God's plan, which unfolds progressively, revealing more of His character and purposes over time. Paul was an agent in bringing this grand divine design to its full public knowledge. His role as a "minister" and "steward" meant faithfully executing this divine plan, not innovating or distorting it, thus offering a counter-narrative to false teachers who claimed unique access to a "higher" or "secret" knowledge. His sufferings were part of this stewardship, enabling the Word to be fully proclaimed and established even in hardship (2 Tim 2:9).

Colossians 1 25 Commentary

Colossians 1:25 provides critical insight into Paul's self-understanding and the divine nature of his apostleship. He sees his life's work as a sacred trust (oikonomia), an administrative commission directly from God. This isn't a mere job; it's a "stewardship" where he is responsible for managing and distributing God's truth. The recipients are the "you"—the Gentile believers, indicating the inclusive nature of God's saving plan, which was central to Paul's specific calling. The ultimate purpose of this stewardship is "to fulfill the word of God." This does not suggest that God's Word was somehow incomplete on its own. Rather, Paul was called to bring the comprehensive knowledge and implications of God's redemptive plan—especially the mystery of Christ among the Gentiles (Col 1:26-27)—to its full and widespread realization through his preaching. His ministry served to make known in its completeness the entire counsel of God concerning salvation in Christ. It underscores the gospel's sufficiency and counters any need for supplementary rituals or philosophies. Paul’s sufferings (Col 1:24) are thus bound up in this very task, completing the outworking of God’s plan on earth as Christ’s body extends His truth.