READ: Col. 1:23–27: “… the afflictions of Christ … glory …”
The congregation of Colosse lies close to Paul’s heart. Although he does not personally know the members of the congregation—with the exception of Epaphras—he knows himself to be united with them. As servant of the divine Word, it is his heartfelt desire that the gospel, which as good news gives the prospect of eternal glory, may gain entrance into the hearts of the hearers, wherever in the world they may be. And that it may also continue to work in the congregations that have received this Word.
Paul’s apostolic work means that he also encounters much opposition and suffering, even imprisonment at the moment he writes this letter. But because this arises from his calling and ministry, he can even rejoice in it. All the more because he sees it as an extension of what Christ had to suffer.
By the latter Paul does not mean that his suffering on earth is directly connected with the reconciliation that Christ accomplished through His suffering on the cross, but with the distribution of it. His suffering is the result of opposition from Satan, who works it through unbelieving opponents. Yet Christ overcomes Satan at this point because Paul’s imprisonment opens ways to proclaim the gospel and support believers.
Paul calls the congregation the body of Christ; so closely is the Savior united with her. He nourishes and strengthens her, now also by means of the letter Paul sends to her. Thus, his imprisonment serves the welfare of this congregation. For by his letter, he desires to contribute to the Word of God coming to its fulfillment, to its effect in believing hearts within the congregation.
Their hearts had once been full of pagan, ungodly thoughts, when salvation for centuries had been intended only for the Jews. But with the accomplishment of reconciliation by Christ, and His rejection by the majority of the Jewish people, salvation now also comes to the Gentiles.
Thus, God fulfills His promises to Abraham (Gen. 12:3) and makes the age-old mystery known to believers (Rom. 16:25,26; Eph. 3:5–9): Christ among you with nothing less than the prospect of eternal glory.
What is the positive aspect of suffering and difficulties?
Singing: Ps. 96:6,8