Biblion Bible Commentary
Read the introduction to Colossians · About this commentary
Filling Up What Is Lacking
Colossians 1:24-25
24 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 assembly, · WEB
A prisoner rejoices in suffering for people he has never met — and says something about Christ's afflictions that needs care.
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake. The claim is made by a man in chains writing to strangers, which is what gives it weight; nothing here is theoretical.
Then the difficult clause: 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 assembly.
What it cannot mean is that Christ's atoning work was incomplete. This letter has just said the reconciliation was accomplished at the cross Colossians 1:20; nothing is left owing.
What the text does say is where the lack sits and whom it is for: in my flesh, and for his body's sake, which is the assembly. The afflictions in view are those the church still absorbs as the message travels, and Scripture treats them as Christ's own — the Lord asked Saul why he was persecuting me, when what Saul attacked was Christians Acts 9:4. On that identification a share of suffering remains for the body to bear, and Paul is taking his portion.
Verse 25 names his position: a servant, according to the stewardship given him, to fulfill the word of God.
held with reason What this mark means