"I Paul am made a minister; who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church." - Colossians 1:24
I was asked tonight if Colossians 1:24 implies that Christ's atonement for the Church is not yet complete, and whether the suffering of Christians somehow contributes to the the Lord's redemptive work. This is a very serious question which deserves a sure answer. After all, if the debt of sin is not yet paid, and was not satisfied by the death of God's own Son, what does this say of the value which the Father places upon Christ as an acceptable sacrifice? To be candid, this passage confused me as well until I began to settle down into the general doctrines of the Faith. Now it is easier to understand Paul's meaning. My prayer is that you would find similar clarity for the peace of your soul and the praise of God.
Before discussing the passage, let's read it once more, beginning in the latter portion of verse 23.
"I Paul am made a minister; who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church."
Paul is here describing his service to the Church on behalf of Christ. The confusion arises because of the phrases, "my sufferings for you" and "fill up that which is behind - or, which yet remains - of the afflictions of Christ." Let us first dispel any thought that Paul is here proposing his suffering somehow expiates the sins of the Church, or in anyway combines with Christ's atoning death to redeem the elect. The afflictions which the Apostle speaks of are not a type which removes sins, since that form of suffering was fully accomplished by Christ on the cross. The book of Hebrews confirms the finality of Christ's atonement, saying, "after He had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, He sat down on the right hand of God," and, "by one offering He hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified." [Hebrews 10:12, 14] This word here translated sanctified is the Greek hagiazo, which means to ceremonially consecrate. It is a declarative act which is in no sense changeable, being synonymous in this context with the election of Christ's people to eternal life. Hagiazo differs from hagiasmos, which is also sometimes translated sanctified, but which implies a literal progress or state of moral purification. [Cffr. Romans 6:19; 1 Thess 4:3, 7].
What then are we to make of the passage? What remains of Christ's afflictions, and in what way did Paul's suffering "fill them up" to the benefit of the Church? In order to understand the Apostle's words, we must understand his apostolic calling. The very week that Paul was appointed to be an apostle, words were prophesied over him, that "great things he must suffer" for Christ's sake. [Acts 9:16] That is, in order to spread the Gospel and to instruct the Church, Paul would need to endure hardships. This suffering service was of Christ, in that Paul's patience through trials would serve as a Christlike example to others and would heap praise upon the Lord, who gives "peace surpassing all understanding." [Phil. 4:7] Therefore Paul eagerly anticipated the various difficulties and persecutions he would face throughout his ministry, up to and including his martyrdom. "I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus." [Acts 21:13] Whatever happened, Paul could not separate his arduous afflictions from the belief that they were for the Lord's service.
In this service of suffering Paul's primary task was to be an example to Christ's body, the Church. It is the divinely appointed duty of the Church to suffer patiently. "No man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto." [1 Thess. 3:3] Therefore it was necessary for Paul to demonstrate this obedience to a lofty degree, even to say, "be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ." [1 Cor. 11:1] James and John were asked if they were willing to drink the cup of sorrows and death which God had appointed to Christ. [Mark 10:38] Even so, Paul's cup of afflictions was always filling up, until the day his life was taken. And then at last, when his service was enough, he was "ready to be poured out like a drink offering." [2 Tim. 4:6]
Finally, we must consider what effect was left upon the Apostle by the message given to him on the Damascus road. Surely, Paul never forgot the awesome words of the Son of God, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?" [Acts 9:4] Though Saul, as he was then called, had been brutalizing the Christians, yet Jesus spoke of the violence as if it were done to Himself, personally. This grants us insight into the Lord's words, "as much as you have done it to the least of one of these, my brethren, so you have done it unto Me." [Matt. 25:40] Christ the Head cannot be separated from the grief of His suffering Body. The afflictions of the Church afflict the Savior even today, who is not above His own commandment to "weep with those who weep." [Rom.12:15]
The desire of every true minister should be to join with Christ in His sufferings on behalf of the Church. We may do this just as Paul did, by enduring all manners of difficulties for the sake of the gospel. Our reasonable service is to present our lives as living sacrifices, by enduring trials, lending prayers, offering encouragement, and becoming hearty examples of faith to the Body which suffers with us. May God grant to us the grace and love to say with Paul, "I rejoice in my sufferings" for Christ and the Church.
"I Paul am made a minister; who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church." [Colossians 1:24]
