Colossians 1:24
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Paul rejoices in his sufferings, not just to share in Christ's experience, but because his afflictions are actively completing something Christ's earthly ministry began. These are not sufferings that Christ needed help with, but rather the continuation of Christ's ministry of suffering through His body, the church, which Paul is actively participating in.
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is writing from prison, addressing the church in Colossae. He's explaining his ministry and the great cosmic purpose of Christ to reconcile all things. He previously emphasized that Christ's work of reconciliation is already sufficient, so here, he clarifies his own suffering isn't a supplement to Christ's atoning work, but rather his participation in Christ's ongoing mission for the church's sake.
Paul declares he rejoices now in his current sufferings. How can someone find joy when enduring hardship, especially for others?
Paul’s joy isn't a passive acceptance, but an active, chosen response rooted in his understanding of God's work.
The Source of Joy
Paul speaks of "filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions." What could possibly be lacking in the sufferings of Christ?
This phrase doesn't imply Christ's sacrifice was insufficient. Instead, it speaks to the ongoing work of God through His people.
Understanding the 'Lack'
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Understand the original words
pathēmasin · Greek Noun
Adverse circumstances, hardship, or pain experienced, often for the sake of the gospel. They are seen as sharing in the experience of Christ and testing the believer's perseverance.
ekklēsia · Greek Noun
The community of believers united to Christ as their Head. It is described as a living organism and the spiritual home of all who have been reconciled to God.
Paul's declaration of rejoicing in his current sufferings as he writes from Rome underscores a profound perspective shift. His afflictions are not seen as mere personal burdens, but as a vital participation in Christ's ongoing work for the church, highlighting the redemptive power found even in hardship.
c. AD 60-62— this verse
Paul Imprisoned in Rome
The Apostle Paul, while under house arrest in Rome, writes letters including the Epistle to the Colossians. His confinement did not stop his ministry, but it did mean he was enduring significant personal hardship and suffering.
c. AD 48-57
Paul's Missionary Journeys
Paul undertook extensive missionary journeys throughout the Roman Empire, establishing churches and spreading the gospel. These journeys often involved facing intense opposition, persecution, and suffering.
c. AD 53-57
Paul's Earlier Imprisonments
Before his final imprisonment in Rome, Paul experienced other periods of confinement, such as in Philippi and Ephesus. These experiences provided context for his understanding of suffering for the sake of the gospel.
c. AD 30-33
Crucifixion of Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ endured immense suffering and death on the cross. This foundational event in Christian theology is the ultimate example of suffering for humanity's sake.
This passage echoes the idea that believers share in Christ's sufferings, stating that 'as the sufferings of Christ abound to us, so our consolation also abounds by Christ.' It highlights the reciprocal relationship between Christ's experience and that of his followers.
Philippians 3:10Paul expresses a similar desire to 'know him and the power of his resurrection, and to share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.' This shows his deep longing to experience and understand Christ's afflictions in his own life.
1 Peter 4:13This verse encourages believers to 'rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice with exceeding gladness when his glory is revealed.' It connects present suffering with future joy and glory in Christ.
Matthew 20:22-23When Jesus asks the sons of Zebedee if they can 'drink the cup that I am to drink,' he is speaking of the suffering that is uniquely his. This passage provides a backdrop for understanding the 'cup' or afflictions that Christ endured, and the participation believers might have in a different sense.
Romans 8:17This verse speaks of believers as 'heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him, so that we may also be glorified with him.' It emphasizes the shared journey of suffering and glory that characterizes the Christian life.
gillColossians 1:24: "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:"
Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you,.... The apostle, as soon as he had made mention of his being a minister of the Gospel, thinks and speaks of his "sufferings"; for those are what always more or less attend persons in such an office; they are appointed to them by God; Christ has foretold them of them; they are nec…
meyerColossians 1:24: "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 .[61] A more precise description of this relation of service, and that, in the first place, with respect to the sufferings which the apostle is now enduring, Colossians 1:24 , and then with respect to his important calling generally, Colossians 1:25-29 . ὃς (see the critical remarks) ΝῦΝ ΧΑΊΡΩ Κ.Τ.Λ. : I…
Paul rejoices in his sufferings, not just to share in Christ's experience, but because his afflictions are actively completing something Christ's earthly ministry began. These are not sufferings that Christ needed help with, but rather the continuation of Christ's ministry of suffering through His body, the church, which Paul is actively participating in.
Paul is writing from prison, addressing the church in Colossae. He's explaining his ministry and the great cosmic purpose of Christ to reconcile all things. He previously emphasized that Christ's work of reconciliation is already sufficient, so here, he clarifies his own suffering isn't a supplement to Christ's atoning work, but rather his participation in Christ's ongoing mission for the church's sake.
Paul is writing from prison, addressing the church in Colossae. He's explaining his ministry and the great cosmic purpose of Christ to reconcile all things. He previously emphasized that Christ's work of reconciliation is already sufficient, so here, he clarifies his own suffering isn't a supplement to Christ's atoning work, but rather his participation in Christ's ongoing mission for the church's sake.
"Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church," — Paul rejoices in his sufferings, not just to share in Christ's experience, but because his afflictions are actively completing something Christ's earthly ministry began. These are not sufferings th…
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Last reviewed October 2026
