Colossians 1:28-29
Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The repeated "every man" isn't just about the universality of the Gospel; it emphasizes that each individual, regardless of background, is seen as uniquely precious and the goal of this ministry. This means the aim is not a general maturity for the masses, but a personal, complete flourishing of each person in Christ.
Paul is explaining the purpose and method of his ministry, especially in light of the false teachings that were undermining the church in Colossae. He emphasizes that the gospel he preaches, focusing on Christ, is the ultimate wisdom and the hope for all people, directly countering any exclusive or esoteric knowledge offered by others. His goal is to equip every believer fully in Christ, presenting them mature and complete before God.
Paul describes his work with two powerful words: warning and teaching. What's the difference, and why are both essential for spiritual growth?
Paul's ministry wasn't just about sharing good news; it was a comprehensive approach to shaping lives.
Warning (Admonishing)
This isn't about scaring people, but about calling them to attention. It's a call to wake up to the reality of sin, its consequences, and the urgent need for God's intervention. Think of it as a loving but firm hand on someone's shoulder, saying, 'Stop! Look here before it's too late.' It addresses the 'what if' of spiritual danger.
Teaching (Instructing)
This is the foundational work of building up. It's about clearly explaining God's truth, the wisdom of the Gospel, and how to live it out. It answers the 'how to' of spiritual life. It provides the solid ground for faith and practice.
Together, these two actions create a dynamic process. Warning alerts us to our need, and teaching shows us the way to meet that need in Christ.
Paul's work isn't just about getting people saved; it's about bringing them to a specific destination. What does 'mature in Christ' truly mean?
The ultimate aim of the apostolic ministry, as Paul states it, is not merely conversion, but completion.
Not Perfection in Ourselves
This 'perfection' (or maturity) isn't about achieving sinless perfection in our own strength. We can't get there on our own merit. The commentaries remind us that it's not about being flawless in ourselves.
Completeness in Christ
Instead, it's about being fully 'in Christ.' This means being complete in His righteousness, holiness, and wisdom. It's about growing into the fullness of what God intended for us through our union with Christ. Think of it like a plant growing to its full, intended form, drawing all its life from the soil and sun.
Understand the original words
katangellō · Greek Verb
To preach, announce, or herald the good news of the gospel. It implies the public declaration of a message that demands a response.
sophia · Greek Noun
God's comprehensive insight and ability to apply divine truth to life. It involves the correct understanding of God’s will and the practical application of that knowledge in godly living.
teleios · Greek Adjective
Refers to spiritual adulthood or completeness. It describes one who has reached a state of being fully equipped and developed in their faith, reflecting the character of Christ.
kopiaō · Greek Verb
To exert oneself to the point of exhaustion, emphasizing hard labor and strenuous effort, particularly in the context of ministry or spiritual service.
The Apostle Paul, while imprisoned, writes to the Colossian church, emphasizing his dedication to proclaiming Christ fully and maturing believers. This emphasis on holistic proclamation and spiritual growth was crucial given the church's exposure to false teachings that undermined Christ's supremacy and offered exclusive, speculative 'wisdom.'
c. AD 50-52
Paul's Ministry in Ephesus
The apostle Paul spent a significant period in Ephesus during his third missionary journey, establishing a strong base for his ministry in Asia Minor.
c. AD 53-57— this verse
Paul's Imprisonment in Rome
Paul was imprisoned in Rome, during which time he wrote several epistles, including Colossians, to churches he had ministered to or was concerned about.
c. AD 60-62
Writing of Colossians
The Apostle Paul, while imprisoned, penned the letter to the Colossians, likely with the help of Timothy, to address specific spiritual issues within the church.
c. AD 62-64
Life and Ministry of Epaphras
Epaphras, a key figure in the Colossian church and likely a disciple of Paul, was instrumental in establishing the church and remained concerned for its spiritual well-being.
This passage speaks of proclaiming God's wisdom, a 'secret' that was hidden but is now revealed, similar to how Paul proclaims Christ in Colossians 1:28, aiming for maturity in believers.
Ephesians 4:11-13These verses describe Christ giving gifts to the church for equipping the saints and building up the body of Christ until all attain unity in faith and knowledge, ultimately reaching spiritual maturity, which aligns with Paul's goal in Colossians 1:28.
2 Timothy 2:15This verse instructs Timothy to rightly handle the word of truth, which is crucial for teaching and maturing believers, echoing Paul's method of 'teaching everyone in all wisdom' in Colossians 1:28.
Romans 11:13Paul speaks of his apostleship to the Gentiles and how he seeks to make his ministry effective, often by provoking them to jealousy, which parallels his declaration in Colossians 1:28 about proclaiming Christ to bring people to maturity.
1 Thessalonians 2:11Paul describes his tender and direct care for the Thessalonian believers, like a father with his children, which reflects the 'warning and teaching' approach mentioned in Colossians 1:28, aiming for their spiritual growth.
gillColossians 1:28: "Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:"
Whom we preach,.... Under the above considerations; as the riches, the glory, and the mystery of the Gospel; as the hope set before lost sinners to lay hold upon; as the only Saviour and Redeemer, by whose righteousness believers are justified, through whose blood their sins are pardoned, by whose sacrifice and satisfaction atonement is made, and in…
barnesColossians 1:28: "Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:"
Whom we preach, warning every man - This does not mean warning of danger, but "admonishing all of the claims of the gospel to attention." Our word warn is commonly used in the sense of cautioning against danger. The Greek word here means to put in mind; to admonish; to exhort. The idea of the apostle is, that he made it his great business to bring th…
The repeated "every man" isn't just about the universality of the Gospel; it emphasizes that each individual, regardless of background, is seen as uniquely precious and the goal of this ministry. This means the aim is not a general maturity for the masses, but a personal, complete flourishing of each person in Christ.
Paul is explaining the purpose and method of his ministry, especially in light of the false teachings that were undermining the church in Colossae. He emphasizes that the gospel he preaches, focusing on Christ, is the ultimate wisdom and the hope for all people, directly countering any exclusive or esoteric knowledge offered by others. His goal is to equip every believer fully in Christ, presenting them mature and complete before God.
Paul is explaining the purpose and method of his ministry, especially in light of the false teachings that were undermining the church in Colossae. He emphasizes that the gospel he preaches, focusing on Christ, is the ultimate wisdom and the hope for all people, directly countering any exclusive or esoteric knowledge offered by others. His goal is to equip every believer fully in Christ, presenting them mature and complete before God.
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A Lifelong Journey
This maturity is a process, a growing up into Christlikeness. It's the result of both the 'warning' and 'teaching' Paul mentioned, shaping believers into fully formed followers of Jesus.
Paul didn't just teach; he taught 'in all wisdom.' What does this 'all wisdom' entail, and why is it so crucial for reaching maturity?
The phrase 'in all wisdom' points to the skillful, comprehensive, and divinely-inspired way the Gospel is presented. It's not about employing worldly cleverness, but about a deep, God-given understanding.
Multifaceted Wisdom
This isn't a single, monolithic wisdom, but a rich tapestry. It includes:
God's Wisdom, Not Ours
Paul deliberately distinguishes this from the 'wisdom of the world' or speculative philosophies that false teachers might promote. It's the wisdom that flows from God, revealed through Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit. It's the wisdom that effectively guides people towards spiritual maturity.
When Paul speaks of 'all wisdom,' he means using every facet of God's truth, communicated with discernment and love, to bring people to full completion in Christ.
agōnizomai · Greek Verb
A word depicting intense exertion, struggle, or agonizing effort, often used to describe the inner conflict or the strenuous commitment required in the service of the Gospel.
energeia · Greek Noun
The effective, working power of God. It denotes dynamic force or operational strength, specifically referring to the way God enables believers to fulfill His purposes.
"Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me." — The repeated "every man" isn't just about the universality of the Gospel; it emphasizes that each individual, regardless of background, is seen as uniquely precious and the goal of this ministry. Thi…
