24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake , and in my flesh I [1]do my share on behalf of His body , which is the church , in filling up what is lacking [2]in Christ's afflictions . 25 Of this church I [3]was made a minister according to the stewardship from God bestowed on me for your benefit , so that I might [4]fully carry out the preaching of the word of God , 26 that is, the mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations , but has now been manifested to His [5]saints , 27 to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles , which is Christ in you, the hope of glory . 28 We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man [6]with all wisdom , so that we may present every man [7] complete in Christ . 29 For this purpose also I labor , striving according to His [8]power , which [9]mightily works within me.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Colossians 1:24-29
Commentary on Colossians 1:24-29
(Read Colossians 1:24-29)
Both the sufferings of the Head and of the members are called the sufferings of Christ, and make up, as it were, one body of sufferings. But He suffered for the redemption of the church; we suffer on other accounts; for we do but slightly taste that cup of afflictions of which Christ first drank deeply. A Christian may be said to fill up that which remains of the sufferings of Christ, when he takes up his cross, and after the pattern of Christ, bears patiently the afflictions God allots to him. Let us be thankful that God has made known to us mysteries hidden from ages and generations, and has showed the riches of his glory among us. As Christ is preached among us, let us seriously inquire, whether he dwells and reigns in us; for this alone can warrant our assured hope of his glory. We must be faithful to death, through all trials, that we may receive the crown of life, and obtain the end of our faith, the salvation of our souls.