Verse of the Day for Thursday, April 25, 2024

 

Verse of the Day
Thursday, April 25, 2024

Colossians 1:27-28

To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. It is he whom we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone in all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ.

Colossians 1:27-28 is nestled within the Apostle Paul's letter to the Colossian church. This passage is part of a larger section where Paul discusses the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ. In these verses, Paul emphasizes the mystery of the gospel and the inclusion of the Gentiles in God's plan. This message was particularly significant in a time when the early Christian community was grappling with the relationship between Jewish traditions and the expanding Gentile membership.

The Mystery Revealed to the Gentiles: The term "mystery" in Paul's letters often refers to something that was once hidden but now revealed. Here, the mystery is the inclusion of the Gentiles in God's salvation plan through Christ. This was a radical concept at the time, breaking down longstanding barriers between Jews and Gentiles.

Christ in You, the Hope of Glory: This phrase is one of the most profound in the New Testament, encapsulating the essence of the Christian hope. "Christ in you" suggests a personal and transformative relationship with Jesus, not just a distant reverence. "The hope of glory" points to the ultimate future that God has promised, a future characterized by the full realization of God's presence and goodness.

Proclaiming Christ: Paul's mission involves proclaiming Christ, warning, and teaching everyone. This comprehensive approach to ministry emphasizes not only evangelism but also discipleship and spiritual growth. The goal is to present everyone "mature in Christ," which means leading believers to a deeper understanding and living out of their faith.

Implications for the Church: These verses have significant implications for the church's understanding of mission and community. They underscore the inclusiveness of the gospel, the personal transformation through Christ, and the importance of nurturing spiritual maturity in believers.

In summary, Colossians 1:27-28 highlights the revolutionary nature of the gospel as a unifying force that transcends cultural and ethnic barriers, centered on the transformative presence of Christ in believers, leading to a mature and hopeful Christian life.

The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM.
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