Colossians 1:24 – “Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church.”

Extended Explanation

At first, this verse might seem confusing. What does Paul mean when he says he is “filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions”? Is he saying that Jesus’ suffering on the cross was not enough? Absolutely not!

Paul is saying two important things here:

1. He rejoices in his sufferings for the church.
   • Paul is in prison when he writes this, suffering because he has been preaching the gospel (Colossians 4:3).
   • Instead of complaining, he sees his suffering as a privilege because it is helping to spread the gospel and strengthen believers.
   • He is suffering not for himself, but for the sake of the church-to help them grow in their faith.
2. He is “filling up” what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions.
   • This does not mean that Jesus’ suffering on the cross was incomplete. Jesus‘ sacrifice fully paid for sin (John 19:30, Hebrews 10:14).
   • Instead, Paul is saying that there is still suffering that comes from following Jesus.
   • Jesus told His followers that they would face persecution for His sake (John 15:20).
   • Paul sees himself as continuing the suffering that comes with spreading the gospel.

In short, Paul is not adding to Christ’s work of salvation-he is simply experiencing the suffering that comes with serving Jesus faithfully.

Historical Context

Paul wrote this letter while he was imprisoned in Rome (A.D. 60–62). He had been arrested for preaching about Jesus and was awaiting trial.

The early Christians were facing persecution, especially from both Jewish leaders and the Roman government. Many believers were suffering for their faith, and some may have been discouraged.

Paul encourages them by showing that suffering for Christ is not meaningless-it is actually part of serving Him.

• Jesus Himself suffered. If we follow Him, we will suffer too (Philippians 1:29).
• Suffering for Christ helps the church grow. Paul’s imprisonment did not stop the gospel-instead, it gave him new opportunities to spread it (Philippians 1:12-14).

Paul is teaching that suffering is not a sign of failure, but of faithfulness.

Theological Implications

1. Suffering is part of the Christian life. If we truly follow Jesus, we will face hardships, rejection, and even persecution (2 Timothy 3:12).
2. Jesus‘ suffering is complete, but His body (the church) will still experience hardship. Christians will continue to experience opposition until Jesus returns (Acts 14:22).
3. Suffering can be a cause for joy. Not because pain is good, but because it means we are serving Christ faithfully (James 1:2-4).
4. Suffering for Christ is never wasted. When we endure hardship for Jesus, it strengthens the church and brings glory to God (Romans 8:17-18).

Literary Analysis

Paul uses strong and emotional language to make his point:

• “I rejoice in what I am suffering” – Paul doesn’t just accept suffering-he rejoices in it because it is for the sake of Christ.
• “Filling up what is still lacking” – The word fill up (Greek: antanaplēroō) means to continue or complete a process, not to replace something incomplete.
• “For the sake of his body, which is the church” – Paul reminds us that suffering is not just personal-it benefits the whole church.

Paul is using a paradox-he is suffering, yet he is rejoicing. This reflects Jesus’ own teaching that suffering for righteousness brings blessing (Matthew 5:10-12).

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• John 19:30 – Jesus said, “It is finished.” (His suffering on the cross fully accomplished salvation.)
• Philippians 1:29 – “For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him.”
• 2 Timothy 3:12 – “Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”
• Romans 8:17-18 – “If we share in his sufferings, we may also share in his glory.”
• James 1:2-4 – “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

1. Suffering is not a sign of failure. If you face opposition for your faith, you are in good company–Paul and even Jesus experienced suffering.
2. Rejoicing in suffering is possible. It doesn’t mean we enjoy pain, but we can find joy in knowing we are serving Jesus.
3. Christian suffering has a purpose. It strengthens us, spreads the gospel, and brings glory to God.
4. Faithfulness to Christ will bring opposition. If we live for Jesus, the world will not always accept us (John 15:18-20).

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

1. God does not waste our suffering. Every hardship we face has a purpose in His plan (Romans 8:28).
2. God walks with us through suffering. We are never alone in our trials (Psalm 23:4).
3. God calls us to be part of His mission. When we suffer for Christ, we are joining Him in His work (Philippians 3:10).

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

• Jesus suffered first. He endured rejection, pain, and even death for our salvation (Isaiah 53:3-5).
• Jesus promised His followers would suffer. He said, “If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also” (John 15:20).
• Jesus gives us the strength to endure. Paul could rejoice in suffering because his strength came from Christ (Philippians 4:13).

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Have you ever faced opposition or hardship for your faith in Christ? How did you respond?
2. How does this verse challenge your view of suffering?
3. Why do you think Paul could rejoice in his suffering?
4. How can you encourage other believers who are suffering for their faith?
5. How can you live in a way that shows you are willing to endure hardship for Jesus?