Colossians 1:28 – “He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Paul explains his mission as a preacher and teacher of the gospel. His focus is entirely on Jesus Christ-not on human philosophy, religious traditions, or personal gain. He highlights three key aspects of his ministry:

1. “He is the one we proclaim”
   • Paul makes it clear that Jesus is the message. He is not preaching himself, human wisdom, or any other religious system-only Christ (1 Corinthians 2:2).
   • This is in contrast to false teachers who were promoting extra knowledge and special rules in Colossae.
2. “Admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom”
   • “Admonishing” means warning, correcting, and encouraging people to follow the truth. Paul is not just giving nice advice-he is calling people to repent and follow Christ.
   • “Teaching” refers to helping believers grow in their understanding of the gospel. Christianity is not just about conversion-it is about lifelong learning and growing in wisdom.
3. “So that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ”
   • Paul’s goal is not just to get people to accept Jesus, but to help them grow into maturity.
   • Being “mature in Christ” means living in full obedience, growing in faith, and becoming more like Jesus.
   • This maturity comes through sound teaching and wisdom, not through special rituals or secret knowledge.

Paul’s mission is to help people not just know about Christ, but become fully developed in their faith.

Historical Context

Paul wrote this letter from prison (A.D. 60–62). The Colossian church was facing false teachings that:

1. Added human traditions to the gospel (legalism).
2. Emphasized special knowledge as necessary for salvation (early Gnosticism).
3. Distracted from Jesus by focusing on angel worship and mystical experiences.

Paul is making it clear: Jesus is the center of everything, and true spiritual growth comes from Him-not from human ideas.

At the time, many Greek and Jewish teachers believed only a select few could reach true wisdom. Paul rejects this thinking by saying he teaches “everyone”-not just a special group.

This was radical–Paul is saying that every believer, no matter their background, has access to the fullness of Christ.

Theological Implications

1. Jesus is the only message that matters. Preaching must be centered on Christ, not on human wisdom or religious traditions (1 Corinthians 1:23-24).
2. Correction and teaching are essential. Christianity is not just about emotional experience-it requires truth, instruction, and wisdom (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
3. Spiritual growth is the goal. Paul doesn’t just want people to believe-he wants them to become fully mature in Christ (Ephesians 4:13-14).
4. The gospel is for everyone. Paul teaches and admonishes “everyone”, meaning there are no spiritual elites-every believer can grow in Christ (Romans 10:12-13).

Literary Analysis

Paul’s language is clear and forceful:

• “He is the one we proclaim” – The focus is entirely on Jesus, not religious traditions or human wisdom.
• “Admonishing and teaching” – These words show both correction and instruction-Christian growth involves learning and discipline.
• “With all wisdom” – This means Paul teaches not with human knowledge, but with God’s wisdom.
• “Present everyone fully mature in Christ” – This shows Paul’s ultimate goal: believers who are fully grown in their faith.

Paul is passionate-he is not just preaching, he is guiding people toward full spiritual development.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• 1 Corinthians 2:2 – “For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.”
• 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.”
• Ephesians 4:13-14 – “Until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature.”
• Romans 10:12-13 – “There is no difference between Jew and Gentile-the same Lord is Lord of all.”
• Colossians 2:6-7 – “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

1. Jesus must be the center of our faith. Christianity is about knowing, following, and proclaiming Christ, not religious rules or traditions.
2. Spiritual growth is a lifelong process. We should not be satisfied with just believing-we should strive for maturity in Christ.
3. We need both correction and instruction. The Bible is not just for encouragement-it is for teaching, warning, and helping us grow.
4. The gospel is for everyone. No one is too far from God’s grace, and no one is excluded from growing in Christ.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

1. God desires growth for His people. He doesn’t just want us to be saved-He wants us to be spiritually mature.
2. God provides wisdom through His Word. He doesn’t leave us guessing-He teaches us through Scripture and the Holy Spirit.
3. God’s love is for all people. Paul proclaims Christ to “everyone”, showing that God’s grace is available to all.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

• Jesus is the message. Paul’s entire ministry is centered on proclaiming Christ-He is the only way to salvation (John 14:6).
• Jesus transforms us. Maturity in Christ is not about following rules-it is about becoming more like Jesus (Romans 8:29).
• Jesus is the wisdom of God. Paul teaches “with all wisdom”, because true wisdom is found in Christ (1 Corinthians 1:24).

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does it mean to proclaim Christ in your daily life?
2. How can you be more open to both correction and teaching in your spiritual growth?
3. Are you actively striving for maturity in Christ, or are you staying in the same place spiritually?
4. How can you help others grow in their faith, just as Paul did?
5. What distractions might be pulling you away from keeping Jesus as the focus of your faith?