“For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell.”
From seven strokes of an exalted lyric about the person of Christ (Col 1:15-18), the Holy Spirit moves to a discussion about the work of Christ (Col 1:19-2:3). The treatment of his work parallels the presentation of his person.
“For it pleased the Father“
Whenever we read in the Bible that something pleases God, we ought to take note of it and do it. We want to bask in the sunshine of his smile. Our wellbeing partly depends on whether God is pleased with our lives. The word “for” introduces a reason why the Son is “preeminent” (Col 1:18). The Son of God is supreme by the distinction of his work of “reconciliation.”
God freely resolved that it is a good thing that all God’s fullness or completeness dwells in Christ’s work of reconciliation (Col 1:20). What gives pleasure to God? Is it our righteousness and goodness? No, he finds pleasure in his Son. God is pleased with us because of his Son. Our orientation to life depends upon God’s satisfaction with his Son.
“that in Him all the fullness should dwell”
First, God’s pleasure is in the work of Christ. God is pleased that “all the fullness” of God resides in Christ’s work of reconciliation (v.20). A keyword to the argument of the book of Colossians is the noun “fullness” (the verb “fullness” is used in Colossians 1:9, 25; 2:10; 4:17). “Fullness” was a word used by the Gnostics who infiltrated the Lychus Valley, where the city of Colosse lay. “Fullness” was the gnostic word for heaven.
The Holy Spirit here hits the Colossians with a principle. Jesus Christ is the true fullness. He is not heaven itself; he is more than that. He is the completeness for the believer’s life. Jesus Christ is substance, not shadow; fullness, not foretaste. He is the fullness of God’s saving plan.
The keyword in Colossians is the world “all.” This term is an all-inclusive word. When combined with “fullness,” another comprehensive word, we have a compelling statement about Christ. The half has never been told about Christ. It is not enough that the Lord Jesus Christ be eminent; he must be preeminent. We need this message in this generation if Christians live the quality of life God gives.
The word “dwell” means to reside permanently in a place, and Greeks used this term in the sense of the permanent residence of a town or village. “All the fullness” of God’s work settles in Christ permanently. Also, all saving power dwells in him (Acts 5:31; 17:31).
The effects of the “fullness” are available to the believer. There is no reason why a believer should not orient to any circumstance of life. Circumstances will ebb and flow in the life of a Christian. At times we may have a measure of success; at other times, we may fail. Under these varying circumstances of life, we draw upon the fullness of Christ. Our orientation to life does not depend upon the usual status symbols. Our joy depends upon the work of Jesus Christ.
Positionally, we can draw upon the fullness of Christ. Experientially, it depends upon our application of the principle to life. Regardless of whatever may happen to us, God has provided a person who will meet us in our need. The circumstances of life will not be easy. Life will not go on in bliss. On a date, a girl says, “I wish this moment could go on forever.” But this life does not sustain uninterrupted happiness. Life never remains the same. Before we depart from this life, all of us will have our share of pain and pleasure. However, our lives are not dependent upon the flow of life; they depend upon Jesus Christ. Rest in him frees us from the chains of life.
Principle:
The complete person and work of Christ should be preeminent in every aspect of our lives.
Application:
Broken-hearted parents need this principle. “Whatever happened? Where did I make a mistake with my child? We took our children to church, but they no longer walk with the Lord. They are no longer interested in the Word.” This experience is a bitterness parents face. It is good to know that Christ is in control, and he will do for the parent what the parent cannot do for himself.
There is an absence of power and other qualities in each of us. In the flesh, there “dwells no good thing.” Human nature is a desert, empty and a waste, inhabited by the dragon of sin. God never asks us to make up the difference between himself and us. He completely laid all upon Christ, and he makes up all that God requires of man.
Ever since our first Parents Adam and Eve, humanity has walked through two opposite ways and this will continue until the Day of judgement.
One of the way is faith in Christ and Conversion. The other is blasphemy and going astray- or in the lake of fire.
I believe God has Uniquely revealed Himself to humanity in the arena of history and most especially in His Beloved Son who died on Calvary tree for our sins. Hallelujah! In Him, I am Born Again and headed to meat Him in the air.
Christ the Word, is both God and Man. Jesus, is Himself God, the Creator, Lord, Reveal er and Reconcile r. Let us all wait for our God and Savior.
Thank so much, for explaining God's Word. I truly enjoyed it and understood it well. keep doing God's Great work
Dee Walker
Thanks Dee.
Thanks for the help. I really needed this specific verse for a paper I had to write.
This was very helpful and I blessed that you take the time to better explain,but I am kind of confused…..In the part of the verse “that in Him all the fullness should dwell” were you explain…you say (The verb “fullness” is used in 1:9, 25; 2:10; and 4:17).But what i found the verb “fullness isn’t used in verse 1:9 *For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be FILLED with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;(FILLED is actually used instead of fullness)
Also in verse 2:10(10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:) FULLNESS isn’t used instead it is actually used in verse 2:9 9 For in him dwelleth all the FULNESS of the Godhead bodily.
I am just confused a little…maybe you can explain to me..Cause also in verses 1:25 & 4:17 (1:25)Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to FULFIL the word of God;(Are you meaning the FULFIL and FULNESS are the same?)…(4:17)And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou FULFIL it.
God Bless and I hope you do not get offended by my questioning…I just want to better understand.
Stephanie, if I understand you right, you are questioning the various uses of the word “fullness” in Colossians. By the parenthesis I am referring to the verbs for the Greek root (πληρ) and not only the noun as it is in 1:19. Translations differ in the use of the verb such as the alternative “complete.”
Grant
I think you have hit on a key point – the use of πλήρωμα/πληρόω – as a key concept in false teaching particularly on the local level. As modern readers, this critical aspect would be missing and thus we could easily misunderstand Paul’s intent.
I also appreciated your noting the ὅτι at the beginning of v19 in conjunction with v18. I think there is more to tease out of that but I have tended to overlook and you encouraged me to watch that in future review.
If I may add – Jesus Himself is never said to be the πλήρωμα but the πλήρωμα is said to be IN Him – Jesus Himself is much larger than the πλήρωμα ( :-)!!) – He is the Lord of Glory!
The best translation of v19, 20a seems –
“because IN HIM [God] was pleased that all the fullness (πλήρωμα) to dwell
“and THROUGH HIM [God was pleased] to reconcile the all [beings (created entities)] unto Himself….”
BTW – I appreciate Stephanie’s confusion – and am discouraged that her pastor had not long ago informed her how the translation process occurs to have avoided this confusion.
Are this all the Bible books what about most of the old testament books.
Ubaldo, I am not clear about your question. However, if you are asking whether the status of being “in Christ” was true of Old Testament believers. No, the New Testament church is an organism, not an organization or national entity like the nation Israel.