Colossians 1:26-29 Even the mystery which has been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which works in me mightily.
‘The mystery which has been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints.’ This mystery is that the Gentiles should be partakers with the Jews in the gospel and be in the same Christian congregations (Eph. 2:14-22; 3:1-7; 1Cor. 12:13), and be partakers of Christ (1:27). Nothing is hidden in the Word of God for all was given to us in writing as revealed by God through the prophets and apostles (Heb. 1:1-2). This was just something not previously explained or understood. God is not a mysterious God as most people believe, He revealed Himself to us through His divine library of 66 that He revealed over 1,800 years to more than 40 authors.
‘Christ in you, the hope of glory.’ Fourteen facts about Christ: Head of the kingdom (1:13; Rev. 20:1-15). Redeemer (1:14; Matt. 26:28; Gal. 4:5). Image of the invisible God (1:15). Firstborn of every creature (1:16). Creator of all things. An eternal Being (1:17; Mic. 5:2). Upholder of all things (Heb. 1:3). Head of His body of believers (1:18, 24; Eph. 5:1-33). The originator of all things. Firstborn from the dead. The pre-eminent One (1:18-19; 2:9). The fullness of God (1:19; 2:9) and the Mediator between God and man (1:20-22; 2Cor. 5:14-21; 1Tim. 2:4-6). The indweller of saints (1:27; Luke 22:3).
‘Perfect in Christ Jesus’ – Perfect [Greek: teleios] mature; complete. It is used for full growth, as men, and not children, in Christian knowledge – thoroughly instructed and deeply experienced (2Cor. 2:6; 14:20; Eph. 4:13; Jas. 1:4; 3:2; Heb. 5:14; 1Jn. 4:18). This kind of perfection refers to the complete and glorified state we will reach in Christ in the hereafter. We are warned many times in Scripture to be perfect now in this life already which means utter simplicity, sincerity, being free from guile and evil intention toward anyone; having no part lacking in outward life, conduct, and religion. It does not mean sinless perfection or being without any tendencies to evil, for we can still choose to act selfishly or sin.
‘I also labour, striving according to his working.’ To be able to present every man perfect in Christ (1:28), Paul laboured with all his might by the mighty power God has given to him.
Living the Word 