Paul's Ministry to the Church

Colossians 1

24 z I now rejoice in my sufferings a for you, and fill up in my flesh b what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for c the sake of His body, which is the church, 25 of which I became a minister according to d the 1 stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God, 26 e the 2 mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, f but now has been revealed to His saints. 27 g To them God willed to make known what are h the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: 3 which is i Christ in you, j the hope of glory. 28 Him we preach, k warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, l that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. 29 To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me m mightily.

Colossians 2

1 For I want you to know what a great a conflict 4 I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, 5 both of the Father and of Christ, 3 b in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 Now this I say c lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words. 5 For d though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing 6 to see e your good order and the f steadfastness of your faith in Christ.

  1. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 7:4
    Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort. I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation.
  2. Cross References
    Ephesians 3:1
    For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles -
    Ephesians 3:13
    Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
  3. Cross References
    Romans 8:17
    And if children, then heirs - heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.
    2 Corinthians 1:5
    For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.
    2 Corinthians 12:15
    And I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I am loved.
    Philippians 2:17
    Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.
  4. Cross References
    Ephesians 1:23
    Which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.
  5. Cross References
    Galatians 2:7
    But on the contrary, when they saw that the gospel for the uncircumcised had been committed to me, as the gospel for the circumcised was to Peter
  6. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 2:7
    But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory.
  7. Cross References
    2 Timothy 1:10
    But has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.
  8. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 2:14
    Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.
  9. Cross References
    Romans 9:23
    And that He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had prepared beforehand for glory.
  10. Cross References
    Romans 8:10
    And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
    Romans 8:11
    But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.
  11. Cross References
    1 Timothy 1:1
    Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the commandment of God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope.
  12. Cross References
    Acts 20:20
    How I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house.
  13. Cross References
    Ephesians 5:27
    That He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.
  14. Cross References
    Ephesians 3:7
    Of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power.
  15. Cross References
    Philippians 1:30
    Having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.
    Colossians 1:29
    To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily.
    Colossians 4:12
    Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
    1 Thessalonians 2:2
    But even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict.
  16. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 1:24
    But to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
    1 Corinthians 1:30
    But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God - and righteousness and sanctification and redemption -
  17. Cross References
    Romans 16:18
    For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.
    2 Corinthians 11:13
    For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ.
    Ephesians 4:14
    That we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting.
    Ephesians 5:6
    Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.
  18. Cross References
    1 Thessalonians 2:17
    But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored more eagerly to see your face with great desire.
  19. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 14:40
    Let all things be done decently and in order.
  20. Cross References
    1 Peter 5:9
    Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
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