The Christian Minister

From the fact of the universality of the Gospel (v. 25) the Apostle proceeds to state some of his personal experiences. Hitherto he has been concerned with our Lord’s relation to the universe, to the Church, and to the Christians in Colosse. Now he refers to himself and his own work, first, in relation to the whole Church (vs. 24-29), and then, especially, to the Church of Colosse (2:1-5). The thought of the Gospel (v. 23) naturally leads him to think of his own opportunity as a preacher of it, and he is evidently glad of the opportunity of glorying in his office. One characteristic, in particular, of his ministry is here mentioned, the element of joy, and in so writing he indicates what should be one of the features of our life and work for Christ.

I. The Character of His Ministry

He rejoices. This is the predominant fact, and the emphasis on himself, “I rejoice,” seems to indicate his experience of joy, even though he was personally unworthy of this great office. One of the finest books written in modern days is entitled The Joy of the Ministry, by the late Bishop Wynne, and the very title suggests what should be the dominant feature of our service for Christ. There is also an emphasis on “now,” and Lightfoot suggests that the force of it is, “when I see all the glory of bearing a part in this magnificent work.” Or it may be that he was ready to rejoice even though in chains in Rome. Nothing should be allowed to stop his satisfaction, for, even though he is in the furnace, he will continue his joy. It is easy to be joyful when all things

The Christian Minister, 1:24,25 are bright, but it is very different when, as with the Apostle, a sudden check had come to his active career and he was compelled to wait in prison for the day of trial and release.

II. The Cause of the Joy

By a remarkable paradox he speaks of joy in connection with his sufferings. They were a present and continuous fact in his experience; indeed, they were the sphere in which he may have been said to live. And yet, although these sufferings were still existing, he was ready and willing to rejoice. This is only one instance and illustration of the Apostle’s joy, as he endured all things for Christ in his ministry (Acts 20:23, 24; Rom. 5:3; Phil. 2:17; Heb. 12:2).

This suffering was for the sake of others, on their behalf, for their advantage (2 Cor. 1 :4, 5), and he speaks of supplementing a deficiency, as though something had been left over for him to endure. What this means will best be understood when we see that his personal sufferings were regarded as identical with those of Christ. The phrase, “the afflictions of Christ,” is unique, and can only mean the afflictions which He Himself endured — His own afflictions. The Apostle supplied what was lacking in these. But to what afflictions of Christ can he refer? Certainly not to His expiatory sufferings, which were perfect and complete (v. 20), but to those individual afflictions in which He lived during His earthly life, and in fellowship with which the Apostle and all Christians are to live today. So that whilst, from the standpoint of sacrifice, there is, of course, nothing to add to the sufferings of Christ, yet from the standpoint of personal life and sympathy there is very much in which we can be identified with Him.

This suffering is intended for the whole Church It is not only for individuals, but for the entire Body, and it is particularly interesting to notice the contrast between Paul’s literal “flesh” and Christ’s spiritual “Body,” the Church. It is a beautiful and inspiring thought that each Christian can and should endure afflictions on behalf of the entire body of Christians. This is the real meaning of suffering, namely, the education, training, and disciplining of the soul (Heb. 5:8). While we cannot share Christ’s sufferings which wrought salvation, we are able to share in His sympathy and personal afflictions. There is no possibility of merit on the part of any Christian or on the part of the entire Church, because our Lord’s sufferings were sufficient, and more than sufficient, to atone for the sins of the whole world. But for the establishment of the Church there was still suffering to be endured after the Atonement had been made, and wherever the Apostles went they suffered as they preached, and preached as they suffered. In these afflictions we can share, and this is the solemn, inspiring, and beautiful truth the Apostle emphasises here. We must, therefore, not be afraid to face discipline if called upon to suffer, for thereby we shall be permitted to set forward the progress of the Church and the accomplish¬ ment of God’s purpose.

III. The Circumstances of the Ministry

The Apostle calls himself a minister of the Church (v. 25), just as he had spoken of himself as the minister of the Gospel (v. 23). He also describes himself else¬ where as the minister of Christ (2 Cor. 11:23) and a minister of God (2 Cor. 6:4). These various aspects of service show how we can work and accomplish God’s will.

This ministry is described as “according to the dispensation of God.” The word “dispensation” seems to suggest the entrustment of a great responsibility, like the manage¬ ment of an estate.

The Christian Minister, 1:24,25 The work is described as intended “to fulfil the word of God,” that is, to bring to completion the message of God’s grace (Rom. 15:9). The Apostle was not content with anything perfunctory; he put his whole soul into everything he did, and thus “fulfilled” or “filled full” the Divine Gospel entrusted to him.

As we contemplate these verses and ponder their meaning afresh with reference to Christian life and work, we cannot help noticing the features implied all through, which are as applicable to us today as to the Apostle. These may be summed up in five words, each of which carries its own meaning and message to those who belong to the Lord. (1) Sonship. This is the basis and pre¬ supposition of all true work. (2) Service. We are called upon to witness, to war, and to work in connection with the Gospel of God. (3) Stewardship. This implies responsible work and no ordinary service. As we deepen in experience of Christ He entrusts to us still more important tasks, and the true ministers are honoured by being called “stewards of the mysteries of God” (1 Cor. 4:1). (4) Suffering. Our task of witnessing to Christ

will often involve opposition, and even hostility, and in all ages God’s servants have had to “endure hardship.” This is a glory if only we regard our suffering as the Apostle thought of his, as helping forward the cause of Christ and as glorifying God. (5) Satisfaction. In all life and work for God there wells up in the heart a spring of joy that God should have deigned to receive us and then to use us in His vineyard. There is nothing on earth to compare with the essential and perennial joy that comes from faithful effort for our God and Saviour.