Mature in Christ
Excerpt
Paul, in proclaiming this Christ who now also dwells in Gentile believers was admonishing (nouthetountes, “counseling”) and teaching (didaskontes, “instructing”) everyone (cf. 3:16). No doubt he did this “admonishing” and instructing because of the false teaching about Christ in Colosse. He did so wisely (cf. 4:5-6) since his purpose was not to drive them into the hands of the heretics but to present everyone perfect (teleion, “mature”; cf. James 1:4) in Christ.
Paul was interested in believers not remaining spiritual babies (cf. 1 Cor. 3:1-2) but in becoming spiritually mature (cf. Heb. 5:11-14). Elsewhere Paul prayed for complete sanctification of believers (1 Thes. 5:23). Paul preached the “fullness” of the gospel so that believers could have the fullness of life Jesus promised (John 10:10).
To this end Paul expended all his God-given strength. Developing maturity in believers took great labor (kopiō) or wearisome toil (cf. 1 Cor. 15:10, 58; Gal. 4:11; 1 Thes. 1:3) and even struggling…
Geisler, Norman L. “Colossians.” The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures. Ed. J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck. Vol. 2. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985. 676. Print.
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