Colossians 1:24-2:5

This section of Colossians is one of the places in the NT that best reveals the meaning of the 'mystery' of the Gospel. Let's first look at other key passages on this topic:

Romans 9-11
--9:6 Not all Israel is Israel (9:8)
--9:27 Only the remnant will be saved
--10:12 No difference b/w Jews/Gentiles
--11:14 Paul hopes 'some' of the Israelites will get saved
--11:25 Israel (national) in part (some) so (not then)

Thus, the mystery, as described in Romans is that believing Gentiles AND believing national Israelites together make up spiritual Israel. Paul was dealing with believers who were conceited against national Israelites, even if they became believers.

Ephesisans 1-3
--1:9 The mystery brings all things together into 1 head
--3:3-6 Gentiles are heirs together with Israel

Thus, the mystery, as described in Ephesians is that believing national Israelites AND believing Gentiles together make up one spiritual Israel. Paul was dealing with believers who were discouraged and thought of themselves as 2nd class citizens.

Colossians adds to this discussion with, perhaps, the deepest teaching regarding the mystery of the Gospel

1. Paul is willing to SUFFER for the mystery
--physically
--persecution
--risk of life
--in chains
--it's actually Christ suffering through us
--We might not be faced with physical suffering, but are we willing?

2. Paul is willing to SERVE for the mystery
--Don't wait for some special calling to serve
--if you are saved, you are called to serve
--'Called into ministry' is a somewhat silly phrase
--We don't need modern day Apostles, Prophets, etc (notice the capital A & P) because the Gospel came in it's fullness

3. Paul is willing to STRUGGLE for the mystery
--I'm sure Paul got tired
--I'm sure Paul got gloomy
--I'm sure Paul got discouraged
--Struggling is different from suffering here in my opinion
--Struggling is internal warfare
--But Christ is in us
--Since we have Christ's energy in us, we can overcome our struggles
--We can struggle together b/c the same Christ is in all of us

Thus, Colossians gives us the deepest meaning to the 'mystery' discussed before. The mystery is Christ in you, the hope of glory. He is in Jewish believers. He is in Gentile believers. He's in me. He's in you.

--There's no need for complex and fine sounding arguments in light of the simple recognition of the mystery of the Gospel