“I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church, of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God, the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. To this end, I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily.” Colossians 1:24-29

Why was the Apostle Paul suffering? Why was he persecuted, imprisoned, and facing death? And why did He rejoice in those sufferings?

Paul, like the other apostles of our Lord Jesus, faced many hardships. To the Corinthians, he wrote in 2 Cor. 11:24-28: “From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness — besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches.”

Paul suffered all these things because he was a faithful minister of the Gospel — he preached Christ, and Him crucified, as the only way to heaven, as the only salvation for sinful mankind. The apostle called on men everywhere to repent of their rebellion and sin and return to the true God through faith in the crucified and risen Son of God. And for that, Paul suffered greatly in this world — though he now wears a crown of righteousness in heaven with his Savior (cf. 2 Tim. 4:7-8).

Paul was a prisoner when he wrote this letter to the believers in Colosse. He was in bonds for preaching the crucified and risen Christ Jesus as the only source of forgiveness of sins and life eternal for both Jew and Gentile. Yet, Paul didn’t hold back from setting forth the truth in order to preserve his own life or to avoid trouble from those who opposed the Word of God. As Paul wrote, he preached Christ, “warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. To this end, I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily” (vv. 28-29).

Paul preached that Jesus fulfilled God’s eternal plan for our salvation and willingly suffered and died on the cross, paying in full for the sins of the world, and He rose again from the dead on the third day, all so that those who trust in Jesus for forgiveness and life and follow after Him, though they will also suffer in this world, might be presented holy and righteous in God’s sight, their sins cleansed and covered in the shed blood of Christ.

We still rejoice in the Apostle Paul’s sufferings today because they were for his faithfulness to the Gospel, which was revealed to him by God. He faithfully fulfilled His calling. He proclaimed the truth of the Gospel so that we, as well as the Colossians, might come to know Christ and the riches He won for us on the cross and continue to trust in Christ alone and be presented to God complete and without fault on the Last Day — in Christ Jesus!

Dearest Jesus, our blessed Savior and Redeemer, embolden us to speak Your Word faithfully as we should and not hold back, calling upon people everywhere to repent of their sinful ways and trust in You for forgiveness and life. And, if we must suffer persecution — even if that be prison or death — let us rejoice that we were privileged to suffer for Your name’s sake and for the truth of the Gospel. Amen.

[Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.]

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight — if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.” Colossians 1:15-23

Colossians 1:15-23 offers a breathtaking vision of Jesus Christ, elevating Him far beyond a mere historical figure or a good teacher. This passage is a powerful reminder that Jesus is supreme over all creation and the head of the church, and only in Him do we find complete reconciliation.

The apostle Paul describes Jesus as “the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation” (v. 15). This doesn’t mean He was created, but rather that He holds the preeminent position — He has the rights and authority of the firstborn son.

Paul wrote: “For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist (vv. 16-17).

Consider the vastness of the universe, the distant galaxies, the intricate ecosystems, and the very forces that govern nature. The text affirms that Jesus is the architect, the purpose, and the sustaining power of it all. The original Greek word for “consist” (or “hold together”) suggests that if Jesus withdrew His power for even a moment, the universe would unravel (cf. John 1:1-4; Heb. 1:1-3).

Do you recognize Christ as the one who holds your world together — your job, your family, your future? We often try to force stability through our own effort, but true security is found only in the one who created and sustains the cosmos.

Jesus’s preeminence isn’t limited to creation; it extends to the spiritual realm as well. Paul writes: “And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross” (vv. 18-20).

As the “head of the body, the church,” Jesus guides, directs, and nourishes believers. His resurrection, being the “firstborn from the dead,” is the guarantee of our own resurrection and the ultimate proof of His victory over sin and death. By means of His sacrifice, the Father’s wrath against our sin is satisfied, and He desires to reconcile all things to Himself — both heavenly and earthly. The cross is the universal source of peace and restoration.

Paul makes this grand theological statement intensely personal for all who believe: “And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and irreproachable in His sight — if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard…” (vv. 21-23).

Before we trusted in Christ, we were “alienated and enemies” of God. But when we turned from our sinful ways and trusted in Christ’s death on the cross as our atoning sacrifice, that status changed completely. We are now reconciled to God that we might be presented before Him “holy, and blameless, and irreproachable.” This is an incredible gift of grace!

These final verses include a vital condition: that we “continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast.” This isn’t a challenge to earn our salvation, but a reminder that we are justified and counted righteous in God’s sight only through faith in Christ. Apart from such faith, we are dead in our sins and under the wrath of God (cf. John 3:14-18, 36; John 8:24).

Heavenly Father, thank you for revealing the majesty of your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to recognize Him as the one who created and sustains all things, including us and our lives. By Your Spirit’s working through Your Word, keep us grounded and steadfast in the hope of the gospel — holding fast to Christ and His cross in faith — that we may be presented before You holy and without blame. Amen.

[Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.]

“He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:13-14 (read Col. 1:1-14)

The opening of Paul’s letter to the believers in Colosse is a beautiful reminder of what God has done for us and who we are in Christ. It begins with a recognition of the Colossians’ faith, love, and hope, which came as a result of hearing the truth of the Gospel (Colossians 1:4-6).

This leads Paul into a powerful prayer for the Colossian believers — a prayer that should be our daily petition for ourselves and other believers (Colossians 1:9-12). He prays for them to be “filled with the knowledge of His will” so they can “walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Colossians 1:9-10). The Christian life, according to Paul, is one of continuous growth, fruitfulness, and deeper knowledge of God.

But the crescendo of this passage is in verses 13 and 14, where Paul defines the foundational work of God in our lives:

• Divine Deliverance — “He has delivered us from the power of darkness…” (Colossians 1:13a). Before we knew Christ and trusted in Him and His atoning sacrifice, we were under the dominion of sin and spiritual darkness. God, in His mercy, has rescued us from that bondage.

• Royal Relocation — “…and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love…” (Colossians 1:13b). We were not just saved from something; we were saved to something. We have been moved from the realm of spiritual darkness and death into the kingdom and reign of Christ, the Son of God’s love. This is a positional truth — it’s who we now are, children of God through faith in Christ Jesus (cf. Gal. 3:26-29).

• Perfect Pardon — “in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.” (Colossians 1:14). The entire transaction — our deliverance and our relocation — was paid for by Christ’s sacrifice. We are redeemed, which means we were purchased and bought back with Christ’s shed blood. And, through faith in Christ, our sins are now forgiven and we are conveyed into His eternal kingdom.

Think about that for a moment: You have been redeemed from the rule of sin and death by the shedding of the holy and precious blood of Christ for our sins. And through faith in Christ’s atonement, you are now pardoned and set free and a part of Christ’s kingdom (cf. 1 Peter 1:17-21). This is not just a future hope; it is a present reality for every believer.

The challenges of daily life can sometimes obscure this magnificent reality. We may feel the pull of old habits or the weight of past mistakes. Yet, Paul’s prayer reminds us that because of this deliverance, we can now seek to be “filled with the knowledge of His will” (Colossians 1:9) and walk in a life that is “fully pleasing Him” (Colossians 1:10).

Let the realization of your deliverance define your identity, your relocation guide your actions, and your redemption fuel your gratitude.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the incredible work of salvation. Thank You for delivering us from the power of darkness and transferring us into the kingdom of Your Son’s love. We praise You for the redemption and forgiveness we have through faith in Christ’s shed blood. Fill us with the knowledge of Your will, that we may walk worthy of You, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in our knowledge of You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

[Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.]

“Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love.” (1 Corinthians 16:13-14; read chapter 16)

In the concluding remarks of his first letter to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul gives a series of powerful, concise commands that are just as vital for believers today as they were for the early church. These aren’t suggestions for spiritual excellence; they are essentials for navigating the Christian life in a fractured world.

The closing chapter of 1 Corinthians includes an urgent call: “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong” (v. 13).

• Watch: Be alert. The Christian life is not a cruise, but a battlefield. We must be aware of the spiritual dangers, temptations, and deceptive influences around us. This calls for sobriety and prayerfulness (1 Peter 5:8).

• Stand fast in the faith: Firmly hold to the core truth of the Gospel. Don’t be swayed by shifting doctrines or cultural trends. Our foundation is Christ and His cross, and we must remain rooted in Him (Colossians 2:6-7).

• Be brave, be strong: These commands speak to courage and resilience. Following Christ often requires us to go against the current of the world. It takes strength — not our own, but the strength that the Holy Spirit supplies — to live holy lives, forgive the unforgivable, and share the truth boldly.

Yet, this list of virtues is incomplete without Paul’s final, overarching instruction: “Let all that you do be done with love” (v. 14).

Love is the indispensable ingredient. It is the framework that gives meaning to watching, standing, and being strong. Without love, our courage is mere self-assertion; our strength, potentially abusive; and our doctrinal stance, cold legalism (1 Cor. 13:1-3). Paul has already spent a significant portion of this letter (chapter 13) defining this selfless, agape love, making it clear that it must permeate every action, every interaction, and every belief.

Our strong stand for the faith must be offered with gentle, compassionate love. Our bravery in ministry must be fueled by a deep love for God and for the people we serve. We are to be the strongest people, standing firm on the truth, and simultaneously the most loving people, demonstrating Christ’s self-giving nature to the world.

Takeaway Challenge: How does your “strong stand” in life look when filtered through the command to “do everything with love”? This week, ask God to show you an area where you need to be strong in conviction and generous in love.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the clear, powerful directives in Your Word. Strengthen us to watch and be alert, to stand fast in the truth of the Gospel, and to be brave and strong as we live for You. Most of all, Holy Spirit, fill us with the love of Christ, that all we do — our standing, our speaking, our serving — will be motivated and guided by love, to the glory of Your Name. Amen.

[Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.]

Chapter 16 Outline

I. The Collection for the Saints (1 Corinthians 16:1-4)

A. The Command and Pattern (16:1)
The Corinthians are instructed to follow the same procedures for the collection for the saints as the churches of Galatia.
“Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also.” (1 Corinthians 16:1)

B. The Method and Timing (16:2)
The collection is to be taken up systematically on the first day of the week, with each person setting aside money according to their prosperity.
“On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come.” (1 Corinthians 16:2)

C. The Delivery of the Gift (16:3-4)
Trusted messengers chosen by the Corinthians will deliver the collection to Jerusalem; Paul is willing to accompany them if the amount warrants it.
“And when I come, whomever you approve by your letters I will send to bear your gift to Jerusalem. But if it is fitting that I go also, they will go with me.” (1 Corinthians 16:3-4)

II. Paul’s Travel Plans (1 Corinthians 16:5–9)

A. Intended Visit to Corinth (16:5–6)
Paul plans to visit Corinth after passing through Macedonia, hoping to stay for some time, perhaps even through the winter.
“Now I will come to you when I pass through Macedonia (for I am passing through Macedonia). And it may be that I will remain, or even spend the winter with you, that you may send me on my way wherever I go.” (1 Corinthians 16:5-6)

B. Avoiding a Quick Call (16:7)
He wishes to spend a sufficient period with them and not just a brief visit in passing.
“For I do not wish to see you now on the way, but I hope to stay a while with you, if the Lord permits.” (1 Corinthians 16:7)

C. Present Location and Opportunity (16:8-9)
Paul will remain in Ephesus until Pentecost because a great and effective door for ministry has opened, despite significant opposition.
“But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost. For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.” (1 Corinthians 16:8-9)

III. Instructions Regarding Coworkers (1 Corinthians 16:10-12)

A. Concerning Timothy (16:10-11)
The Corinthians are instructed to receive Timothy without fear and help send him back to Paul, as he is laboring in the Lord’s work.
“And if Timothy comes, see that he may be with you without fear; for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do. Therefore let no one despise him, but send him on his journey in peace, that he may come to me; for I am expecting him with the brethren.” (1 Corinthians 16:10-11)

B. Concerning Apollos (16:12)
Paul assures the Corinthians that Apollos knows their desire for him to visit, but he has chosen to delay his visit until a more convenient time.
“Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brethren, but he was quite unwilling to come at this time; however, he will come when he has a convenient time.” (1 Corinthians 16:12)

IV. Final Exhortations (1 Corinthians 16:13-14)

A. Call to Spiritual Vigilance (16:13)
The believers are commanded to be watchful, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, and be strong.
“Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:13)

B. The Rule of Love (16:14)
All actions within the community must be governed by love.
“Let all that you do be done with love.” (1 Corinthians 16:14)

V. Commendation and Submission (1 Corinthians 16:15-18)

A. The Household of Stephanas (16:15)
The house of Stephanas is recognized as the first converts in Achaia and commended for their dedication to ministry.
“I urge you, brethren—you know the household of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints —” (1 Corinthians 16:15)

B. Exhortation to Submit (16:16)
The Corinthians are instructed to submit themselves to such diligent servants and to all who labor and work with them.
“that you also submit to such, and to everyone who helps us and labors.” (1 Corinthians 16:16)

C. Encouragement from Visitors (16:17–18)
Paul expresses joy over the arrival of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, who have refreshed his spirit and the spirit of the Corinthians.
“I am glad about the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, for what was lacking on your part they supplied. For they refreshed my spirit and yours; therefore acknowledge such men.” (1 Corinthians 16:17-18)

VI. Concluding Greetings and Benediction (1 Corinthians 16:19-24)

A. Greetings from Churches and Individuals (16:19)
The churches of Asia and the individuals Aquila and Priscilla (Prisca) send their greetings.
“The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.” (1 Corinthians 16:19)

B. Standard Farewell Greeting (16:20)
All the brethren send greetings, and they are instructed to greet one another with a holy kiss.
“All the brethren greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.” (1 Corinthians 16:20)

C. Paul’s Personal Signature and Warning (16:21-22)
Paul adds a greeting written by his own hand and delivers a strong warning (anathema) to anyone who does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, followed by the Aramaic phrase Maranatha (“Our Lord, come!”).
“The salutation with my own handb— Paul’s. If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed. Maranatha!” (1 Corinthians 16:21-22)

D. Final Grace and Assurance of Love (16:23-24)
Paul concludes with a final blessing of grace and a declaration of his love for all of them in Christ Jesus.
“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.” (1 Corinthians 16:23-24)

[Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.]

“How are the dead raised up? And with what body do they come?” (1 Corinthians 15:35; Read 1 Cor. 15:35-58)

From Seed to Glory

The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 15, addresses the most profound question of faith: What happens after death, and what kind of body will we receive? The skeptic asks, “How are the dead raised up? And with what body do they come?” (1 Cor. 15:35).

Paul’s response is immediate and beautiful. He uses the analogy of the seed: “Foolish one, what you sow is not made alive unless it dies” (15:36). When a farmer sows a mere grain, the body that sprouts is radically different from the seed that was planted. The seed must die, be buried, and then God gives it a new body “as He pleases” (15:38).

This is the promise for us. The physical body we bury is the seed. It is not raised in its current form, but it is transformed. Paul contrasts the current body — sown in corruption, dishonor, weakness, and as a natural body — with the resurrected body — raised in incorruption, glory, power, and as a spiritual body (15:42-44). We are given a body that perfectly fits the eternal, spiritual reality of God’s Kingdom.

Victory in a Twinkling of an Eye

The core reason for this ultimate transformation is simple: our current, earthly form, corrupted by sin, cannot inherit the eternal Kingdom. “Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption” (15:50). A change must take place.

Paul calls the timing of this change a mystery (15:51). For those who are alive at Christ’s return, and for the dead who are raised, the transformation will be instantaneous: “in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet” (15:52). This means that every single believer, whether buried in the ground or alive in the moment of Christ’s return, will be clothed in immortality and incorruption (cf. 1 Thess. 4:13-18).

This great moment ushers in the fulfillment of prophecy, the total defeat of our last enemy: Death.

“Death is swallowed up in victory. O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?” (15:54-55).

The power of death came from sin, and the strength of sin was the Law (15:56). But through Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the Law in our stead and then bore the guilt and punishment for our sins when He suffered and died on the cross and rose again in triumph, the sting has been removed! The victory is ours, not by our own merit, but by God’s gracious gift in Christ Jesus: “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (15:57).

Abounding in the Work

The resurrection is not a distant theological concept; it is now the driving force for our lives. Because we possess the certainty of incorruption, glory, power, and victory in Christ Jesus and for the sake of His innocent sufferings and death and His glorious resurrection on the third day, our present life takes on profound meaning.

Paul concludes with an encouraging command: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (15:58).

Do not let the temporary troubles or the uncertainty of this life shake your faith. Your work — your service, your prayer, your generosity, your endurance — is not for a passing reward. It is counted and secured by the very God who promises to exchange your perishable body for one of eternal glory. Be steadfast! Abound in His work! Your labor, rooted in the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ, is eternally worthwhile.

Reflection Questions:

Since Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins and then bodily rose again in glory on the third day, what is our hope and confidence? How will those who trust in Christ be raised up when He returns? Cf. 1 Cor. 15:16-19; 1 Thess. 4:13-18.
How does the promise of a “spiritual body” change how you view your current physical struggles or limitations? Cf. Phil. 3:20-21.
Knowing that your labor is “not in vain in the Lord,” what specific “work of the Lord” can you be more “abounding” in this week?

Prayer:

Almighty God, we thank You for the ultimate promise of the resurrection given to us through the death and resurrection of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You that the grave is not the final word, and that through Christ, we have victory over the sting of sin and death. Help us to live today in light of that glorious future. Strengthen us to be steadfast and immovable in Your work, knowing that our labor is never in vain. Clothe us with courage and hope as we await the moment when this corruptible will put on incorruption. To Your name be all glory and honor, now and forever. Amen.

[Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.]