Learn:
But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Isaiah 53:5, 6
Read: Colossians 1:15-29
1. What is Paul, who is made a minister (servant) of the Lord, rejoicing in? v 24
2. Explain the reason for Paul’s suffering for these people. Acts 13:44-48
3. What did the Lord Jesus tell Paul when be called him to be a minister of the gospel to the Gentiles? Acts 9:15, 16
4. What do the following Scriptures teach about persecution and suffering for the followers of Jesus Christ?
II Corinthians 4:8, 9
I Thessalonians 2:14, 15
John 15:18-20
II Timothy 3:11, 12
5. Paul’s attitude through his sufferings was of joy. What should our attitude be when we suffer for sharing the truth of Jesus and living according to his Word?
Matthew 5:11, 12
Matthew 5:43-45
6. Who set the example for how we should treat those who persecute us? Matthew 5:46-48
7. How did the Father set the example? John 3:16-18
8. What are the afflictions that Christ bore for the body, the church’s sake?
Isaiah 53:3-11
NOTE: In verse 24 Paul is telling us that Christ, the Head, had borne his part, now the apostle in turn fills up his part, in the great sum of suffering to be undergone on behalf of the body of Christ. Such suffering is common to the Master and his servants, and he leaves behind to each his fitting and correspondent share therein. This suffering and affliction has nothing to do with atonement for sin, but speaks of the difficulties to be endured on our part in order to bring the gospel to the lost.
PULPIT COMMENTARY Colossians pp 15, 16
9. Who is the dispenser of what Paul’s ministry is to be? v 25
10. What is the “word of God” that Paul is given to fulfill? vv 25, 26
11. Describe this “mystery” that has been hid from ages (successive epochs of time) and
from generations (successive races of men), but now is revealed to God’s saints?
I Corinthians 2:6-16 Especially note verses 6, 7, 8, 10.
II Corinthians 4:3-7 Especially note verses 3, 4b, 6b.
Ephesians 3:5, 6
12. The “mystery” is clearly defined in Colossians 1:27 the last portion of the verse. It is:
13. Explain in your own words what this phrase means from Colossians 1:27 means.
14. The “mystery” revealed to the Jewish Christians was that? Acts 11:17, 18
15. Who are the saints? Ephesians 2:1-9 Especially note verse 1, 8.
16. Why has this “mystery” now been made known? Romans 16:25, 26
17. What does the revelation of this “mystery” reveal to us about God? Romans 11:33-36
18. Who is Paul constantly preaching? vv 27b, 28a
19. What two things does that preaching always include? v 28
20.”Warning” may include reproof for the past, but what is the “warning” more
especially about as indicated by the following verses?
Acts 20:28-31
I Thessalonians 5:2-6
21. What is the purpose of Paul’s warning and teaching? v 28
22. How diligent is Paul in his appointed ministry? v 29