Colossians 1:26

"of which I was made a servant according to the stewardship of God which was given me toward you to fulfill the word of God,"

Key Reflection

In Colossians 1:26, Paul speaks of his role as a servant appointed by God to proclaim and fulfill the Good News among the Colossian Christians. For the first-century audience, this would have highlighted Paul’s sense of responsibility and mission, drawing on their understanding of stewardship within the household code prevalent in that time, where servants were entrusted with specific duties for the benefit of their masters. Paul’s use of this term underscores his view of himself as a faithful servant, entrusted by God to share the gospel message, ensuring its proper implementation among the believers.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 26. Even the mystery. To make that mystery fully known. See Barnes "Eph 3:2, and Eph 3:3-9. The great doctrine, that salvation was to be proclaimed to all mankind, Paul says, had been concealed for many generations. Hence it was called a mystery, or a hidden truth. But now is made manifest to his saints. It was communicated especially to the apostles who were appointed to proclaim it, and through them to all the saints. Paul says that he regarded himself as specially called to make this truth known, as far as possible, to mankind.

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