Charles Ellicott Commentary Colossians 1:25

Charles Ellicott Commentary

Colossians 1:25

1819–1905
Anglican
Charles Ellicott
Charles Ellicott

Charles Ellicott Commentary

Colossians 1:25

1819–1905
Anglican
SCRIPTURE

"whereof I was made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which was given me to you-ward, to fulfil the word of God," — Colossians 1:25 (ASV)

Of which I am made (or, became) a minister.—Above St. Paul describes himself as a “minister of the gospel,” here as a “minister (or, servant) of the Church.” Elsewhere he is always the “minister of God” and “of Christ”; here of the Church, as the Body of Christ, and so indissolubly united with Christ.

The dispensation of God.—See Ephesians 3:2-9, and Notes there. The reference is to his specific “Apostleship of the Gentiles.”

To fulfill.—The marginal reading and reference to Romans 15:19 give the explanation of the word, “fully to preach the Word of God”—to be a messenger of the perfect revelation, which had now unfolded what was previously a hidden “mystery.”