John Calvin Commentary Colossians 1:25

"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 a minister. Note under what character he suffers for the Church — as being a minister, not to give the price of redemption (as Augustine skillfully and piously expresses himself), but to proclaim it. He calls himself, however, in this instance, a minister of the Church on a different basis from that on which he called himself elsewhere (1 Corinthians 4:1), a minister of God, and a short time ago (Colossians 1:23), a minister of the gospel.

For the Apostles serve God and Christ for the advancement of the glory of both; they serve the Church, and administer the gospel itself, with a view to promote salvation. There is, therefore, a different reason for the ministry in these expressions, but the one cannot subsist without the other. He says, however, towards you, so that they may know that his office also has a connection with them.

To fulfill the word. He states the purpose of his ministry — that the word of God may be effectual, as it is, when it is obediently received. For this is the excellence of the gospel: that it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth (Romans 1:16).

God, therefore, gives efficacy and influence to his word by means of the Apostles. For although preaching itself, whatever may be its outcome, is the fulfilling of the word, yet it is the fruit that eventually shows that the seed has not been sown in vain.