Bible Study What Was Lacking In Christ's Afflictions?

[Chopper]

Colossians 1:24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church: (KJV)

Col 1:24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, (ESV)

I have often considered this verse of Scripture and pondered just what does it mean? I realize that as Christ Jesus has suffered, if we identify with Him thru Salvation, we are to suffer as well. Does this mean, as individuals we will suffer? Or does it mean that the "Church" that we identify with will suffer as a Church? If so, where is the suffering Church? Certainly not in the USA, right?

 

[JoJoe]

Well yes... If we are to be one body with Christ we will have to face such similiair fates in his name. I used to be confused with this thought as well but, now it is only for our benefit to face such adversity.

IMHO I believe the "lacking" nature is the spreading of Christ's afflictions. It is only these things that satisfied God's wrath so it is illogical to assume the suffering itself is insufficient but, that of our duty to tell the world of such things.

 

[dianegcook]

Colossians 1:24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church: (KJV)

Col 1:24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, (ESV)

I have often considered this verse of Scripture and pondered just what does it mean? I realize that as Christ Jesus has suffered, if we identify with Him thru Salvation, we are to suffer as well. Does this mean, as individuals we will suffer? Or does it mean that the "Church" that we identify with will suffer as a Church? If so, where is the suffering Church? Certainly not in the USA, right?

Hi Chopper
My referrences refer to Eph.3:1
For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles.
Eph.3:13
Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.

Hope that helped...

 

[Kenny_ms]

Not sure if it will help if I read those two verses in context as they may just stand on their own and that won't help, but, to be honest, I find them very hard to understand too.

I'll keep watching the thread, it's already been helpful.

 

[Chopper]

Not sure if it will help if I read those two verses in context as they may just stand on their own and that won't help, but, to be honest, I find them very hard to understand too.

I'll keep watching the thread, it's already been helpful.

I agree my good friend. At first, I asked myself, "what in the world does this mean" I thought Christ's suffering included everything necessary. There must be then, that there is suffering thru persecution of identifying with Christ Jesus that Paul certainly experienced. The Scriptures do speak of our persecution as we identify with Jesus and especially the Churches of the Christ.

We do hear, even today of churches in foriegn lands that have to go underground because of persecution. That's the only thing I can think of. Like you, I'm looking for more info on this subject....thank you for your reply.

 

[Deborah13]

Paul is saying that he still has more tribulation to go through, in his ministry of delivering the Gospel to the assembly.
Diane's scriptures say the same things.

My referrences refer to Eph.3:1
For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles.
Eph.3:13
Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.