Colossians 1:25-27 - Christ in us, the hope of glory

In verse 25, Paul revealed that he was made a minister or servant to help the church at large and not just to the church in Colossae. Paul’s calling to this task was according to the stewardship of God. And thus it was a God-given appointment.    

A steward is literally a house manager. It is a position of responsibility entrusted by the master and in this case, God. This position which Paul was appointed, was for the benefit, especially the spiritual well-being, of the believers in Colossae (as well as believers everywhere). He was entrusted this appointment in order that he could proclaim the message of God fully i.e. everything that God had said.   

Paul referred to the message as a mystery. It was a secret that was hidden in the past but now revealed. This was something God did not tell the people before. However, God now revealed it to the saints, people who are set apart unto Him. He now chose to make this secret known among the Gentiles. According to verse 27, this mystery is rich and glorious. It must have been difficult to express in human terms adequately. Suffice to say this mystery is too wonderful to describe in words.

The Content of this mystery is: Christ in you, the hope of glory. Presently, as Christ’s redeemed people and as members of His body, we have His risen life in and among us, and living through us. This gives us the confidence that we will ultimately share in the fullness of His glory. The glory that is yet to be displayed on that great day of the consummation of all things, according to Romans 8:19, where all the sons of God will be revealed.

Let’s hear what the Apostle John had to say, “Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is” (1 John 3:2). With this hope, let us live each day with greater expectancy and anticipation!