What does Colossians 1:27 mean?

Explanation

Colossians 1:27 is a verse rich with theological importance and reflects the core Christian belief of the indwelling of Christ in believers.

In this verse, Paul speaks to the Colossians about a "mystery," which has been hidden for ages but is now revealed to God's holy people.

The mystery he refers to is "Christ in you, the hope of glory." Literally, this tells us that Christ dwells within Gentile believers, just as He does within Jewish believers, indicating the inclusivity of the gospel.

Deeper than that, it suggests that Christ's presence in one's life is the very essence of the hope believers have for glory, which can mean both the transformed character in this life and the ultimate glorification in the presence of God in eternity.

Historical Context

The epistle to the Colossians was written by the Apostle Paul, likely while he was in prison (possibly in Rome), around AD 60–62.

Colossae was a city in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) which had a church that may have been founded by Epaphras, one of Paul's co-workers.

The Colossians were experiencing pressure from persuasions both Jewish (legalism, dietary laws, circumcision) and pagan (mysticism, asceticism).

Paul writes to affirm the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ in the face of these pressures and to clarify that in Christ, believers have all that is needed for salvation and sanctification, regardless of their ethnic or cultural background.

Theological Insights

From the theological perspective, this verse emphasizes the universality of the gospel message and the inclusivity of the salvation offered through Jesus Christ. It breaks down barriers between Jews and Gentiles, a groundbreaking concept in the early church.

Theologically, the term "Christ in you" is understood as the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, which confirms and strengthens the presence of Christ within the believer.

In terms of eschatology, "the hope of glory" refers to the future realization of believers' eternal life with God, a state of glory that Christians anticipate as a promise from God.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, Colossians 1:27 offers several applications for daily life:

• The indwelling of Christ empowers believers with hope and strength, implying a transformative effect on one's character and ethics.
• It encourages inclusiveness and unity amongst believers of diverse backgrounds, reminding them that the same Christ lives in all who believe.
• The verse can foster encouragement and assurance of salvation, emphasizing that it isn't achieved through human efforts but received by faith in Christ.

Cross-References

• Ephesians 3:6, "That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:"
• 2 Corinthians 4:6, "For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ."
• Romans 8:10, "And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness."
• 1 Peter 1:3-5, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,"

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek text of this verse include:

• "Mystery" (μυστήριον, musterion): refers to something that was previously hidden but now revealed to believers.
• "Gentiles" (ἐθνῶν, ethnon): the nations or people who are not Jewish, indicating the wider audience of the Christian message.
• "Riches" (πλοῦτος, ploutos): often used to convey abundance or wealth; in this context, the great value and depth of the revealed mystery.
• "Glory" (δόξα, doxa): refers to the magnificent splendor and divine quality of God, as well as the honor and eternal state believers are to partake in.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Some religions and mythologies have concepts of a divine being or essence indwelling humans:

• In Hinduism, the concept of "Atman" is somewhat akin to Christ's indwelling, where Atman is the inner self or soul that is divine or eternal.
• In many ancient Egyptian religious practices, pharaohs were seen as embodiments of gods or having divine elements within them.

However, the distinct Christian concept is that Christ's indwelling is not based on one's position or efforts but is a gift of grace extended to all believers.

Scientific Perspectives

From the scientific perspective, the concept of "Christ in you" is a matter of belief and falls outside the scope of empirical science. Science does not delve into supernatural claims or theological assertions, as these cannot be tested or observed through scientific methods.

The phrase "the hope of glory" also reflects a hopeful anticipation and personal conviction that is not objectively measurable by scientific tools.

Commentaries

• Matthew Henry's Commentary stresses the importance of understanding that this mystery is Christ in the Gentiles, which shows that salvation is not confined to the Jews.
• The Pulpit Commentary highlights the magnificence of the revealed mystery and its implications for the spiritual wealth of the Gentiles.
• Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary notes that the indwelling of Christ is the source of assured hope for receiving all the promised blessings, including glorification with Christ.