Filling Up What Is Lacking in Christ’s Afflictions: Pauline Understanding of Suffering in Colossians 1:24--2:5

Abstract

The theme of suffering is well-grounded in the Bible. Paul refers to suffering concerning Christian ministry in Colossians 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.” This study aims to determine the exegetical and theological issues of this verse within its context (Col 1:24–2:5). This is done through an exegesis of Colossians 1:24–2:5. The study concludes that the phrase “what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions…” has nothing to do with his death as an atoning sacrifice for sin but more about the afflictions that Paul and the rest of the body of Christ will bear for the sake of Christ in the cause of bearing witness for him. This study has also found that nowhere else in the Pauline corpus is the word affliction used regarding Christ. Rather, it is always about Paul. This study has also found out that παθήματα and θλίψις (afflictions and sufferings) are synonymously used.