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The Idea Of Fullness

Text: Colossians 1:19

The idea of “fullness” is a truly profound concept. The apostle Paul sought to explain the concept of what it means for Jesus to be “in the image of the invisible God”.

“For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell.”
Colossians 1:19

1. A challenging verse

We have a challenging verse to interpret. We will need to break down the sentence into smaller segments to comprehend what Paul was saying.

2. “For”

a) A causal particle was used (Greek “hoti”).

b) It is often translated as “because” or “for”.

3. The reference

a) Jesus as the one bearing “the image of the invisible God” (Colossians 1:15).

b) And how He is the head of the church (Colossians 1:18).

c) Finally His preeminence (Colossians 1:18)

4. “It pleased the Father”

a) The verb “pleased” did not specify the subject.

b) The context would suggest that God the Father as the subject.

c) The NKJV text offers the phrase “The Father” to give greater clarity of meaning.

d) The rendering of the text is essentially sound and correct

5. “In Him”

a) Jesus is in mind here.

b) The Father is pleased that in Christ should be “the fullness”.

6. “Should dwell”

a) This phrase was written to suggest purpose.

b) God the Father intended that fullness should dwell in Christ.

i) This is well within the will of God.

ii) Paul’s description of Christ receiving preeminence was also within God’s purpose.

iii) The honour given to the Lord Jesus was meant to be permanent.

iv) The word “dwell” suggests permanence.