What does "stewardship from God" mean in Colossians 1:25? Verse at a Glance “of which I became a servant by the commission God gave me to fully proclaim to you the word of God” (Colossians 1:25) Unpacking the Word “Stewardship” • The original Greek term is oikonomía—literally “house-management.” • It pictures a trusted manager who oversees someone else’s property or affairs. • In Colossians 1:25, the “property” is the gospel message; the “owner” is God; the “manager” is Paul. Paul’s Personal Assignment • Called to be a “servant” (διάκονος, diakonos) of the church. • Given a divine “commission/stewardship” directly from God, not by human appointment. • Tasked “to fully proclaim … the word of God,” ensuring nothing is left out or watered down. How This Stewardship Works 1. Accountability: A steward answers to the Master (cf. Luke 12:42–44). 2. Faithfulness: The message must stay pure (1 Corinthians 4:1–2). 3. Provision: Paul dispenses spiritual riches—truth, encouragement, correction—just as a household steward distributes food at the proper time. Linking to Other Scriptures • 1 Corinthians 9:17 — “If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward; but if not voluntarily, I am still entrusted with a stewardship.” • Ephesians 3:2 — “Surely you have heard about the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you.” • Titus 1:7 — Elders must act “as God’s stewards,” guarding doctrine and conduct. • 1 Peter 4:10 — Every believer is to serve as a “good steward of God’s varied grace,” showing the principle extends beyond apostles. What It Means for Us Today • The gospel is God’s possession; we merely manage it. • Faithful stewardship requires accuracy—knowing and declaring the whole counsel of Scripture. • Stewardship always carries responsibility and reward: accountability now, commendation later (2 Timothy 4:7–8). • Like Paul, believers are placed in specific settings—families, workplaces, congregations—to distribute the grace and truth God has entrusted to them. |
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