What is the meaning of Colossians 1:27? To them • “Them” reaches back to verse 26 and names “the saints”—ordinary believers set apart by God. • Scripture consistently addresses God’s people as saints (Ephesians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 1:2), underscoring that every follower of Christ is welcomed into this revelation, not merely an elite few. God has chosen • The initiative is entirely His. We do not pry open divine secrets; He graciously selects when and how to unveil them (John 15:16; Ephesians 1:4–5). • This choosing highlights both God’s sovereignty and His personal care for His church. To make known • God does not delight in keeping truth hidden from His children. By His Spirit He “has revealed it to us” (1 Corinthians 2:10). • Revelation in Scripture moves from mystery to clarity, showing God’s desire for relationship rather than obscurity (Matthew 16:17). Among the Gentiles • The surprise of the gospel age is that the nations are full participants in God’s plan (Ephesians 3:6). • Acts 10:45 and Romans 1:5 portray the wall between Jew and Gentile falling, proving this mystery is for “whoever believes” (John 3:16). The glorious riches of this mystery • “Glorious” points to God’s radiant character; “riches” speaks of His inexhaustible generosity (Romans 11:33). • Believers receive forgiveness, adoption, and power—spiritual wealth that far surpasses material treasure (Ephesians 1:7–8). Which is Christ in you • The mystery is not merely information; it is a Person living within His people. • “Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20), and “Christ is in you” (Romans 8:10) sum up the Christian life: shared union with the risen Lord. • This indwelling assures acceptance now and transforms character daily (2 Corinthians 13:5). The hope of glory • Hope here is confident expectation, not wishful thinking. It rests on Christ’s resurrection and promise of return (Titus 2:13). • Glory points ahead to the believer’s ultimate perfection and presence with God (Romans 5:2; 1 Peter 5:1). • Because Christ is already within, future glory is certain; the down payment guarantees the inheritance (Ephesians 1:13–14). summary Colossians 1:27 unfolds a divine secret now fully disclosed: God sovereignly reveals to all believers—Jew and Gentile alike—the immeasurable wealth of having Christ Himself dwell within us. That indwelling secures a rock-solid expectation of eternal glory, turning present faith into certain future splendor. |
    |