(Col. 1:24, 25.)

(Continued from page 135.)

In verse 23 the apostle stated that he had become a minister of the glad tidings.

"Now," as speaking of his circumstances, in the midst of imprisonment and sufferings, he rejoiced. The thought is not that he rejoiced in sufferings (as when it is said, "Rejoice in the Lord") but that he rejoiced while enduring the sufferings which fell to his lot as the minister, or servant, of the glad tidings. Thus he exemplified his own words to Timothy:"Suffer evil along with the glad tidings, according to the power of God" (2 Tim. 1:8).* *Quotations are from the New Translation.*

This rejoicing of the apostle was an inward, spiritual delight, giving strength to endure unto "all long-suffering with joy." It was a strengthening by the Holy Spirit's ministry to endure suffering according to the power of God. This helps us to understand what he meant when writing to the Philippians, "I have learnt in those circumstances in which I am, to be satisfied in myself" (ch. 4:11). And again, "I have strength for all things in Him that gives me power" (ver. 13). The might of God's glory is displayed in Christ's resurrection and enthronement, and the Holy Spirit engages us with the meaning of it for the believer. Thus power is given and strength found for all things, affording that inward spiritual satisfaction which does not make us content with circumstances, but content in the midst of them.

The apostle goes on to speak of the relation these sufferings bore to Christ and His Body, which is the assembly. The scope of thought here is very wide; it reaches beyond its personal application to Paul. He speaks in the present tense, "I am filling up"-as being still in progress. In this, as in much else, we are called to be his imitators, since we are, as he was, of the Body, and in our measure servants of the glad tidings. He, being preeminent in the Body, as our pattern could say, "What ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, these things do" (Phil. 4:9). Compare 2 Cor. 6:1-10 and 11:23-33. Thus all are to take their part in this filling up of that which, is behind of the tribulations of Christ. It is different in regard to that spoken of in verse 25 of our chapter. There the "/" is emphatic, and by contrast with the former statement denotes his unique place according to the dispensation of God given him "to complete the Word of God."

These afflictions or tribulations of Christ of course have no reference to His atoning sufferings. The latter are never denoted by the word (thlipsis) here used. The tribulations are spoken of here as "behind" in the sense that they follow those already endured by Christ among men. And while these may be considered in relation to His place as Servant in Israel (for He "became a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises of the fathers"-Rom. 15:8), the tribulations which come after, and are being filled up by others, are of the same character, being instigated by the same evil spirit; only after Pentecost they were connected with the Church instead of Israel. In a distinctive way Paul was the minister of the Assembly; but as already remarked, we, his fellow-servants, are to take our part in the filling up of these tribulations.

It is not Billing up as if there was any lack or deficiency in what Christ endured, but as a continuance of these sufferings, thus fulfilling the Lord's own words in John 15:17-21; 16:1-4. Compare 1 Thess. l:6; 2:14-16; 3:1-4; 2 Thess. 1. 4; Heb. 10:33; Rev. 1:9.

Again, these sufferings may be considered as connected with Christ in glory, as He said to Paul at the time of his conversion. Paul was then largely contributing to the tribulations endured by members of Christ upon earth. The Lord says, "Why dost thou persecute Me?.. .1 am Jesus, whom thou persecutest"(Acts 9:4, 5). Thus Paul received the knowledge of the living link between the Head in glory and His members on earth, who formed "His Body, which is the assembly."

These tribulations are considered to be for, in behalf of, the Body. Having the blessing of the saints in view, Paul could say, through both his tribulation and ministry, "Remaining in the flesh is more necessary for your sakes; and having confidence of this, I know that I shall remain and abide along with you all for your progress and joy in faith" (Phil. 1:24-26).

In the light of what we have considered, let us give place in our thoughts to what the Assembly is in God's mind, as revealed in Paul's ministry. Though we are amid the ruins of its outward manifestation, owing to the miserable failure of those to whom this ministry was committed-ourselves amongst them-let us remember it remains the House of God, to which we should seek to give present expression, walking in the light of its truth:though, as in Paul's day, we shall find there is a present filling up of the tribulations of Christ in our flesh, for His Body's sake, which is the Assembly.

Can that "mystery" – the revelation of which completed the Word of God-ever fail to be of commanding importance to us? Or, since known, ever cease to put us under a supreme obligation to walk and serve according to its truth? Should we not ever seek to shape all our activities in accordance with it, so that the world may even now see, in the measure possible, a practical expression, in us individually and as companies gathered on the truth of the Body of Christ, of what God's mind is for His people, who form His ekklesia, His called-out company? The current of the times is against standing fast in this, so that if there is not resistance to these worldly influences there will be neglect in maintaining God's establishment, both as to fellowship and service. May faithfulness and love combine with a revival of the truth in all our hearts, speeding our feet in every effort that can be consistently made to help God's people and spread the glad tidings. John Bloore

When our sky seems all o'er-clouded,
And our path beset with care,
And the heart o'erfraught with sorrow
Seeming more than we can bear,
And we kneel and lay our burden
At His feet in wordless prayer,
He will give relief and succor,
If we only-leave it there.