The phrase “what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions” in Colossians 1:24 is a difficult one that has been interpreted in different ways by Bible scholars. Here is an overview of some of the main interpretations of this verse:
Paul’s Sufferings for the Church
One common interpretation is that Paul is referring to his own sufferings as an apostle on behalf of the church. In this view, Paul is saying that there are afflictions still to be endured for the sake of the church, and he is helping to fill up what is lacking by enduring sufferings for the sake of Christ’s body, the church (Col 1:24). Paul’s sufferings help continue and extend the sufferings of Christ to the church.
Supporters of this view point out that the context of Colossians 1 is about Paul’s ministry as an apostle (Col 1:23-29). So it makes sense he would be referring to his own sufferings for the gospel. Paul endured much affliction for the sake of spreading the gospel and nurturing the church (2 Cor 11:23-28). Paul’s afflictions in some sense continued Christ’s afflictions, since he was suffering for the sake of Christ’s body, the church.
Christ’s Afflictions Were Sufficient
Another common interpretation is that the sufferings of Christ were completely sufficient for salvation, and there is nothing lacking or defective in Christ’s atoning work on the cross. This view emphasizes that the afflictions of Christ in his death were fully sufficient to atone for sins.
Supporters of this view say that the sufferings of Christ in his death completely accomplished the salvation of sinners. There is nothing lacking in Christ’s sacrificial death on behalf of sinners (John 19:30, Heb 9:11-14). To say there is something lacking in Christ’s afflictions comes dangerously close to denying the completeness of Christ’s work.
According to this view, Paul is likely just referring to his own sufferings on behalf of the church, similar to the first view. But Paul would never intend to imply that Christ’s sufferings were somehow insufficient or lacking.
Christ Continues to Suffer in His People
A third view is that Paul is saying that Christ continues to suffer affliction in his people, including Paul. In this interpretation, the sufferings of Christ are continued and “filled up” as the church suffers persecution and affliction for the sake of Christ. Paul’s afflictions fill up what is lacking by participating in Christ’s sufferings.
Those who hold this view point to verses indicating Christ suffers along with his people (Acts 9:4-5). Paul’s afflictions fill up Christ’s afflictions by sharing in the sufferings of Christ. Paul is mystically participating in Christ’s sufferings.
This view emphasizes the unity and connection between Christ and his church. As the church suffers affliction for the sake of Christ, Christ suffers in and through his people as they identify with him.
The Afflictions of the Messiah
A fourth perspective is that Paul has in mind the Old Testament concept of the afflictions of the Messiah. Certain Old Testament passages depict the Messiah and his people suffering affliction prior to the consummation and restoration of all things (e.g. Psalm 22, Isaiah 53).
In this view, Paul sees himself as participating in the messianic woes on behalf of the church prior to the coming restoration and glorification. The afflictions of Christ are part of the eschatological trials to come, which Paul is helping to fulfill.
This interpretation sees Paul anticipating the coming tribulation expected prior to the return of Christ. Paul sufferings fill up what is still lacking in regard to the coming messianic woes.
Views that Affirm Christ’s Sacrifice is Sufficient
Most evangelical interpreters are careful to emphasize that Christ’s atoning sacrifice was completely sufficient to accomplish salvation. Nothing can be added to the sufferings of the cross that have already been accomplished.
At the same time, Paul probably has in mind that his own sufferings fill up or extend the sufferings of Christ. But Paul would not intend to deny the completeness of Christ’s atoning work.
Paul suffers on Christ’s behalf, for the sake of the church. But these sufferings do not add anything to the sufferings of Christ that merited salvation. Only Christ’s sufferings could accomplish redemption.
So Paul is likely thinking of his sufferings as continuing and extending the afflictions of Christ to the church. But Paul would affirm that the atoning sufferings of Christ alone merit salvation for believers. His own sufferings only spread the message of what Christ accomplished.
Implications of “Filling up” Christ’s Afflictions
If Paul means he is “filling up” something lacking in Christ’s afflictions, what are the implications? Here are a few insights:
- Christ invites his followers to identify with his sufferings (Matt 16:24). Paul suffers for Christ’s body, the church.
- There are aspects of Christ’s redeeming work that continue through the church, such as suffering while spreading the gospel.
- The messianic woes may find form in the sufferings of Christ’s followers as the consummation approaches.
- Paul’s afflictions confirm the authenticity of his apostleship.
- Christ’s sufferings are patterned after the righteous sufferer of Isaiah 53. The righteous often suffer prior to exaltation.
- The full number of the Gentiles must come to faith before Christ returns (Rom 11:25). Paul plays a role in accomplishing this.
- The church participates in aspects of Christ’s work, such as suffering. Yet only Christ’s suffering redeems.
- Affliction plays a role in the redemptive purposes of God, both for Christ and his people.
These perspectives can shed light on the verse and passage, while upholding that Christ accomplished salvation fully by his death on the cross.
Summary of Perspectives
In summary, here are a few of the main interpretations of this disputed verse:
- Paul is referring to his own sufferings on behalf of the church.
- Paul means there are aspects of Christ’s afflictions in which he is sharing and participating.
- Paul anticipates the coming messianic woes expected before Christ’s return.
- Paul in no way denies the completeness and efficiency of Christ’s atoning sacrifice.
- Paul suffers for the sake of filling up what is still lacking for the sake of Christ’s body, the church.
The sufferings of Christ merit salvation for all who believe in him. Paul’s sufferings spread that message of redemption to more people. As the church suffers for Christ, aspects of Christ’s afflictions continue through his people. But only Christ’s suffering on the cross provides propitiation for sin.
The passage remains disputed, but Christians affirm the full sufficiency of Christ’s afflictions to accomplish redemption. Paul likely refers to his own sufferings continuing aspects of Christ’s afflictions for the sake of the church.
