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1 Corinthians 2:12-14
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God…

2 Corinthians 2:14
Now thanksbe unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.

2 Corinthians 4:6
For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, togive the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

the riches.

Colossians 2:3
In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Romans 9:23
And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,

Romans 11:33
O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchableare his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

Christ.

Colossians 3:11
Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bondnor free: but Christis all, and in all.

Luke 17:21
Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

John 6:56
He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.

in you.

Colossians 1:5
For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;

Psalm 16:9-11
Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope…

Romans 5:2
By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

among the Gentiles
The inclusion of the Gentiles in God's plan of salvation was a revolutionary concept in the early church. Historically, the Jewish people were seen as God's chosen nation, but the New Testament reveals the expansion of this covenant to include all nations. This is consistent with the Abrahamic promise inGenesis 12:3, where all families of the earth would be blessed through Abraham. The Apostle Paul, the author of Colossians, was particularly called to be an apostle to the Gentiles (Romans 11:13), highlighting the fulfillment of God's inclusive plan.

the glorious riches of this mystery
The term "mystery" in the New Testament often refers to a divine truth that was previously hidden but is now revealed. The "glorious riches" suggest the abundant and valuable nature of this revelation. In the context of Colossians, the mystery pertains to the inclusion of the Gentiles and the indwelling of Christ. This mystery is not only a theological concept but also a transformative reality for believers, as it signifies the wealth of spiritual blessings available in Christ (Ephesians 1:3).

which is Christ in you
This phrase encapsulates the heart of the Christian faith: the indwelling presence of Christ in the believer. It signifies a personal and intimate relationship with Jesus, transcending cultural and religious boundaries. Theologically, this reflects the doctrine of union with Christ, where believers are spiritually united with Him (Galatians 2:20). This indwelling is a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, such asEzekiel 36:27, where God promises to put His Spirit within His people.

the hope of glory
"Hope" in the biblical sense is a confident expectation, not mere wishful thinking. The "glory" refers to the future state of believers, sharing in the divine glory of Christ (Romans 8:17). This hope is both a present reality and a future promise, providing assurance and motivation for holy living. The concept of glory is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, where it often signifies God's manifest presence (Exodus 24:16-17). In the New Testament, believers are promised a share in this glory through their union with Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18).

• “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.

• 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.

• 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).

• The surprise of the gospel age is that the nations are full participants in God’s plan (Ephesians 3:6).

•Acts 10:45 andRomans 1:5 portray the wall between Jew and Gentile falling, proving this mystery is for “whoever believes” (John 3:16).

• “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).

• 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).

• 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).

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.

The riches of the glory.--SeeEphesians 1:18;Ephesians 3:16; and Notes there.

Which is Christ in you.--This mystery specially committed to St. Paul to declare is. inEphesians 3:6, defined thus, "That the Gentiles should be (or,are) fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel"; and the nature of this promise is explained below, "That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith." Here the mystery itself is boldly defined as "Christ in you;" just as in1Timothy 3:16, according to one interpretation of that difficult passage, "the mystery of godliness" is Christ Himself, "who was manifest," &c. Here we have again a significant illustration of the difference between the characteristic ideas of the two Epistles. In the Ephesian Epistle the unity of all in God's covenant is first put forth, and then explained as dependent on the indwelling of Christ in the heart. Here the "Christ in you" is all in all: the unity of all men in Him is an inference, but one which the readers of the Epistle are left to draw for themselves. On the great idea itself, in the purely individual relation, seePhilippians 1:21, and alsoGalatians 2:20; in the more general form, seeRomans 8:10;2Corinthians 13:5;Galatians 4:19. . . .