Question: In Colossians 1:24 the apostle speaks of filling up “that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ for his body’s sake which is the church.” Taking these words literally do they not seem to imply that our Lord did not suffer His full share of afflictions, but left a part to be filled up by His servant and follower after Him? R.C.
Answer: We must distinguish between Christ’s sufferings in atonement, in which none can share, and His suffering for righteousness, where He is not alone. Matt. 20:22 gives the first, whilst the next verse reveals the latter. So Phil. 1:29, 1 Peter 4:13, 16, speak of our part. See also “Bible Treasury,” Vol. VII. (1908), 208.