a mere housewife
Not your cup of tea
I noticed reading Colossians 1 that Paul speaks of his work for the church in 'mirror' terms (it seems) of what Christ has done. In Colossians 1:22 he says that Christ has reconciled us in his body of flesh by his death, to present us blameless and holy and irreproachable before God. Later in verses 24-28, Paul speaks of suffering in his own flesh for the church; and then speaks of 'presenting everyone perfect in Christ'. I know that Paul's work is only effectual because of this relation to Christ -- he is filling up Christ's sufferings, he is presenting people in Christ -- whereas Christ suffers and presents in His own proper person. Yet there has to be some sort of efficacy (in Christ's working through Him) to Paul's work as it is a vital part of their being presented.
Is this unique to his apostleship? Or is he speaking of himself as a more 'common' minister of the gospel -- so that ministers today are also suffering and presenting in this relation to Christ?
And does this relation between suffering and laboring to see people we love made 'perfect' in Him, and Christ's suffering and laboring for them, apply to other relationships or callings (wife, mother, father, daughter, etc) as well?
(I would also be grateful to just better understand the nature of the relation between Christ's ministry and Paul's, from those who have studied this more thoroughly and can explain it better?)
Is this unique to his apostleship? Or is he speaking of himself as a more 'common' minister of the gospel -- so that ministers today are also suffering and presenting in this relation to Christ?
And does this relation between suffering and laboring to see people we love made 'perfect' in Him, and Christ's suffering and laboring for them, apply to other relationships or callings (wife, mother, father, daughter, etc) as well?
(I would also be grateful to just better understand the nature of the relation between Christ's ministry and Paul's, from those who have studied this more thoroughly and can explain it better?)