Colossians 1: 12 – The allotment of the saints

… giving thanks to the Father, Who makes you competent for a part of the allotment of the saints, in light.

The Father makes us competent. Paul uses a verb form (aorist) here that does not provide information about the time. Only the simple fact is stated. But what a reason to be grateful! Without appealing to our efforts or capabilities, Paul gratefully reports that God himself guarantees our “part of the allotment of the saints in light.”

We have already seen that the word ‘allotment’ refers to the property that befalls to “the saints”. “The saints” are those who have been set apart by God. So believers (1:2,4,22,26). By the alltoment (‘inheritance’) Paul refers to what we will soon receive with a redeemed body (Rom.8:23). The earnest of that destiny, namely the sealing with the holy spirit, is already our portion (Eph.1:14). The alltoment itself is universal and includes the heavens and the earth, which will be gathered together under Christ as Head until the fullness of time (Eph.1:10). The great thing, however, is that He, as Head, will share this allotment together with His Body, the ecclesia (Eph.1:11,18). The “part” in question here is so unprecedentedly high! Only One can qualify us for that task.

Delen: