Colossians 1:28 says that Paul and his co-workers preach Christ so that they can help every person grow into full maturity in him. The verse describes a two-part ministry of warning and teaching, aimed at a goal that is spiritual rather than merely intellectual. Paul wrote it in a letter to the church at Colossae, a town in the Lycus Valley of what is now western Turkey, and to believers he had not personally met.
Whom we proclaim, admonishing every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus…
Colossians 1:28 (WEB)
What Colossians 1:28 Means
The verse begins with “whom we proclaim,” meaning the content of the preaching is Christ himself. Paul then names two ways of speaking about him: admonishing, which means gently warning and correcting, and teaching, which means patiently instructing so people understand what they believe. The phrase “in all wisdom” tells us this teaching is not shallow or rushed but carefully thought through and applied to real life.
The final clause states the purpose: “that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.” The word “perfect” here is better understood as “mature” or “complete,” the sense of someone who has grown into what they were meant to be. The image is of a person brought before God fully formed in faith. The verse does not promise that anyone will reach sinless perfection in this life, but it does express a real aim of growth in Christ for everyone under Paul’s care.
The Context of Colossians 1:28
Paul wrote Colossians around the early 60s AD, while imprisoned, and the letter was traditionally attributed to him as its author. The Colossian believers were facing teaching that elevated special knowledge, rituals and spiritual hierarchies above Christ, so the letter repeatedly insists that Christ is supreme and sufficient. Paul had not founded this church personally, which explains why he speaks of them as people he has heard about and prays for.
The verses just before this one describe the “mystery” now revealed, which is “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Verse 28 flows directly from that revelation: because Christ dwells among the Gentiles and offers them hope, Paul’s task is to make that hope known and to help believers grow in it. Verse 29 then shows that this labor is carried out with energy that comes from God working within him, so the ministry depends on divine strength as much as human effort.
Key Phrases in Colossians 1:28
Ephesians 4:13
Until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a full grown man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ…
(WEB)
This verse describes the same goal of growth toward maturity in Christ, reaching “the full measure” of his stature. Reading it alongside Colossians 1:28 shows that the church’s shared aim is corporate as well as individual, with every believer built up together.
1 Thessalonians 2:11-12
11 As you know, we exhorted, comforted, and implored every one of you, as a father does his own children, 12 to the end that you should walk worthily of God, who calls you into his own Kingdom and glory.
(WEB)
Here Paul describes his ministry among believers using the picture of a father who encourages, comforts and urges his children to walk worthily of God. It illustrates the same blend of gentle exhortation and steady instruction that marks the work described in Colossians 1:28.
A Short Prayer From Colossians 1:28
Lord, you have given me the gift of your truth and the people who help me understand it. Make me patient and wise when I speak to others about you, so that I correct gently and teach clearly. Work in me by your power, the same power that drives every faithful ministry, and shape me more into the likeness of Christ each day. Let me grow toward maturity in him and help those around me do the same. Amen.
