Colossians 1:28
Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
Original Language Analysis
ὃν
Whom
G3739
ὃν
Whom
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
1 of 21
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
νουθετοῦντες
warning
G3560
νουθετοῦντες
warning
Strong's:
G3560
Word #:
4 of 21
to put in mind, i.e., (by implication) to caution or reprove gently
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
παραστήσωμεν
we may present
G3936
παραστήσωμεν
we may present
Strong's:
G3936
Word #:
15 of 21
to stand beside, i.e., (transitively) to exhibit, proffer, (specially), recommend, (figuratively) substantiate; or (intransitively) to be at hand (or
τέλειον
perfect
G5046
τέλειον
perfect
Strong's:
G5046
Word #:
18 of 21
complete (in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc.); neuter (as noun, with g3588) completeness
Cross References
Jeremiah 3:15And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.Ephesians 5:27That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.Matthew 5:48Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.Colossians 3:16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.1 Corinthians 2:6Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:Colossians 1:22In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:2 Corinthians 11:2For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.Acts 8:35Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.Acts 20:31Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.2 Corinthians 4:5For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.
Historical Context
Greek education prized wisdom accessible only to philosophical elites. Jewish rabbis taught select students. Paul democratizes spiritual education: every person receives warning and teaching toward maturity. This wasn't lowest-common-denominator dumbing down but high calling for all believers. The Colossian heresy created spiritual tiers—novices, initiates, perfect ones. Paul declares all can reach maturity in Christ through faithful teaching.
Questions for Reflection
- Does your church experience balance warning against error with teaching positive truth, or emphasize one over the other?
- What does spiritual maturity look like practically—conformity to Christ's character, doctrinal understanding, ministry fruitfulness, or all three?
- How do you pursue perfection/maturity—through self-effort and religious performance, or through deepening union with Christ?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. Paul's ministry focuses on Christ—"whom we preach" (hon hēmeis katangelomen, ὃν ἡμεῖς καταγγέλλομεν). Authentic ministry proclaims Christ's person and work, not human philosophy or mystical techniques. The three-fold "every man" (panta anthrōpon, πάντα ἄνθρωπον) emphasizes universal scope and individual attention: warning, teaching, presenting each person.
"Warning" (nouthetountes, νουθετοῦντες) involves admonishing against error and danger. "Teaching" (didaskontes, διδάσκοντες) communicates positive truth. Both are necessary: correction and instruction, negative and positive, preventing error and promoting truth. "In all wisdom" (en pasē sophia, ἐν πάσῃ σοφίᾳ) indicates comprehensive, Spirit-given understanding—not worldly cleverness but divine insight into God's ways.
The goal: "present every man perfect in Christ Jesus" (parastēsōmen panta anthrōpon teleion en Christō, παραστήσωμεν πάντα ἄνθρωπον τέλειον ἐν Χριστῷ). Teleion (τέλειον, "perfect/mature/complete") doesn't mean sinless but fully developed, lacking nothing necessary for spiritual maturity. Perfection exists only "in Christ"—union with Him supplies every deficiency. Ministry aims at maturity, not mere conversion or initial experience.