 |  |
This presentation is unconditional, it is the work of Christ in harmony with the
purpose of redemption, and is the basis of the meetness, the deliverance, and the
redemption of verses 12-14. Continuance in the faith grounded and settled, and not being
moved away from the hope of the gospel, these are the evidences of growth, without
which the believer remains barren and unfruitful. It is in connection with this aspect of
truth that the apostle's sufferings were said to be for the hope of the glory of the mystery
among the Gentiles that the apostle says:--
"Whom we preach, putting every man in mind, and teaching every man in all wisdom,
with the object that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus."
The apostle speaks of his "striving" (verse 29), and the word used in the original is
agõnizomai. Chapter 2: continues the theme, for he says, "for I would that ye knew what
great conflict (agõna) I have for you"; this conflict was with the object detailed in
verse 2. Looking at the passage as a whole, we find that the explanation of what
constitutes being presented perfect is the condition of spiritual attainment indicated in
verses 2 and 3 of chapter 2: The structure will help us to see the balance of parts.
A
| 1: 27. The riches of glory.
B | 1: 28. Every man presented "perfect".
C | 1: 29. The striving to this end (agõnizomai).
C | 2: 1. The conflict to this end (agõna).
B | 2: 2. Detailed description of "the perfect".
A | 2: 3. The treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Verses 2, 3, following the critical texts, read:--
"In order that their hearts may be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all
the riches of the full assurance of the understanding, unto full knowledge of the mystery
of God--Christ--in Whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge".
When the apostle desired to present every man perfect, he desired the attainment of
these verses. The "perfect" ones will find comfort of heart in the teaching of the mystery,
and not only intelligent appreciation. They will also be knit together by the "bond of
perfectness", while refraining from bonds that are fetters. Their understanding of the
mystery of God will give them a holy confidence which no criticism or adversity can
shake, and which is rich in its revelation of grace and glory.
Finally, the "perfect" will have reached the centre of all things. They will recognize
that which is the beginning, middle and end of the mystery of God, they will know that
CHRIST IS ALL. By reason of this they will probably be the most misunderstood of all,
as the Apostle has said, "he that is spiritual discerneth all things, but is discerned of no
man". To the majority the "perfect" will be an enigma. Observing neither days nor
ordinances, being outside man's denominations, their path is a lonely but a blessed one.
The consideration of the question of what the Scriptures mean by being perfect, is
outside the scope of this article which has the purpose of the apostle as its theme. The
reader should ponder such passages as Matt. 5: 48; 19: 21; I Cor. 2: 6; 13: 10;