“For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily”. Colossians 2:9
Ten words set out a powerful statement here about Christ. In his letter to the Colossians, Paul is not hinting that Christ was in some way connected to God. He was not saying that Christ was some sort of representative or prophet of God. Paul was spelling it out for anyone who may have had their doubts: Jesus Christ, a man, was also God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. No tricks, no mirrors, no fakery. He was the Real Thing.
Paul uses “whole fullness” together to emphasise the power here. Why not just “fullness” or perhaps,“whole deity”? When we try to explain something pretty amazing that we may have seen, we are excited, we use emphasis and colour to our conversation. Can you describe the Grand Canyon accurately or perhaps some wonderful thing that you have seen to someone who has not? Paul could have spent the rest of his life writing pages and pages about God, and still not explained God. Who can? But he does a pretty good job with these 10 words…
For the mystery of God Incarnate we thank You, Lord, and for the gracious revelation of it in Holy Scripture. Amen.