The Mystery of Reading the Word of God

“And when this letter has been read among you, have it read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea.”

— Colossians 4:16

Paul believed that something happens when churches read his letters or hear them read aloud. Something happens to the readers. More than transmitting information, there is a transformation of the readers/hearers both then and now. For example, we are not told what the letter from Laodicea is. Nor are we told what prison Paul is in when he writes. That information is known to those “insiders” but not to us “outsiders.”

But we outsiders are told some very important things. Consider two examples:

1. Paul solicits prayer that his prison time may be a “God moment,” an open door for the mystery of Christ to be declared in gracious and interesting words.

2. Paul’s plain words that the mystery is “Christ among you” is shrouded in mystery. Somehow the fullness of God that was in Christ is imparted to believers in baptism. Even when we do not fully understand, we trust God’s word that He is working powerfully there (2:13-15).

Paul’s closing admonition (4:16) sounds simplistic – simply read this letter and that other letter. He tells churches to just do it. As we read the whole letter, however, it appears that Paul’s opening prayer (Col. 1:9-13) is what he believes God to be doing as we read. Read the whole letter again expecting these wonderful things to happen. We will 1) be filled with knowledge of God’s will, 2) walk in a manner of life worthy of the Lord, 3) be strengthened with all power, and 4) be thankful that God qualifies us to share the inheritance.

Paul’s prayer is followed by a majestic song about Christ (1:15-20). He explains later, Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual hymns with thankfulness in your hearts to God (3:16). Something happens when we sing the word. God is at work when there is prayer and singing and reading. These are moments of divine grace.

—Tom Yoakum