Matthew Poole and continuators on Colossians 1:25

25 Whereof I am made a minister according to the dispensation of God , which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God .

See under what title he suffers for the Church, because a minister (in the more general acceptation of the word) as v. 23. not as one of the antients saith) to give the price of redemption but to preach. He look'd not on his Apostleship as a domination but ministration, 2 Cor. 5.18. and though in regard of his call he was an extraordinary Apostle, yet he (remembring his Masters injunction, Mat. 20.26.) no more than Peter did affect dominion or a Lordship over Christ's heritage, 2 Cor. 1.24. 1 Pet 5.1, 2, 3. according to his singular and eminent call to be a Minister and a witness, Act. 26.16. as he doth elsewhere make mention of the Minister of God, 2 Cor. 6.4. 1 Thess. 3.2. of the N.T. Gospel, word, reconciliation, Act. 6.4. 2 Cor. 5.18, 19. & 3.6. Eph. 3.7. of Jesus Christ and of the Lord, Rom. 15.8. 1 Cor. [illegible: 1 letter].1. Eph. 6.17. 1 Tim. 4.6. so he doth here by reason of the [illegible: 1 letter]nion, [illegible: 1 letter]twixt the head and the body, own himself to be constituted a Minister of the Church, (which some of a lower rank, like not now to be called.)

And that by divine vouchsafement and commandment being called from persecution of the Church to this ministry, Act. 9.15, 16. 1 Cor. 4.1. 2 Cor. 5.19. Eph. 1.10. Yea and also for them at Colosse who being of the Gentiles were in his commission, according to the gift of the grace of God given to him, Eph. 3.7.

Fully to preach the word of God amongst them, as well as to the Rom. and others, Rom. 15.19. and so to fulfill the prophecy, Zech. 2.11. for the calling of the Gentiles by the promulgation of the Gospel amongst them, Act. 22.21. Rom. 1.5. & 11.13. 1 Tim. 2.7. and so fulfilling God's word, by fully expounding the whole Doctrine of Salvation amongst them, and promoting of it to the end of his Life.

Marginal references: Or, fully to preach the word of God.; Rom. 15.19.