Colossians 1:29
Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.
Study Note
Study Note
Paul describes his ministry labor as 'striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily' — a formulation that holds together human effort and divine energizing in a way that refuses to collapse either into the other. The Greek 'agonizomenos' (striving, agonizing) draws on athletic imagery for the intensity of apostolic labor, while 'kata ten energeian autou' (according to his energy) attributes the ultimate power to Christ. This synergistic description parallels Philippians 2:12-13 ('work out your salvation… for it is God who works in you') and 1 Corinthians 15:10 ('I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I but the grace of God that is with me'). Paul consistently maintains both poles: genuine human effort and genuine divine enabling.
Other Translations
whereunto I labor also, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.
for which also I labour, striving according to his working that is working in me in power.
And for this purpose I am working, using all my strength by the help of his power which is working in me strongly.
Cross References
Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and …
Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in …
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I …
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most …
Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above …
In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;
Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.
Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run …
For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.