John Chrysostom

"Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and fill up on my part that which is lacking of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for His Body's sake, which is the Church." And what is the connection of this? It seems indeed not to be connected, but it is even closely so. And "minister," he says, that is, bringing in nothing from myself, but announcing what is from another. …

Homily on Colossians 4 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

Although it might seem inconsistent, it is actually very consistent. After he said: I was a minister of the gospel, from which I implore you not to fall away, he now shows that it is so true that I even suffer for it – and not only suffer, but also rejoice in these sufferings. And these sufferings are for you, in order to bring you benefit. It would seem that this statement is vain and foolish, but no, on the contrary, it is full of great love for Christ. …

Commentary on Colossians ↗

Augustine of Hippo

And hence the same Apostle, even when he was still Saul, heard: "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" because the body is joined to the head; and when already the preacher of Christ suffered from others the things which he himself had done as a persecutor: "To make up," he said, "what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ in my flesh," showing that what he suffered pertained to the afflictions of Christ. …

Sermon 341 ↗

Thomas Aquinas

He is a faithful minister. This is obvious, because he does not run away from the dangers involved in his preaching. First, he shows his attitude toward his sufferings; secondly, the fruit of his suffering (v. 24b). His attitude was one of joy, because Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, that is, for your benefit: "If we are afflicted it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer" (2 Cor 1:6). …

Commentary on Colossians ↗