Colossians 1:11 strengthened (PPPMPN) with all power according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously  (NASB: Lockman)

STRENGTHENED WITH ALL POWER: en pase dunamei dunamoumenoi (PPPMPN): (Isa 45:24 Acts 1:8 Ro15:13 2Co 4:7, 2Co 12:9 Eph 3:16, 6:10 Php 4:13)

Full of strength in the measure of the great power of his glory, (BBE),

that you may be invigorated and strengthened with all power according to the might of His glory (Amp),

May you be made strong with all the strength which comes from his glorious power, so that you may be able to endure everything with patience. (TEV)

being empowered with all power (ALT)

ESV Study Bible note on strengthened with all power

Spiritual power was a key issue in the Greco-Roman world. People sought power through connection with various gods and pagan rituals in order to protect them from evil spirits and to help them acquire wealth or influence. Paul wants the Colossians to know that he prays regularly that God would impart His power to them, not for selfish aims but so that they can live for God in a worthy manner. for all endurance and patience with joy. The purpose (as indicated by the word “for”) of this God-given power is to provide the divine strength needed for the believer to attain Christian virtues, to persevere in the faith, to resist temptation and deceitful teachers, and so to know the joy of the Lord. (ESV Online Study Bible Crossway)

Strengthened (1412) (dunamoo - see word study on related word endunamoo; words of the stem dunamai all have the basic sense of ability or capability) means to be enabled and speaks of an inherent power which gives one the ability to do something. To strengthen. To make strong. To enable.

The present tense indicates that believers are to be continuously strengthened, the passive voice indicating that the strengthening comes from without, from an outside Source (God = His Spirit, His grace) (Colossians 3:4-note). That power is available to the believer who is filled with the knowledge of God’s Word. God is not like a booster rocket giving believers an initial boost of power and then leaving them to fly on their own. Spiritual growth and maturity can come only as we yield to God’s word and permit Him to do His work in and through us.

Here are all the Scriptural uses of dunamoo - Ps 52:7; Ps 68:28; Eccl 10:10; Da 9:27-note (previous uses in the Septuagint); Col. 1:11; Heb. 11:34

Hebrews 11:34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong (passive voice =strengthening from outside source, ie, God), became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.

Comment: Note the principle - when we are weak (in our self, our strength, our puny efforts) then we are strong (in His endless source of strength), specifically in the arena of spiritual matters.

Although dunamoo is used only twice in the NT, the similar verb endunamoo is used in several instructive circumstances. For example, Paul writes to the Ephesians saints their continual moment by moment need to be strong (endunamoo - here a command to let yourself continually be strengthened) in the Lord and in the strength of His might. (Eph 6:10-note).

From jail Paul writes to his beloved saints in the Philippian church

I can do all things through Him who strengthens (endunamoo - present tense = continuous action) me. (Phi 4:13-note, see how he "learned the secret" Php 4:11, 12-note)

Paul seeking to encourage Timothy for the difficult task before him wrote

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, Who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service." (1Ti 1:12)

Strengthened with all power - In Greek Paul "piles up" the related words that convey the sense of inherent strength - dunamis and dunamoo and then even adds the all (pas) which in Greek means all without exception.

Power (1411)(dunamis from dunamai = to be able, to have power) power especially achieving power. It refers to intrinsic power or inherent ability, the power or ability to carry out some function, the potential for functioning in some way (power, might, strength, ability, capability), the power residing in a thing by virtue of its nature.

Dunamis - 116 verses in NT - Matt. 6:13; 7:22; 11:20f, 23; 13:54, 58; 14:2; 22:29; 24:29f; 25:15; 26:64; Mk. 5:30; 6:2, 5, 14; 9:1, 39; 12:24; 13:25f; 14:62; Lk. 1:17, 35; 4:14, 36; 5:17; 6:19; 8:46; 9:1; 10:13, 19; 19:37; 21:26f; 22:69; 24:49; Acts 1:8; 2:22; 3:12; 4:7, 33; 6:8; 8:10, 13; 10:38; 19:11; Rom. 1:4, 16, 20; 8:38; 9:17; 15:13, 19; 1 Co. 1:18, 24; 2:4f; 4:19f; 5:4; 6:14; 12:10, 28f; 14:11; 15:24, 43, 56; 2 Co. 1:8; 4:7; 6:7; 8:3; 12:9, 12; 13:4; Gal. 3:5; Eph. 1:19, 21; 3:7, 16, 20; Phil. 3:10; Col. 1:11, 29; 1 Thess. 1:5; 2 Thess. 1:7, 11; 2:9; 2 Tim. 1:7f; 3:5; Heb. 1:3; 2:4; 6:5; 7:16; 11:11, 34; 1 Pet. 1:5; 3:22; 2 Pet. 1:3, 16; 2:11; Rev. 1:16; 3:8; 4:11; 5:12; 7:12; 11:17; 12:10; 13:2; 15:8; 17:13; 18:3; 19:1.

All power describes an all sufficient source for all the trials of life, all the time.

As I obey, walking in the revealed knowledge (filled with the knowledge) of His will with all spiritual wisdom and understanding, I am continually being strengthened to bear up under whatever problem people or problem circumstances God allows into my life. In some languages one would translate this section as being “strong in your spirits” or “strong in your hearts,” for this is internal, moral strength and not physical strength.

Wiersbe makes the important point that

the emphasis in Paul's prayer is on Christian character: patience, long-suffering, joyfulness, and thanksgiving. The inner victories of the soul are just as great, if not greater, than the public victories recorded in the annals of history. For David to control his temper when he was being maligned by Shimei was a greater victory than his slaying of Goliath (2Sa 16:5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13).

He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city (Pr 16:32).

Matthew Henry comments that Paul prays that the saints may be

fortified against the temptations of Satan and furnished for all their duty. It is a great comfort to us that he who undertakes to give strength to his people is a God of power and of glorious power. Where there is spiritual life there is still need of spiritual strength, strength for all the actions of the spiritual life. To be strengthened is to be furnished by the grace of God for every good work, and fortified by that grace against every evil one: it is to be enabled to do our duty, and still to hold fast our integrity. The blessed Spirit is the author of this strength; for we are strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inward man, Eph 3:16-note. The word of God is the means of it, by which he conveys it; and it must be fetched in by prayer. It was in answer to earnest prayer that the apostle obtained sufficient grace.

Oft in Sorrow, Oft in Woe
Henry White
Click to play hymn

Oft in sorrow, oft in woe,
Onward, Christian, onward go:
Fight the fight, maintain the strife
Strengthened with the Bread of life.

Let not sorrow dim your eye,
Soon shall every tear be dry;
Let not fears your course impede,
Great your strength, if great your need.

ACCORDING TO HIS GLORIOUS MIGHT: kata to kratos tes doxes autou:

Literally - according to the power of His glory

According to (kata) means that the equipping with power is proportional not simply to the recipient’s need, but to the inexhaustible divine supply. Adam Clarke adds that it is "According to that sufficiency of strength which may be expected from him who has all power both in the heavens and in the earth."

Might (2904)(kratos means strength or might, especially manifested power, the power to rule or control or dominion (power to rule, supreme authority, sovereignty, the right to govern or rule or determine). Krátos denotes the presence and significance of force or strength rather than its exercise. It is the ability to exhibit or express resident strength. See note by Wayne Barber on kratos.

Kratos-12 times in the NT -Lk. 1:51; Acts 19:20; Eph. 1:19; 6:10; Col. 1:11; 1 Tim. 6:16; Heb. 2:14; 1 Pet. 4:11; 5:11; Jude 1:25; Rev. 1:6; 5:13. The NAS translates krátos as: dominion, 6; might, 1; mightily, 1; mighty deeds, 1; power, 1; strength, 2.

Kratos -17x in the Septuagint - Gen. 49:24; Deut. 8:17; Jdg. 4:3; Ezr. 8:22; Job 12:16; 21:23; Ps. 59:9; 62:11; 76:3; 86:16; 89:9; 90:11; Prov. 27:24; Is 22:21; 40:26; Dan. 4:30; 11:1;

Kratos = perfect strength or strength in action and in the NT it is applied to God 11/12x. Here God's might is accompanied by glory. Kratos refers to strength regarded as abundantly effective in relation to an end to be gained or dominion to be exercised and to overcome what stands in the way. It refers to the inherent strength which displays itself in the rule over others  Kratos denotes presence and significance of force or strength rather than its exercise. Kratos is “power in the sense of dominion” and thus stresses sovereign power or supreme authority.

His glorious might indicates that this strengthening is not by any human means, but by the power of God. There is a manifestation of power in the spirit with which Christians are enabled to bear up under trials, which shows that it is not of human origin and it is the power which God gives in the day of trial.  Here God's might is accompanied by glory (Shekinah).

MARCH ON, O SOUL,
WITH STRENGTH
Click to play

March on, O soul, with strength,
As strong the battle rolls!
’Gainst lies and lusts and wrongs,
Let courage rule our souls;
In keenest strife, Lord, may we stand,
Upheld and strengthened by Thy hand.

FOR THE ATTAINING OF ALL STEADFASTNESS: eis pasan hupomonen:

 so that you might patiently endure everything with joy (ISV)

For the attaining - This phrase is a translation of the Greek preposition eis meaning unto or showing motion toward something.

Note that one can become somewhat confused when trying to understand the distinctions between "steadfastness" and "patience" because the same English word is used in many translations for different Greek words (hupomone and makrothumia [word study]). Thus one cannot simply look up all the uses of "patience" but will need to utilize a Greek study tool to help determine which Greek word is being translated.

All (pas) means all with no exceptions! Note how Paul repeatedly uses this powerful little adjective in Colossians - Col 1:4, 6, 9, 10 (2x), Col 1:11 (2x) Col 1:15, 16 (2x), Col 1:17 (2x), Col 1:23, 1:28 (4x); Col 2:2, 3, 9, 10, 13, 19, 22; 3:8, 11 (2x), Col 3:14, 16, 17 (2x), Col 3:20, 22; 4:7, 9, 12

Steadfastness (NASB also translates it as endurance, patient enduring and most often as perseverance) is the Greek word hupomone (hupo = under + meno = abide) which has to do more with one's response to difficult circumstances than with difficult people. Hupomone is is “endurance when circumstances are difficult” and is manifest by "remaining under" difficulties without succumbing.

Steadfastness (5281)(hupomone [word study] from hupo = under + meno = stay, remain, abide) is literally abiding under. The root idea of hupomone is that of remaining under some discipline, subjecting one’s self to something which demands the acquiescence of the will to something against which one naturally would rebel. It portrays a picture of steadfastly and unflinchingly bearing up under a heavy load and describes that quality of character which does not allow one to surrender to circumstances or succumb under trial. The picture is that of steadfastness, constancy and endurance. It has in it a  forward look, the ability to focus on what is beyond the current pressures. For example, Jesus

Who for the joy set before Him endured [verb form hupomeno] the Cross despising the shame" (He 12:2-note).

Steadfastness (perseverance) is an important characteristic of the maturing Christian growing best in the field of affliction, as James writes --"the testing of your faith produces endurance (hupomone)" (Jas 1:3, 4-note)  is also associated with self-control in (2Pe 1:6-note. If we do not learn to be patient, we are not likely to learn anything else. As believers, can even "exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance (hupomone) and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope” (Ro 5:3, 4-note).  So despite the trial, the man who perseveres does not lose heart. If you fall, don't give up, get up.

The difference between perseverance and obstinacy is that one often comes from a strong will and the other from a strong won't. - Henry Ward Beecher

By perseverance the snail reached the ark. -C. H. Spurgeon

Perseverance is the hallmark of a genuine interest in Christ. - Geoffrey B. Wilson

James reminds his readers of Job

Behold, we count those blessed who endured. (verb form hupomeno) You have heard of the endurance (hupomone) of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord's dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful. (Jas 5:11)

As the former president of Wheaton College, Dr. Edman, would often remind the students “It is always too soon to quit.” Ponder that statement and the blessing of bearing up under when you find yourself in the midst of trying circumstances.

Henry comments

When we bear our troubles well, though ever so many, and the circumstances of them ever so aggravating, then we bear them with all patience (steadfastness)....All patience includes all the kinds of it; not only bearing patience, but waiting patience.

The UBS Handbook notes that...

In some languages, patience is best expressed as a negation of some negative quality, for example, “enduring without complaining” or “enduring and not being resentful.”   (The United Bible Societies' New Testament Handbook Series or Logos)

Do not think that steadfastness is complacency but in contrast is endurance in action. It is not the Christian sitting in a rocking chair, waiting for God to do something. It is the soldier on the battlefield, keeping on when the going is tough. It is the runner on the race track, refusing to stop because he wants to win the race. Too many Christians have a tendency to back away or even to quit when circumstances become difficult. Spurgeon said ''By perseverance the snail reached the ark.'' It is not talent or training that guarantees victory: it is perseverance.

AND PATIENCE: kai makrothumian:

Patience (long-suffering -long and patient endurance of offense) (3115) (makrothumia from makros = long + thumos = temper, a tumultuous welling up of the whole spirit; a mighty emotion which seizes and moves the whole inner man) is literally long-temper (as opposed to "short tempered), a long holding out of the mind before it gives room to action or passion. It describes a state of emotional calm or quietness in the face of provocation, misfortune or unfavorable circumstances. Makrothumia manifests a long endurance that does not retaliate.  Patience is a virtue that carries a lot of wait!

Makrothumia is characterized by an emotional calm in face of provocation or misfortune. It is not passive but on the contrary is active, concentrated strength. It is a long holding out of the mind before it gives room to passion and so refers to the self-restraint which does not hastily revenge a wrong and expresses itself in patience without complaint or irritation in the face of injustice or unpleasant circumstances. As Trench summarizes, makrothumia expresses patience in respect to persons, hupomone in respect to things or circumstances. While both graces are used to describe men, only makrothumia is used of God. Men may tempt and provoke Him, and He may and does display an infinite makrothumia in regard of them (e g, Ro 2:4-note)

Hope is the foundation of patience. - John Calvin

Patience is the ballast of the soul that will keep it from rolling and tumbling in the greatest storms. - Ezekiel Hopkins

Teach us, O Lord, the discipline of patience, for to wait is often harder than to work. - Peter Marshall

Patience (makrothumia [word study]) or long-suffering is a fruit of the Spirit (Ga 5:22-note) and is an important trait for us to exhibit and practice and so the writer of Hebrews exhorts believers to not to be "sluggish but (be) imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises (and he gives the example of God promising to bless and multiply Abraham)" (He 6:12, 13, 14-note)

Paul later exhorts the Colossians to

put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience (makrothumia)..." (Col 3:12-note)

Makrothumia - 14x in the NT - Rom. 2:4; 9:22; 2 Co. 6:6; Gal. 5:22; Eph. 4:2; Col. 1:11; 3:12; 1 Tim. 1:16; 2 Tim. 3:10; 4:2; Heb. 6:12; Jas. 5:10; 1 Pet. 3:20; 2 Pet. 3:15. The NAS always translates makrothumia as patience.

Paul commanded young Timothy to "preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience (makrothumia) and instruction." (2Ti 4:2-note), a situation that would definitely call for having a "long temper" with difficult people. The short-tempered person speaks and acts impulsively and lacks self-control. When a person is longsuffering, he can put up with provoking people or circumstances without retaliating. It is good to be able to get angry, for this is a sign of holy character. But it is wrong to get angry quickly at the wrong things and for the wrong reasons.

It is amazing how people can patiently endure trying circumstances, only to lose their tempers with a friend or loved one. Moses was patient during the contest with Pharaoh in Egypt. But he lost his temper with his own people and, as a result, forfeited his right to enter the Promised Land (Nu 20).

Like a city that is broken into and without walls is a man who has no control over his spirit (Pr 25:28)

JOYOUSLY: Meta charas:

Joyously is literally "with joy" and as Expositors says

It (joyfulness) forms a very necessary addition, for the peculiar danger of the exercise of those qualities is that it tends to produce a certain gloominess or sourness of disposition. The remedy is that the Christian should be so filled with joy that he is able to meet all his trials with a buoyant sense of mastery.

In a number of languages, joy is expressed figuratively as “with a happy heart” or “with dancing in one’s heart” or “with a heart that sings.

Joyously (chara) means literally joy and expresses the experience of the feeling of inner blessedness or gladness of heart

Chara - 57x in NT - Matt. 2:10; 13:20, 44; 25:21, 23; 28:8; Mk. 4:16; Lk. 1:14; 2:10; 8:13; 10:17; 15:7, 10; 24:41, 52; Jn 3:29; 15:11; 16:20, 21, 22, 24; 17:13; Acts 8:8; 12:14; 13:52; 15:3; Ro 14:17; 15:13, 32; 2Co 1:24; 2:3; 7:4, 13; 8:2; Ga 5:22; Phil 1:4, 25; 2:2, 29; 4:1; Col 1:11; 1Th 1:6; 2:19f; 3:9; 2Ti 1:4; Philemon 1:7; He 10:34; 12:2, 11; 13:17; Jas 1:2; 4:9; 1Pe 1:8; 1Jn. 1:4; 2Jn. 1:12; 3Jn. 1:4.

The NAS renders chara as greatly(1), joy(54), joyful(1), joyfully(1), joyously(1), rejoicing(1).

As Matthew Henry reminds us

to have joy as well as patience in the troubles of life...we could never do by any strength of our own, but as we are strengthened by the grace of God.

God’s power is evidenced in our lives not only in our patience and long-suffering, but also in our joyfulness. When circumstances are difficult, we should exhibit joyful patience; and when people are hard to live with, we should reveal joyful long-suffering. There is a kind of patience that “endures but does not enjoy.” Paul prayed that the Colossian Christians might experience joyful patience and long-suffering.

Colossians 1:12 giving thanks (PAPMPN) to the Father , Who has qualified (AAPMSD) us to share in the inheritance  of the saints in light.  (NASB: Lockman)

GIVING THANKS TO THE FATHER: eucharistountes (PAPMPN) to patri: (2Cor 9:15 Ps 30:4; Ps 97:12; 50:14, 107:21, 22, 92:1, Col 3:15,17 Ro 1:21; 7:25; 14:6; Eph 5:4,20 1Th 5:18 Php 4:6 Heb 13:15 2Sa 22:50; Ps 28:7 1Chr 16:4; Neh. 12:24 Da 6:10 Ezra 3:10, 11)

Paul's letter epitomizes and models for us the Spirit filled (controlled) man for this epistle to the Colossian  saints is filled with thanks, thankfulness and thanksgiving (click here). Paul himself gave thanks for the Colossian church (Col. 1:3-note), and then prayed that they themselves might grow in their giving of thanks to God (Col. 1:12-note). He commanded believers as those who chosen of God, holy and beloved, to continually be thankful (Col 3:15-note) and to "let the word of Christ richly dwell within...singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God." (Col 3:16-note) In case he missed anything Paul exhorted the Colossians that in "whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father." (Col 3:17-note) Finally Paul emphasized the importance of thankfulness in prayer instructing them "Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving" (Col. 4:2-note).

GOD'S GIVING
DESERVES
OUR THANKSGIVING

Giving thanks (2168) (eucharisteo [word study] from eucháristos = thankful, grateful, well-pleasing - Indicates the obligation of being thankful to someone for a favor done <> in turn from eú = well + charízomai = grant out of kindness, this Greek word in turn from charis = grace) means to show that one is under obligation by being thankful. To show oneself as grateful (most often to God in the NT).

In thanking God, we fasten upon his favors to us; in praising and adoring God, we fasten upon his perfections in himself. - Matthew Henry

Eucharisteo - 37v in NT - Matt. 15:36; 26:27; Mk. 8:6; 14:23; Lk. 17:16; 18:11; 22:17, 19; Jn. 6:11, 23; 11:41; Acts 27:35; 28:15; Rom. 1:8, 21; 14:6; 16:4; 1 Co. 1:4, 14; 10:30; 11:24; 14:17f; 2 Co. 1:11; Eph. 1:16; 5:20; Phil. 1:3; Col. 1:3, 12; 3:17; 1 Thess. 1:2; 2:13; 5:18; 2 Thess. 1:3; 2:13; Philemon 1:4; Rev. 11:17

Giving thanks (present tense = continually, as a lifestyle, habitually, at all times, in all situations!) continually is only possible when the believer is filled with (controlled by) and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Only then can they continually be "giving thanks" to their Father (Eph 5:18-note, Ep 5:19, 20-note).  Only those who are surrendered to the Spirit's control (click for discussion of "filled") can really be thankful in times of suffering, disappointment, or bereavement. This exhortation thus proves our need of the Spirit of God, because in our own strength we could never fulfill this. Keep in mind that Paul was a prisoner when he wrote these words, and yet he was thankful to God  (Col 1:3-note).

Thankfulness is a flower which will never bloom well excepting upon a root of deep humility. - J. C. Ryle

Warren Wiersbe gives some excellent practical advice writing that

"When a Christian finds himself in a difficult situation, he should immediately give thanks to the Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, by the power of the Spirit, to keep his heart from complaining and fretting. The devil moves in when a Christian starts to complain, but thanksgiving in the Spirit defeats the devil and glorifies the Lord."

When we become ungrateful, we begin to complain and look at people and circumstances with a critical spirit.  Someone has written "Don't complain about thorns among the roses! Be grateful for roses among the thorns!" Paul said it even better exhorting us to “In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus” (1Th 5:18-note).  Note that Paul is not exhorting us to give thanks for everything but in everything. For example, Job could give thanks even after losing all his possessions and even his children (Job 1:20, 21, 22). Empowered by the Spirit we can all and should all seek to manifest an attitude similar to that of Habakkuk who (after working through "issues" with God's sovereignty in chapters 1 and 2)  was able to declare

Though the fig tree should not blossom, and there be no fruit on the vines, though the yield of the olive should fail, and the fields produce no food, though the flock should be cut off from the fold, and there be no cattle in the stalls, yet I will exult in the LORD, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. (Hab 3:17, 18) (And all God's people said "Amen!")

This kind of thankfulness is God's will for us in Christ Jesus.

It ought to be as habitual to us to thank as to ask. - C. H. Spurgeon

As you noted the Greek word for "giving thanks" is eucharisteo which is from to the root charizomai which in turn is derived from charis or grace.  The point is that for those who have experienced the grace of God, now have the power of God to be grateful for what God allows into our life. Thank and think also come from the same root word. If we would think more about all we have to be thankful for, we would all be a lot more likely to thank more. In context as we think about  the fact that the Father has "qualified us" for entry into His presence eternally,  that truth should motivate us to an attitude of continual gratitude.

The thankful saint is one who is conscious of benefits they have received. The Merriam Webster Thesaurus has the following antonyms  for "thankful" -- unappreciative, ungrateful, self-centered; careless, thoughtless; unappreciative, ungrateful. The tragic story is told about a young a ministerial student, Edward Spencer, who personally saved 17 person on September 8, 1860, when a passenger boat floundered on the lake. The exertion permanently damaged Spencer's health and he was unable to continue his pursuit of the ministry. At his death some years later, it was noted that not one of the 17 persons he had saved ever came to thank him. We all think "How horrible!" but how many times have we all forgotten to "in everything give thanks" to our heavenly Father for so great a salvation! Unfortunately we are all have a tendency to be eager to ask but slow to appreciate our heavenly Father continual benevolence.

God is never more properly thanked for his goodness than by our godliness. - John Blanchard

MacArthur comments  that

Father emphasizes the personal, relational aspect of our union with God. Before our salvation, God was our Judge. We stood condemned before Him for violating His holy, just laws. But when, through the grace of God, we placed our faith in Christ, God ceased being our sentencing Judge and became our gracious Father.

WHO HAS QUALIFIED US:to hikanosanti (AAPMSD) humas: (Ro 8:29, 30 2Co3:5, 6, 2Co 5:5 Titus 2:14)

KJV translates it "made us meet" (see hymn #3 below - click on the hymn for all 3 convicting stanzas)

made us fit (Darby)

the Father Who prepared and fitted us all (Lightfoot),

Who has qualified and made us fit (Amplified),

made you competent (Bible Knowledge Commentary)

We should continually give thanks to the Father Himself because He qualified  believers making them competent to partake of the inheritance of the saints by placing them in Christ, in Whom they enjoy a standing which makes them the objects of God’s grace, today and forevermore! That calls for thanksgiving.

Qualified (2427) (hikanoo = see word study of related word - hikanos) = sufficient, enough)  means to make fit, to make adequate, to make sufficient (as fulfilling a specific requirement) or to render competent or worthy. To render fit. Make capable.

In 2Cor 3:6 the idea is to equip one with adequate power to perform the duties as servants of the New Covenant.

The aorist tense signifies effective action at a point in time, past completed action ~ the act of making them fit or qualified = that moment when God saved us. By the past completed act (aorist tense) of Jesus crucifixion and our co-crucifixion with Him (Ro 6:6-note, Gal 2:20-note), believers are worthy because  "worthy is the Lamb Who was slain" (Re 5:12-note) and they are now in Christ (See in Christ and in Christ Jesus and in Christ). When an individual by faith receives what was prepared from the foundation of the world, they are made sufficient in Christ and thus qualified to enter the Holy of Holies by the blood of the Lamb, qualified to receive full possession of their inheritance which will be realized in the future. 

Hikanoo is in the passive voice which emphasizes that we received the effect of the qualifying from God -- He made us fit for future glory in the Beloved, His Son. There is simply no other way to share in the inheritance unless God qualifies us. In contrast the Gnostics taught you could get enough knowledge to get to heaven and so were like every other false religious system which when distilled to the essence all teach salvation by works. Paul is clearly stating that no man can qualify himself no matter how much "gnosis" he acquires! God is the only "Qualifier". The sense is, he has conferred on us grace sufficient to make it proper that we should partake of the blessings of his kingdom.  This truth should make us humble and thankful, for there is simply nothing we could have done to make ourselves meet, fit, adequate, qualified or worthy to enter into the kingdom of God.

The only other NT use of hikanoo is by Paul in explaining why and how he was competent for the ministry he was carrying out in Corinth used 3 forms of hikanoo (noun, verb and adjective) writing that

Not that we are adequate (adjective = hikanos) in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy (noun = hikanotes) is from God Who also made us adequate (verb = hikanoo) as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter, but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. (2Cor 3:5, 6).

Hikanoo - 15x in the non-apocryphal Septuagint (LXX) - Gen 32:10; Num 16:7; Deut 1:6; 2:3; 3:26; 1Kgs 12:28; 19:4; 20:11; 1Chr 21:15; Esther 4:17; Song 7:9; Ezek 44:6; 45:9; Mal 3:10
 

O I am my Beloved’s and my Beloved’s mine!
He brings a poor vile sinner into His “house of wine.”
I stand upon His merit—I know no other stand,
Not even where glory dwelleth in Immanuel’s land.
-- Anne R. Cousin  (Play hymn)

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Man’s work faileth, Christ’s availeth;
He is all our righteousness;
He, our Savior, has forever
Set us free from dire distress.
Through His merit we inherit
Light and peace and happiness
-- V. Fortunatus (Play hymn)

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Oh, to be nothing, nothing,
Only to lie at His feet,
A broken and emptied vessel,
For the Master’s use made meet.
Emptied that He might fill me
As forth to His service I go;
Broken, that so unhindered,
His life through me might show.
-- Georgiana Taylor. (Play hymn)

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Come, Lord, when grace hath made me meet
Thy blessed face to see;
For if Thy work on earth be sweet
What will Thy glory be!
-- Richard Baxter (Play hymn)

William MacDonald eloquently sums up the gist of qualified writing

When God saves someone, He instantly bestows on that person fitness for heaven. That fitness is Christ. Nothing can improve on that. Not even a long life of obedience and service here on earth makes a person more fit for heaven than he was the day he was saved. Our title to glory is found in His blood. (MacDonald, W & Farstad, A. Believer's Bible Commentary: Thomas Nelson or Logos)

In a passage with a parallel thought Paul writes

Now He Who prepared us for this very purpose (what purpose? from previous verse = "what is mortal may be swallowed up by life" = glorified immortal bodies) is God, Who gave to us the Spirit as a pledge. (2Cor 5:5)

TO SHARE IN THE INHERITANCE: eis ten merida tou klerou: (1Pe 1:3, 4, 5)

Nave's Topic - Inheritance
 

Provisions for inheritance=Levirate marriage-Ge 38:7, 8, 9, 10, 11; Nu 36:6, 7, 8, 9; Dt 25:5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10; Ru 3:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8; 4:7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17

Unclassified Scriptures Relating to -- Ge 15:3; Ge 21:9, 10, 11; Gen. 24:36; Gen. 25:5, 6; Gen. 48:21, 22; Nu 27:6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11; Dt. 21:15, 16, 17; 1Ki 21:3; 2Chr. 21:3; Job 42:15; Pr 17:2; 20:21; Eccl 2:18, 19; Je 32:6, 7, 8; Ezek 46:16, 17, 18; Luke 15:12, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31; Gal. 3:15; Heb. 9:16, 17

Figurative- Ps 37:29 (but also literal - ultimately representing the ultimate fulfillment of God's unchangeable covenant promise to Abram in Ge 12:1, 2, 3, 7, 13:15, 15:18, 24:7, 26:4, Nu 34:2, Dt 34:4, Ne 9:8 - fulfilled in the Millennium); Ac 20:32; 26:18; Ro 8:16, 17; Ep 1:11, 12, 13, 14; Titus 3:7; He 1:14

Related Resource: See summary of inheritance from Baker's Evangelical Dictionary below or Click here for ISBE article

"for the portion of the lot" (Literal)

Share (3310) (meris) refers to (1) a portion of a whole that has been divided ("district" in Acts 16:12). (2) a share or an assigned portion (Lk 10:42, 2Co 6:15, Acts 8:21, Col 1:12).

The Greek reads more literally " for the portion of the lot" --that is we each receive our own individual assigned allotment or portion of the total inheritance. 

In the OT, God’s people had an earthly inheritance, the land of Canaan, and each tribe received its portion of the lot. Christians have a spiritual inheritance in Christ (See hymn below "Be Thou My Vision"). Crossing the Jordan to Canaan is unfortunately often portrayed as a picture of heaven but this is not an accurate portrayal for there will be no battles or defeats in heaven. More accurately, Canaan can be considered a picture of our present inheritance in kingdom of God's beloved Son, Jesus Christ.

Meris - 5v in NT - Lk. 10:42; Acts 8:21; 16:12; 2Co. 6:15; Col. 1:12. NAS   common(1), district(1), part(2), share(1).

Meris - 113x in the Septuagint (LXX) - Gen 14:24; 31:14; 33:19; 43:34; Ex 29:26; Lev 6:17; 7:33; 8:29; Num 18:20; 31:36; Deut 9:26; 10:9; 12:12; 14:27, 29; 18:1, 8; 32:9; Josh 14:4; 15:13; 18:5ff, 9; 19:9, 47; 21:42; 22:25, 27; 24:32; Judg 5:15; Ruth 2:3; 3:7; 4:3; 1 Sam 1:4f; 9:23; 30:24; 2 Sam 2:16; 14:30f; 20:1; 23:11f; 1 Kgs 12:16, 24; 2 Kgs 3:19, 25; 9:10, 21, 25f, 36f; 1 Chr 11:13f; 2 Chr 10:16; 31:3f, 19; 35:5; Neh 2:20; 8:10, 12; 11:36; 12:44, 47; 13:10; Esther 2:9; 4:17; 9:19, 22; Job 17:5; 20:29; 24:18; 27:13; 30:19; Ps 11:6; 16:5; 50:18; 63:10; 73:26; 119:57; 142:5; Prov 15:16; 20:9; Eccl 2:10, 21; 3:22; 5:18; 9:6, 9; 11:2; Isa 17:14; 57:6; Jer 10:16; 12:10; 13:25; 51:19; Lam 4:16; Ezek 45:7; 48:8, 21; Dan 4:15, 23; Amos 4:7; 7:4; Mic 2:4; Nah 3:8; Hab 1:16; Zech 2:12
 

Based solely on scripture it is difficult to state in specific terms all that our inheritance entails, the following verses outlining some of the general quantitative and qualitative aspects of a believer's inheritance. One thing is for certain as the writer of Hebrews encouraged the saints who had experienced loss of their earthly possessions -- we have "a better possession and an abiding one" (Heb 10:34-note) Paul already reminding the Colossian of this "the hope laid up for you in heaven". (Col 1:5-note) 

As the hymn (below) "Be Thou My Vision" says "Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise, Thou mine Inheritance, now and always."

Jeremiah echoes this focus in the midst of tragic loss and destruction of the material wealth of Jerusalem affirming that

Jehovah is my portion," says my soul, "Therefore I have hope in Him. (Lam 3:23)

Peter says...

Therefore, gird your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (1Pet 1:13-note)

Jesus said in Mt 19:29,

Everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms for My name’s sake, shall receive many times as much, and shall inherit eternal life.

Eternal life is not only an endless existence in "eternity future" but describes a quality of life which is available now -- Christ’s life lived out in the believer in "eternity present" (Gal 2:20). In this sense believers can begin to share in their "spiritual inheritance" even now.

Paul in his parting warning to the Ephesian elders to guard the flock said

And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. (Acts 20:32)

Paul was called by Jesus to go to the Gentiles

to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, in order that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me. (Acts 26:18)

The next two verses indicate that we have to some degree already received our spiritual inheritance.

Paul encourages the Roman saints with the truth that not only were they now children of God but they were

heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him. (Ro 8:17-note)

Paul instructed the Ephesian church that in Christ

we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will. (Eph 1:11-note)

Then Paul prays for the Ephesian church to understand what it is that they have already "inherited" asking

that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints. (Eph 1:18-note)

But clearly the major "component" of our spiritual inheritance is yet future. Thus Peter writing to saints being severely tested encourages them in their temporal trials with the assurance that they will

obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." (1Pet 1:4, 5-note)

Paul amplifies the certainty of our future inheritance writing that believers have been given the Holy Spirit as "as a pledge (a deposit) of our inheritance" (Eph 1:14-note) (NLT phrases it "The Spirit is God's guarantee that he will give us everything he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people.")

The writer of Hebrews uses God's promises to exhort his readers to continue on in the faith and to persevere and

not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. (Heb 6:12-note)

At the end of the great tribulation and at the inception of the 1000 year reign of Christ Jesus the King will judge the

sheep and the goats (respectively saved and unsaved Gentiles and) will say to those on His right (saved Gentile "sheep") 'Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world." (Mt 25:34)

The saved Gentiles will enter into His millennial kingdom. This eschatological truth parallels Jesus' "beatitude" promising that "the gentle...shall inherit the earth." (Mt 5:5-note)

Finally, we would be remiss to not remember why we obtain the inheritance, the writer of Hebrews stating that Jesus

is the Mediator of a new covenant, in order that since a death has taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were committed under the first covenant, those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance." (Heb 9:15-note)

BE THOU MY VISION
Click to play
Click to play vocal by Eden's Bridge

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;
Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;
Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tower:
Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

OF THE SAINTS IN LIGHT: ton hagion en to photi:  (Ps 36:9 Pr 4:18 Isa 60:19 ,20 Rev 21:23; 22:5)

of the saints in the kingdom of light (NIV)

Saints (hagios [word study]) are those who have been separated by the sanctifying work of the Spirit (1Pe 1:2-note) from the world and set apart to God.

Note the NIV adds "kingdom" but the Greek word is not present in this verse. The context of the following verse would appear to allow that as a "dynamic paraphrase" (NIV) of this verse. Review of numerous commentaries suggests that the phrase "saints in light" does not have a clear consensus although saints residing even now in the kingdom of light does fit the context.

Paul gives us a clue to the meaning (saints in light) in the parallel letter to the Ephesians in which he exhorts the saints  to "not be partakers with (the sons of disobedience)" going on to remind these saints that they "were formerly darkness, but now (they) are light in the Lord" and therefore should now "walk as children of light" adding that "the fruit of the light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. And do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light." (Eph 5:6, 7, 8, 9-note)

Looking at this verse from a future perspective, the inheritance is in the light because He who is the Light dwells there and fills heaven with His marvelous light. Vincent has a helpful note commenting that "in light" does not need to "be limited to future glory. The children of God walk in light on earth." (see John 3:21; 11:9; 12:36; 1Th 5:5-note; 1Jn 1:7;  2:10)

Beloved, we are sons of light (1Thes 5:5-note) who have been delivered from darkness into His marvelous light (1Pe 2:9-note, cp Acts 26:18) and given the privileged responsibility to be the lights of the world (Mt 5:14-note, Phil 2:15-note), and now should continually strive to walk in the light (1Jn 1:7-note).

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ILLUSTRATIONS OF BIBLE TRUTH by Harry A. Ironside - SALVATION ALTOGETHER OF GOD

Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light (Col 1:12)

[The Father] has delivered and drawn us to Himself" (Amp)

has freed us from the power of darkness" (NCV)

For - (See terms of explanation) This word is not present in the Greek but is added by several of the translations (NAS, NIV, NLT, NAB) to explain how we got into the light, how we became saints in light, for as Ephesians said we were all dead in our trespasses and sins (Eph 2:1-note) and were formerly darkness (not just in darkness which is true but literally in some way the essence of darkness! Woe! What a Deliverer! What a glorious Gospel which had the power to abolish death and bring life and immortality to light - 2Ti 1:10-note) (Eph 5:8-note). We were blind (2Cor 4:4-note) but God shined His Gospel light (2Cor 4:6-note) into our hearts and delivered us into the light!

Deliver (4506)(rhuomai [word study] or ruomai or rhyomai  from rhúo = to draw, drag along the ground) means to draw or snatch to oneself and invariably refers to a snatching from danger, evil or an enemy. This basic idea is that of bringing someone out of severe and acute danger, and so to save, rescue, deliver, preserve. Rhuomai emphasizes greatness of peril from which deliverance is given by a mighty act of power. In the NT rhuomai is always associated with God as the Deliverer and with a person as the object of His deliverance.

In context rhuomai means God drew or snatched us to Himself out of danger and away from the clutches of our mortal evil enemy, Satan and his minions, who rule in the "domain of darkness".  Rhuomai emphasizes the greatness of peril from which deliverance is given by a mighty act of power.

Rhuomai - 15v in NT - Matt. 6:13; 27:43; Lk. 1:74; Rom. 7:24; 11:26; 15:31; 2 Co. 1:10; Col. 1:13; 1 Thess. 1:10; 2 Thess. 3:2; 2 Tim. 3:11; 4:17f; 2 Pet. 2:7, 9

Rhuomai was used to describe a soldier going to a wounded comrade on the battlefield and snatching him to safety. The "great danger" we were rescued from is that the wages of sin made us liable to eternal death and placed us in the kingdom of Satan and subject to his rule and authority and in bondage to our old (sin) nature inherited from Adam.

NIDNTT notes that rhuomai is found in

found in classic Greek. from Homer onwards and also in inscriptions and papyri. It is used of deliverance and keeping by both the gods and men. (1) Ajax prayed to “Father Zeus” to save (rhuomai) the Achaians from the dark night (Homer, Il. 17, 645). “Only Zeus and the other gods saved (rhuomai) thee”, cried Achilles to Aeneas (Il. 20, 194). Such deliverance extends not only to individuals in battle, but to various dangers, afflictions and also the protection of property (Il. 15, 257, 290; Hdt. 1, 87 ek tou kakou, “from evil”; 5, 49; 9, 76; 4, 187; 6, 7; 7, 217; other instances in W. Kasch, rhyomai, TDNT VI 1000).  (2) On the human level the verb. is applied to the action of princes in delivering cities and countries (Homer, Il. 9, 396), women and children (Il. 17, 224), the outcast (Soph., OC 285). Moreover, rhuomai can be used of inanimate objects. Thus, walls (Il. 18, 515), helmets (Il. 10, 259), and armour (Il. 23, 819) are said to protect. On the other hand, Odysseus cannot save his comrades who have destroyed themselves by sin (Od. 1,6f.), and there are cases where not even the gods can save (Il., 15, 141; Od. 12, 107; Aesch., Sept. 91; cf. W. Kasch, ibid.). (Brown, Colin, Editor. New International Dictionary of NT Theology. 1986. Zondervan) 

Jonathan Edwards in his famous sermon Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God says that as those in the domain of darkness, we were

always exposed to destruction as one that stands or walks in slippery places is always exposed to fall...always exposed to sudden unexpected destruction...every moment liable to fall...at once without warning" Edwards goes on to write that we were all once in danger of spending eternity apart from God -- "God will not hold them up in these slippery places any longer, but will let them go; and then at that very instant, they shall fall into destruction; as he that stands on such slippery declining ground, on the edge of a pit, he cannot stand alone, when he is let go he immediately falls and is lost...The wrath of God is like great waters that are dammed for the present; they increase more and more, and rise higher and higher, till an outlet is given; and the longer the stream is stopped, the more rapid and mighty is its course, when once it is let loose. (Ref)

The sword of God’s judgment was hanging over our heads from the moment of our birth into Adam's helpless race until God graciously snatched us from the jaws of death and placed us safely in the "ark", in Christ (see 1Cor 15:22)! We were "judged already" and on "death row" according to (Jn 3:18) with the "wrath of God" abiding on us (Jn 3:36) until were saved by grace through faith in the fully atoning work of Jesus Christ.

Delivered is middle voice which conveys the great truth that God initiated the "rescue operation" and participated in the carrying out of the operation!  One could paraphrase this verse as "God Himself rescued us". This deliverance points to the moment of salvation for every believer.  The humbling truth to depraved men and women is that we did not rescue ourselves from the jaws of eternal destruction! God did and for that we will be eternally grateful.

To Thee my spirit I commend;
Redemption is with Thee,
O Thou Jehovah, God of truth,
Who hast delivered me. (play hymn)

Zacharias, upon the birth of his son, John the Baptist, was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied of the Messiah declaring

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited (episkeptomai [word study]) us and accomplished redemption (lutrosis [word study]) for His people (in the Messiah)...to grant us that we, being delivered (rhuomai) from the hand of our enemies, might serve (latreuo [word study]) Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him all our days. (Luke 1:68, 74, 75)

Although deliverance grants us freedom our enemies, as this Scripture indicates, the freedom is to now live a holy, righteous lifestyle, not to live any way our old nature chooses!

Paul was encouraged by the Thessalonian believers who had

turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God and to wait for His Son from heaven, Whom He raised from the dead, that is Jesus, Who delivers (present tense = continually rescues) us from the wrath to come (literally "the wrath, the coming"). (1Th 1:9, 10-note).

In this verse in Colossians Paul is referring to our deliverance in our salvation experience, but God's mighty deliverances do not end with our initial salvation. And so Paul encouraged Timothy with this truth, explaining that although he (Paul) had experienced

persecutions, and sufferings" yet "out of them all the Lord delivered (rhuomai) me! (2Ti 3:11-note)

Paul went on to explain that in his first defense no one supported him but all deserted him, and yet 

the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me, in order that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear and I was delivered (rhuomai - aorist tense and indicative mood = a definite time and a definite historical event!) out of the lion's mouth. The Lord will deliver (rhuomai) me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen." (2Ti 4:17, 18-note).

The fact that God's deliverances are not restricted to our initial salvation, is in one sense the basis for Jesus' instruction to pray for daily deliverance asking God specifically to

not lead us into temptation, but deliver (rhuomai) us from evil. (Mt 6:13-note)

Peter adds that if God

rescued (rhuomai) righteous Lot, oppressed by the sensual conduct of unprincipled men (for by what he saw and heard that righteous man, while living among them, felt his righteous soul tormented day after day with their lawless deeds), then the Lord knows how to rescue (rhuomai) the godly from temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment." (2Peter 2:7, 8, 9-note)

If you are godly, you are not immune to temptations. Have you prayed for deliverance from today?  Note that God does not always deliver us immediately or in the same way. Sometimes He delivers us from our trials, and at other times He delivers us in our trials.

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Today in the Word - Captain Scott O’Grady knows better than most what rescue (Ed: cp "delivered") means. In June 1995 his plane was shot down over Bosnia. The Air Force pilot survived on insects, plants, and rain water and was only able to use his radio transmitter late at night. On the sixth night of his ordeal, his faint radio signal was picked up by another U.S. pilot. A daring rescue mission eventually brought the helpless pilot to safety. As amazing as this rescue was, every believer has experienced one even more miraculous, as today’s passage reveals. As part of his prayer for the Colossians, Paul first prays for knowledge of God’s will. This isn’t knowledge for the sake of knowledge, but knowledge that causes growth in one’s relationship with the Lord so as to live a life worthy of the Lord, pleasing to Him in all respects (Col. 1:10). As Bible scholar David Garland says, “God gives us knowledge to lead us to deeper faith, greater virtue, and more devout service.” (MBI - Today in the Word)

FROM THE DOMAIN OF DARKNESS: ek (out from) tes (the specific) exousias tou skotous: (Lk 22:53,Col 2:15 Acts 26:18, Jn 12:31 2Co 4:4 Ep 4:18; 5:8; 6:12 1Pe 2:9 1Jn 2:8, 2:11, 3:8)

out of the control and the dominion of darkness (Amp),

out of the power of darkness (ASV),

has made us free from the power of evil (BBE),

from the authority of darkness (Darby)

For he has rescued us from the one who rules in the kingdom of darkness (NLT)

From - Ek more literally means "out of". It's as if God looked down, saw we were drowning in sin, threw us a life preserver to grab hold of and lifted us up out of the dark, miry clay of lost mankind in bondage to sin and Satan.

Lightfoot comments that

We were slaves in the land of darkness. God rescued us from this thralldom. He transplanted us from there and settled us as free colonists and citizens in the kingdom of his Son, in the realms of light.

Domain (1849) (exousia [word study]) is derived from éxesti = it is permitted, it is lawful meaning liberty of action.

Exousia - 93v in NT - Matt. 7:29; 8:9; 9:6, 8; 10:1; 21:23f, 27; 28:18; Mk. 1:22, 27; 2:10; 3:15; 6:7; 11:28f, 33; 13:34; Lk. 4:6, 32, 36; 5:24; 7:8; 9:1; 10:19; 12:5, 11; 19:17; 20:2, 8, 20; 22:53; 23:7; Jn. 1:12; 5:27; 10:18; 17:2; 19:10f; Acts 1:7; 5:4; 8:19; 9:14; 26:10, 12, 18; Rom. 9:21; 13:1ff; 1 Co. 7:37; 8:9; 9:4ff, 12, 18; 11:10; 15:24; 2 Co. 10:8; 13:10; Eph. 1:21; 2:2; 3:10; 6:12; Col. 1:13, 16; 2:10, 15; 2 Thess. 3:9; Tit. 3:1; Heb. 13:10; 1 Pet. 3:22; Jude 1:25; Rev. 2:26; 6:8; 9:3, 10, 19; 11:6; 12:10; 13:2, 4f, 7, 12; 14:18; 16:9; 17:12f; 18:1; 20:6; 22:14

In English the word "domain" means complete and absolute ownership of a land. John tells us who the "owner" is at the present time writing that

We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies in the power of (NIV = "under the control of) the evil one. (1Jn 5:19)

Paul calls Satan "the god of this world" who

has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. (2Cor 4:4)

Darkness (4655) (skotos [word study] from skia = shadow  thrown by an object. Skia it can assume the meaning of skotos and indicate the sphere of darkness) is literally that sphere in which light is absent. In the phrase "the outer darkness", the reference is the place of punishment or exclusion from God Who is light!

Skotos -30x in NT -- Matt. 4:16; 6:23; 8:12; 22:13; 25:30; 27:45; Mk. 15:33; Lk. 1:79; 11:35; 22:53; 23:44; Jn. 3:19; Acts 2:20; 13:11; 26:18; Rom. 2:19; 13:12; 1 Co. 4:5; 2 Co. 4:6; 6:14; Eph. 5:8, 11; 6:12; Col. 1:13; 1 Thess. 5:4, 5; 1 Pet. 2:9; 2 Pet. 2:17; 1 Jn. 1:6; Jude 1:13. Skotos is translated "darkness" in each of these verses. Click (or here) for more in depth discussion of the Biblical concept of "Darkness". See Torrey's Topic Darkness

Skotos is sometimes used of natural or intellectual darkness but is most frequently used metaphorically, of moral and spiritual darkness, the present condition of the world, which reflects the character of the evil spiritual powers that dominate it. Jesus Himself uses skotos in this way declaring

While I was with you daily in the temple, you did not lay hands on Me; but this hour and the power (exousia - right & might) of darkness are yours (Lk 22:53)

For believers, this power of the evil one has been broken, the writer of Hebrews informing us that

Since then the children share in flesh and blood, (Jesus) Himself likewise also partook of the same (His incarnation), that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil and might deliver (release, set free, liberate believers) those who through fear of death were subject to slavery (in as state of servitude) all their lives." (Heb 2:14, 15-note)

Now that we are no longer in the "domain of darkness"

our struggle ("hand-to-hand" combat describing wrestlers) is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places." (Eph 6:12, 13, 14f-note)

Peter reminds us of our new privileged position and what should be our ready reasonable response writing that we are now

A CHOSEN RACE, a royal PRIESTHOOD, a HOLY NATION, a PEOPLE FOR God's OWN POSSESSION, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. (1Peter 2:9-note)

The Greek word exousia Vines says evolved "from the meaning of "leave or permission," or liberty of doing as one pleases, it passed to that of "the ability or strength with which one is endued," then to that of the "power of authority," the right to exercise power...or "the power of rule or government," the power of one whose will and commands must be obeyed by others. In short exousia is "the right and the might" to do as one pleases. Satan (and our old Sin nature inherited from Adam - see below) has both the right (to rule) and the might (the ability or power to do so) to subject us to his control and his evil schemes.

Paul teaches in this verse that God has delivered believers from the right and the might of the darkness. The "domain of darkness" now has no right to "fasten" itself on a believer. As a way of life the evil one cannot grasp a believer in a way that exerts a modifying influence on his or her life. Why not? Because God has delivered all believers by this once for all ("delivered" is in the aorist tense = completed action, once for all accomplished in the past). Believers can choose to slip back into the darkness for a season, but if this is habitual or manifest by one's lifestyle, then there is no proof that such an individual has ever been genuinely delivered from the domain of darkness. Do not be deceived. God rescued us out from (ek) the power (exousia) of the kingdom of darkness in which we were held captive as slaves (cf 2Ti 2:26-note). How do you know whose "domain" you are under? John writes that "the one who practices (present tense = continually, as a habit or lifestyle) sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, that He might destroy the works of the devil. No one who is born of God practices (present tense = continually, as a habit or lifestyle) sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin (present tense = continually, as a habit or lifestyle), because he is born of God." (1John 2:8, 9)

AND TRANSFERRED US: kai metesthsen (3SAAI):  (Jn 5:24; Ro 6:17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22; 1Co 6:9, 10, 11; Eph 2:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 Titus 3:3, 4, 5, 6; 1Jn 3:14)

brought us safe into (GNB)  

Transferred (3179) (methistemi from meta = denoting change of place or condition + histemi =place, stand) literally means to remove or transfer from one place to another.

Thayer says methistemi from

Homer down properly (means) to transpose, transfer, remote from one place to another: properly, of change of situation or place

In Acts 13:22 methistemi refers to causing someone to change  their official position and thus conveys the sense of to dismiss or discharge (cp similar meaning in Lk 16:4).

In Acts 19:26 the meaning of methistemi is to bring or cause a person to turn aside or "change sides" either mentally and/or spiritually.

Methistemi was used to signify deportation of men or a removal to form a colony of which the history of Oriental Kings gave many examples-- for example, the Assyrians "transferred" Israel out of the promised land (see 2Ki 17:23) and replaced them with substitutes. This Greek word may have had special meaning to the Colossians for history records that Antiochus the Great "transferred" at least 2,000 Jews from Babylonia to Colossae.

The verb methistemi  is in the aorist tense which points to an immediate transference from one spiritual region or kingdom to another.

In a parallel passage Jesus describes the "transfer" in terms of a "passage" declaring "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life." (Jn 5:24) John adds in his first epistle that

We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love abides in death. (1Jn 3:14)

Paul describes the "transfer" in terms of a change of masters (see also next paragraph) writing

thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. (Ro 6:17, 18, 19, 20-note, Ro 6:21, 22-note)

Paul describes some of the details by which this "transfer" was effected writing that

such were some of you ("unrighteous") but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in the Spirit of our God. (1Co 6:9, 10, 11)

Paul goes on to describe the ideal behavior of those who have been "transferred" writing

Therefore, COME OUT FROM THEIR MIDST AND BE SEPARATE," says the Lord. "AND DO NOT TOUCH WHAT IS UNCLEAN and I will welcome you. And I will be a father to you, And you shall be sons and daughters to Me," says the Lord Almighty. Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."(1Co 6:17, 18, 2Cor 7:1-note)

Paul says that having been transferred, we should now

walk in a manner worthy of the God Who calls you into His own kingdom and glory. (1Th 2:12-note)

Here are the 5 NT uses of methistemi...

Luke 16:4 'I know what I shall do, so that when I am removed from the stewardship, they will receive me into their homes.'

Acts 13:22 "And after He had removed him, He raised up David to be their king, concerning whom He also testified and said, 'I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My heart, who will do all My will.'

Acts 19:26 "And you see and hear that not only in Ephesus, but in almost all of Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away a considerable number of people, saying that gods made with hands are no gods at all.

1Corinthians 13:2 And if I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.

Colossians 1:13 For He delivered us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son

Methistemi - 19x in Septuagint (LXX) - Deut. 17:17; 30:17; Jos. 14:8; Jdg. 9:29; 1 Sam. 6:12; 1 Ki. 15:13; 18:29; 2Ki. 3:2; 12:3; 17:23; 23:33; 2Chr. 15:16; Isa. 54:10; 59:15; Dan. 2:21; 7:12, 26; 11:31; Amos 5:23

Note that in the present context methistemi speaks of a total removal from the rule of Satan. The verb is in the aorist tense which indicates a past completed action at a point in time and thus the moment we were saved, at that point in time, God transferred us from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light. We were set free from the power of the darkness and placed under God's authority. Believers no longer are in or subject to the "domain of darkness" and therefore are not obligated to live in submission to the power of Satan nor to the power of the old SIN nature which seeks like Satan to reign over us. Paul personifies "Sin" (our old flesh nature or our inherent propensity to commit sin which we inherited from Adam Ro 5:12-note) as a cruel "Monarch" explaining to the Roman saints that they were now (see Romans 5 & Romans 6) in Christ (and in His "domain") and were now "dead" to the rule of "King Sin" and thus Paul like a "spiritual general" in wartime, commanded them --

Do not let SIN reign (like a king) in your mortal body that you should obey ITS lusts, and do not go on presenting the members of your body to ("King") SIN as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God (you are now in His domain) as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. For ("King") SIN shall not be master over you, for you are not under law, but under grace. (Ro 6:12, 13, 14-note)

Wayne Barber adds that "Jesus now has authority in me over the darkness. Don't let anyone tell you that you and I have authority over the darkness apart from Jesus living in us. It is He who has the authority, not us. That authority is that which He exercises as we walk worthy of Him, and then He puts down the darkness which is around us. This is a repeated picture in the New Testament --- if I walk in the light, if I seek Him, then automatically I'm going to see power over the darkness, because it's Him in me exercising that heritage through me."

TO THE KINGDOM: eis ten basileian: (1Th 2:12 2Pe 1:11 Ps 2:6,7 Isa 9:6,7 Da 7:13,14 Zec 9:9; Mt 25:34; Ro 14:17; 1Cor 15:23, 24, 25)  

In Scripture, the Kingdom has a spiritual aspect, a present physical aspect, and a future eternal aspect (beginning with the millennium, cf Mt 25:31,34 - see Dr Walvoord's article The Future Work of Christ — Part IV: The Millennial Kingdom and the Eternal State).

In Romans, Paul reminds us that the Kingdom of God is not in observance of ordinances, external and material, but in the deeper matters of the heart, which are spiritual and essential

Vine adds that

Since this earth is the scene of rebellion against Him, it is the sphere in which at any time His rule is acknowledged. He calls upon men everywhere to submit voluntarily to it. It is now “in mystery” (Mk 4:11); that is, it does not come within the range of natural observation. Entrance into it is by the new birth, Mt 18:3; John 3:5. That a person is in it is shown, not in external forms and ritual, but in matters which are spiritual and essential, namely, “righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Ro 14:17-note). (Vine, W. Collected writings of W. E. Vine. Nashville: Thomas Nelson or Logos)

To reiterate the Kingdom of His beloved Son in context refers to more than the future millennial kingdom, when Jesus will reign on earth for 1000 years. Similarly, the kingdom does not refer solely to the general rule of God over creation. The kingdom is a present spiritual reality and in a real sense the kingdom is the special relationship men in this age have with God through Jesus Christ.  Although Christ does not yet rule on earth, He is no less our King. In response to Pilate’s question, “Are You the King of the Jews?” Jesus replied, “It is as you say” (Mt 27:11). He reigns in eternity, He rules now over His church, and one day will return to rule on earth as King of kings in the Millennium (Click here and scroll down for a prophetic time line).

As suggested by (Ro 14:17) quoted above, there is a tremendous responsibility that accompanies being part of Christ’s kingdom. As subjects of that kingdom, we must properly represent the King and so Paul admonished the Thessalonians to “walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory” (1Th 2:12-note). Even the persecution of the Thessalonian believers was a plain indication of God’s righteous judgment so they might be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which indeed they were suffering (2Th 1:5). (cp Heb 12:28-note).

MacDonald offers a nice summary of kingdom writing that

The kingdom of Christ is seen in Scripture in several different aspects. When He came to the earth the first time, He offered a literal kingdom to the nation of Israel. The Jews wanted deliverance from the Roman oppressor, but they did not want to repent of their sins. Christ could only reign over a people who were in proper spiritual relationship to Him. When that was made clear to them, they rejected their King and crucified Him. Since then, the Lord Jesus has gone back to heaven and we now have the kingdom in mystery form (Mt 13). This means that the kingdom does not appear in visible form. The King is absent. But all who accept the Lord Jesus Christ during this present age acknowledge Him as their rightful Ruler, and thus they are subjects of His kingdom. In a coming day, the Lord Jesus will come back to earth, set up His kingdom with Jerusalem as capital, and reign for one thousand years. At the end of that time, Christ will put down all enemies under His feet and then deliver up the kingdom to God the Father (1Cor 15:23, 24, 25). That will inaugurate the eternal kingdom, which will continue throughout eternity. (MacDonald, W & Farstad, A. Believer's Bible Commentary: Thomas Nelson or Logos)

OF HIS BELOVED SON: tou huiou tes agaphes autou: (Isa 42:1; Mt 3:17; 17:5; Jn3:35; 17:24; Ep1:6)

and has transferred us into the kingdom of the Son of His love (Amp)

The Greek literally reads, “the Son of His love” the object of the Father's love. At the baptism and transfiguration of Jesus Christ, the Father declared that Jesus was His “beloved Son” (Mt 3:17; 17:5). This fact reminds us of the price the Father paid when He gave His Son for us. It also reminds us that His kingdom is a kingdom of love as well as a kingdom of light. The Father gives the kingdom to the Son He loves, then to everyone who loves the Son (Lk 12:32).

H. C. G. Moule says this phrase signifies the Son who is “the blessed Object of the Father’s love...the supremely Beloved One”

The false teachers in Colossae, like the false teachers of our own day, would not necessarily directly deny the importance of Jesus Christ. They would simply but subtly, surreptitiously dethrone Him, giving Him "prominence" but not "preeminence". In their philosophy, Jesus Christ was but one of many “emanations” that proceeded from God and through which men could reach God. It was this claim that Paul refuted in (Col 1:13-20) which probably contains more concentrated doctrine about Jesus Christ than any other paragraph in the New Testament. Oh, how this sound doctrine is direly needed in our day!