66 JUAN M. GRANADOS ROJAS word reaches the world and is accepted in faith when that word is “dy- namically and effectively proclaimed in the power of the Spirit” 13. They find the main proofs supporting these spatial and modal nuances in 1,23 (τοῦ κηρυχθέντος ἐν πάσῃ κτίσει τῇ ὑπὸ τὸν οὐρανόν); 1,28 (καταγγέλλοµεν + adverbial – modal participles: νουθετοῦντες [...] καὶ διδάσκοντες) and in its closest semantic reference: Rom 15,19 14. J-N. Aletti considers, in addition, that the full realization of this spatial and modal proclamation might be the a;nqrwpon te,leion in Christ (Col 1,28) 15. In the footsteps of these scholars I intend to discuss the particular way in which the word of God fully achieves its purpose. However, unlike some of them, I find the semantic cross references (for example, 1 Cor 3,10; Rom 15,19) inadequate when it comes to fixing the mean- ing of dia,konoj, the function of the oivkonomi,a and the meaning of the fulfillment of the word of God. Instead, I shall analyze, first, the ar- rangement of the unit to evince its rhetorical pattern, and then, as result, its semantic components; in particular, the meaning of plhrw/sai to.n logon tou/ Qeou/. , II. The Rhetorical Arrangement 1. Delimitation and Function Most scholars point out the boundaries of the section in 1,24-29 and 2,1-5. These units are easily differentiated from 1,21-23 because of their semantics. Mentioning the apostle’s sufferings and struggles, as a form of inclusion (1,24.29; 2,1), as well as repeating the musth,rion motif (1,26.27; 2,2), confirm the inner unity of the section. P.T. O’BRIEN, Colossians, Philemon (WBC 44; Waco, TX 1982) 83. 13 “[…] so, from Jerusalem and around, as far as Illyricum, I have fully 14 proclaimed the gospel of Christ (πεπληρωκέναι τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τοῦ Χριστοῦ)” (Rom 15,19). Rom 15,15-16 presents a similar description of the apostolic service; here the Pauline proclamation is related to terms already met with in Colossians: grace, gift and gospel. See also FRANK, Der Kolosserbrief im Kontext des paulinischen Erbes, 100. The expression te,leioj a;nqrwpoj usually translated as “perfect” or “ma- 15 ture” describes the purpose of the apostolic proclamation. Eph 4,17 presents the same semantic content including the harmonizing of knowledge and faith within the new human being. See J-N. ALETTI, Lettera ai Colossesi: intro- duzione, versione, commento (SOCr 12; Bologna 22011) 128. © Gregorian Biblical Press 2012 - Tutti i diritti riservati