Colossians 1:19

For it was the good pleasure of the Father that in him should all the fullness dwell.

"This verse should be understood in the light of Colossians 2:9. It is the fullness of Deity, the `fullness of the godhead bodily' that is pleased to dwell in the Son."[46]

Ashby also agreed with this analysis of the verse, adding that by thus stressing Christ's deity, Paul effectively undermined the whole argument of the Gnostics. He said, "It is peculiarly fitting that Paul should thus describe the Saviour. It is God's pleasure that all fullness, the full essence of deity, should re'side in Christ."[47]

[46] John B. Nielson, op. cit., p. 382.

[47] Ernest G. Ashby, op. cit., p. 485.