Commentary on Colossians Chapter 3:1-15 with Different Biblical References
The commentary integrates fresh scriptural insights to enrich the discussion and concludes with footnote references for clarity and further study.
Verse 1-4
Text: "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory." (Colossians 3:1-4, NIV)
- Since, Then, You Have Been Raised with Christ: Paul shifts focus to practical Christian living, anchoring it in the profound truth of our union with Christ. Because we trust in His resurrection, our connection to Him shapes our reality. Only through being raised with Christ can we set our hearts on things above.
- The notion of being raised with Christ connects to Colossians 2:12, where baptism represents this spiritual transformation. Recognizing this truth, certain behaviours become appropriate for us.
- “The start of chapter 3 directly follows the end of chapter 2, where Paul rejects ascetic rules as powerless against sinful desires. The real answer lies in the believer’s unity with Christ.” (Adapted from Vaughan)
- As we are raised with Christ, our lives should reflect His resurrected state:
- Jesus abandoned the tomb; so must we—leaving behind our former sinful ways.
- Jesus focused on His disciples after rising; so must we—dedicating ourselves to fellowship and service.
- Jesus moved in divine authority; so must we—depending on the Holy Spirit’s empowerment.
- Jesus looked toward His heavenly return; so must we—acknowledging our eternal destiny.
- Paul emphasizes Christ seated at the right hand of God, echoing Ephesians 1:20, underscoring Christ’s supreme power and dominion. This urges us to meditate on His exalted position and rule over creation.
- Set Your Minds on Things Above: Authentic Christian living emerges from a mind oriented toward heaven. Understanding that our lives are hidden with Christ in God, and that Jesus reigns above, our desires and thoughts should align with eternal priorities, not temporary ones.
- When Christ, Who Is Your Life, Appears, Then You Also Will Appear with Him in Glory: Christ’s return promises not just a vision of His glory but our participation in it. This mirrors the assurance of future glory in 2 Thessalonians 1:10.
- Christ, Who Is Your Life: Paul elsewhere states, “Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20). Here, he applies this to every believer—Christ defines our existence. We might say of others, “Dance is her life” or “Science is his life,” but for Christians, it must be, “Jesus Christ is my life.”
Verse 5-7
Text: "Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived." (Colossians 3:5-7, NIV)
- Put to Death, Therefore, Whatever Belongs to Your Earthly Nature: The “therefore” refers to our identification with the risen Christ in Colossians 3:1-4. Grasping this reality enables us to eliminate behaviours that clash with our new identity in Him.
- Sexual Immorality, Impurity, Lust, Evil Desires, and Greed, Which Is Idolatry: These terms primarily address sexual sins, while greed signifies a deceptive, pervasive covetousness labelled as idolatry. As Jesus would never partake in such acts, neither should we who are united with Him.
- Because of These: These sins typify a world distant from Jesus. Every believer must choose: side with the world or with Christ?
- The Wrath of God Is Coming: Such sins incite God’s judgment. The world’s affection for this lifestyle blocks humble surrender to Christ, heightening their guilt. Though a single sin warrants condemnation (Galatians 3:10), varying degrees of judgment exist (Matthew 11:22-24).
- God’s wrath partly manifests by permitting self-destructive paths to continue, as evident in Jude 1:7.
- You Used to Walk in These Ways, in the Life You Once Lived: These sins characterize a world in defiance of God, but for Christians, they are history.
- A genuine believer cannot remain content in persistent sin.
- Paul states we “used to walk” in these. Occasional failures are grievous, but they must not define a Christian’s lifestyle.
Verse 8-9
Text: "But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices." (Colossians 3:8-9, NIV)
- But Now You Must Also Rid Yourselves of All Such Things as These: Paul identifies sins like anger and rage, often dismissed as trivial by Christians. Yet, he calls for a complete shedding of the old self in all areas.
- Anger, Rage, Malice, Slander, and Filthy Language from Your Lips. Do Not Lie to Each Other: These sins are mostly expressed through speech. When Paul urges deeper obedience, he stresses taming the tongue, similar to Proverbs 18:21.
- Since You Have Taken Off Your Old Self with Its Practices: The blatant sins of Colossians 3:5 are obviously against Christ’s nature, but so are these ‘minor’ ones. Thus, we must discard them as well.
- In Colossians 3:5-9, Paul emphasizes two critical Christian focuses: sexual integrity tied to a right perspective on possessions, and loving harmony with others. It’s common for Christian groups to sacrifice one for the other, but Paul, inspired by the Spirit, upholds both as essential.
- Having shed the old self means we are renewed in Christ. “When anger or passion flares, treat it as an unwelcome stranger, evicting it as it lacks any right to stay or dictate.” (Adapted from Wright)
Verse 10-11
Text: "And have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all." (Colossians 3:10-11, NIV)
- And Have Put on the New Self: Paul employs a metaphor of changing garments, vividly illustrating the rejection of the old nature and adoption of the new in Christ.
- Which Is Being Renewed in Knowledge: The new self yearns for God’s truth, eager to deepen understanding through His Word.
- In the Image of Its Creator: This alludes to Genesis 5:1-2, recalling humanity’s creation in God’s likeness. Now, discarding the first Adam’s fallen nature as the old self, we are reshaped after Christ, the last Adam (Romans 5:14-15).
- Here There Is No Gentile or Jew, Circumcised or Uncircumcised, Barbarian, Scythian, Slave or Free: The new self belongs to a family that transcends race, status, or heritage, unified only in Christ, who is all and in all.
- This new creation transforms individuals and breaks societal barriers. Among God’s people, labels like Gentile, Jew, or slave dissolve.
Verse 12-15
Text: "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." (Colossians 3:12-15, NIV)
- Therefore, as God’s Chosen People: The new self is selected by God, designated as unique in His purpose. “Chosen” may unsettle some, but it brings reassurance and a mission to fulfil.
- Clothe Yourselves with Compassion, Kindness, Humility, Gentleness, and Patience: These qualities manifest in relationships. A vital measure of Christian life is how we engage with others.
- Humility, uncommon as a virtue in ancient Greek thought, undergirds gentleness and patience. Gentleness influences actions, avoiding manipulation of others; patience governs reactions, bearing others’ shortcomings without bitterness.
- Forgive as the Lord Forgave You: We are to forgive others following Christ’s example toward us. Contemplating His grace compels greater, not lesser, forgiveness.
- Christ’s forgiveness pattern:
- God withholds judgment long despite our offenses (Nehemiah 9:17).
- God seeks the undeserving for reconciliation (Matthew 9:13).
- God takes the first step in mercy (Romans 3:24-25).
- God forgives despite knowing future failures (Jeremiah 31:34).
- God elevates forgiven sinners to family (Ephesians 1:5).
- God absorbs sin’s cost (2 Corinthians 5:21).
- God persists in offering peace despite refusal (Isaiah 65:2).
- God grants mercy instantly, no waiting (Mark 2:5).
- God restores wholly with honour (Joel 2:25-26).
- God entrusts us again as partners post-forgiveness (Matthew 28:19-20).
- “If someone offends you and seeks pardon, might you say, ‘I forgive, but won’t forget’? Such forgiveness is incomplete, barely meaningful.” (Adapted from Spurgeon)
- Christ’s forgiveness pattern:
- Over All These Virtues Put on Love, Which Binds Them All Together in Perfect Unity: Love summarizes all listed traits, flawlessly fulfilling God’s relational expectations.
- Let the Peace of Christ Rule in Your Hearts: Christ’s peace should define God’s community and serve as a guide for discerning His will.
- This peace is collective, unifying the body, not just personal calm (Philippians 4:7).
Verse 16-17
Text: "Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (Colossians 3:16-17, NIV)
- Let the Message of Christ Dwell Among You Richly: The new self is immersed in Christ’s teachings and engages in communal worship with fellow believers.
- Teach and Admonish One Another with All Wisdom: The indwelling word of Christ fosters mutual edification, equipping believers to guide and correct each other with insight drawn from God’s truth (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
- Teaching and admonishing suggest a shared responsibility among believers to build up the body, ensuring growth in faith and conduct.
- c. Singing to God with Gratitude in Your Hearts: Worship through song is an expression of thankfulness, directed to God from a heart transformed by grace (Psalm 95:2).
- Gratitude underscores the motivation for worship, recognizing God’s goodness and mercy as the source of our joy.
- And Whatever You Do, Whether in Word or Deed, Do It All in the Name of the Lord Jesus: The new self-lives entirely for Jesus, ensuring every action and word aligns with His name, enduring challenges with the awareness of serving Him.
- This comprehensive command covers all aspects of life, leaving no area outside Christ’s lordship (1 Corinthians 10:31).
- Giving Thanks to God the Father Through Him: Gratitude to God, channelled through Christ, marks the new self’s posture, acknowledging that all blessings and strength come through the Son (Hebrews 13:15).
- This act of gratitude reinforces the centrality of Christ in our worship and daily living.
Verse 18-19
Text: "Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them." (Colossians 3:18-19, NIV)
- a. Wives, Submit Yourselves to Your Husbands: The Greek term “submit” originates from military hierarchy, meaning “under rank.” It reflects an ordered structure, akin to army ranks from general to private, requiring respect for higher authority.
- A private may surpass a general in skill or virtue but remains subordinate. Similarly, a wife submits not due to lesser worth but to her husband’s designated role.
- Submission implies teamwork. If the family is a team, the husband serves as “captain,” with the wife and children in corresponding roles.
- Wives, Submit Yourselves to Your Husbands: This delineates the sphere of submission—to one’s own husband. Scripture does not endorse a general subjugation of women to men. It applies specifically within family and church contexts, not extending to domains like government, commerce, or academia where God does not grant men sole authority.
- c. As Is Fitting in the Lord: This key phrase frames the entire instruction. Two frequent misinterpretations distort its meaning:
- One misreading, favouring the husband, interprets “as is fitting in the Lord” as submitting to a husband as if to God, demanding absolute obedience. This is erroneous. Scripture never requires such total submission to any human—be it employer, ruler, or parent—except to God alone (Exodus 20:3). To insist on this risks idolatry.
- Another misreading, favouring the wife, takes “as is fitting in the Lord” to mean submission only when the husband conforms to God’s will, as judged by the wife. This is also incorrect. While submission has boundaries, this view reduces to “I’ll submit only if I agree,” which isn’t submission. True submission emerges in disagreement, not consensus.
- As is fitting in the Lord” defines neither the scope nor the boundary of submission but the reason. It means, “Wives, submit as part of your devotion to the Lord, expressing your allegiance to Him.” Submission upholds God’s design and Word, fulfilling Christian calling (1 Peter 3:1-2).
- Thus, “as is fitting in the Lord” conveys:
- Submission is central to a wife’s faith journey.
- Failing to submit isn’t merely a marital lapse; it’s a lapse in discipleship.
- It’s unrelated to temperament or disposition; submission isn’t for the “submissive type” but for all as a duty to God.
- It’s independent of a husband’s talents or wisdom, focusing on honouring Christ.
- It’s not about the husband’s correctness but Christ’s truth.
- Women should select husbands carefully, prioritizing respect over allure, riches, or sentiment, as God sets this standard for marriage.
- Submission isn’t unconditional; exceptions apply:
- If a husband demands sin, submission is not obligatory.
- If a husband is incapacitated, mentally unstable, or impaired by substances, submission may be withheld.
- If a husband is abusive or threatening, submission is not required.
- If a husband violates the marriage covenant through adultery, submission to that violation isn’t mandated.
- Husbands, Love Your Wives: Paul complements his directive to wives with a mandate for husbands, guarding against authoritarian abuse. Husbands must love with “agape,” a selfless, sacrificial love, not dominate as despots.
- This imposes a weighty obligation on husbands. In ancient Jewish, Greek, and Roman societies, husbands wielded all authority over wives, with no mutual duties. Paul redefines this relationship.
- Agape isn’t exclusively “God’s love” since people can agape evil or worldly things (2 Timothy 4:10). Instead, it’s a sacrificial, giving love, more about self-denial than feeling, for another’s benefit (1 John 3:16).
- It loves consistently.
- It gives without seeking repayment.
- It loves the unlovely.
- It loves despite being spurned.
- Agape gives out of love, not to receive.
- iv. One might interpret this as “Husbands, be considerate” or “be pleasant,” which would enhance many marriages. But Paul intends more: “Husbands, continually sacrifice yourself for your wife’s sake.”
- v. This echoes Christ’s love for His bride, the church, a standard husbands must emulate (Ephesians 5:28-29).
- And Do Not Be Harsh with Them: This implies a wife might provide reasons for harshness, yet Paul asserts, “That’s irrelevant, husbands.” Regardless of the wife’s behaviour, a husband is unjustified in harsh or unloving conduct.
- Agape persists in love amid evident shortcomings or unworthiness, extending grace even to the undeserving (Titus 3:4-5).
Verse 20-21
Text: "Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not exasperate your children; otherwise, they will become discouraged." (Colossians 3:20-21, NIV)
- Children, Obey Your Parents in Everything: Paul speaks to children under parental oversight, within their household. They must not only honour their parents (Deuteronomy 5:16) but obey them completely in all areas.
- For This Pleases the Lord: A key reason for obedience is that honouring parental authority mirrors respect for God’s overarching order of authority in life.
- Authority and submission are foundational to God’s essence. The Trinity embodies this with the Father and Son, where titles reflect authority and submission (Philippians 2:6-8).
- The Father exercises authority over the Son, who submits, intrinsic to God’s nature. Neglecting biblical authority or submission sins against God’s being, akin to rebellion likened to divination (Deuteronomy 18:10-11).
- Fathers, Do Not Exasperate Your Children: While children must obey, parents—generalized here as “fathers”—must refrain from provoking their children. Provocation can arise from undue severity, excessive expectations, overbearing control, lack of mercy, or overt anger, whether verbal, physical, or implicit.
- Parents often fault children for issues, as misbehaviour is apparent in the child. Paul cautions that parental provocation might contribute. Though this doesn’t justify the child’s actions, it may explain them. Parents must avoid provocation (Proverbs 22:6).
- Otherwise, They Will Become Discouraged: Children provoked by parents grow disheartened, lacking the essential love and encouragement. They may perceive the world as hostile if their parents appear opposed. This highlights the importance of parenting with grace—mirroring God’s patience, gentleness, and forgiveness toward us (Isaiah 49:15).
Verse 22-25
Text: "Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favour, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favouritism." (Colossians 3:22-25, NIV)
- Slaves, Obey Your Earthly Masters in Everything: As Christians live out the new self, they exhibit fitting submission to earthly masters—in today’s context, to employers or supervisors.
- This represents another dimension of God’s authority framework. Employees have a divinely appointed role to obey and submit to workplace leaders.
- Not Only When Their Eye Is on You and to Curry Their Favor, But with Sincerity of Heart and Reverence for the Lord: We’re inclined to work just enough to satisfy human overseers. Yet, God calls workers to recognize their ultimate service is to Him. Thus, they must labour wholeheartedly, as for the Lord, not merely people. God assures reward for such dedication (Matthew 25:21).
- A Christian who is deceitful, idle, or unreliable risks more than earthly discipline—a heavenly reckoning may loom.
- Anyone Who Does Wrong Will Be Repaid for Their Wrongs, and There Is No Favouritism: A Christian worker failing in duties shouldn’t anticipate leniency, even from a Christian superior. Faith should increase accountability, not diminish it.
- No Favouritism: Neither ancient slaves nor modern workers are assured earthly fairness. Bias may favour poor workers or neglect good ones. Paul guarantees a final, unbiased judgment and reward (Revelation 22:12).
Footnotes: Biblical References
Ephesians 1:20 - Christ’s resurrection and seating at God’s right hand, affirming His supreme authority.
2 Thessalonians 1:10 - Christ’s return in glory with His saints sharing in it.
Galatians 2:20 - Christ living in believers as the essence of their life.
Galatians 3:10 - Cursed by failing in any part of the law.
Matthew 11:22-24 - Greater judgment for those with more revelation.
Jude 1:7 - God’s judgment exemplified by giving over to destruction.
Proverbs 18:21 - The tongue’s power for life or death.
Genesis 5:1-2 - Humanity created in God’s likeness.
Romans 5:14-15 - Christ as the last Adam, contrasting the first.
Matthew 12:20 - Christ’s gentleness likened to not breaking a bruised reed.
Luke 7:47 - Forgiveness proportional to love, urging mercy.
Nehemiah 9:17 - God’s slowness to anger and abundant mercy.
Matthew 9:13 - Christ calling sinners to repentance.
Romans 3:24-25 - God’s initiative in justifying through Christ.
Jeremiah 31:34 - God’s promise to forgive and forget sins.
Ephesians 1:5 - Adoption into God’s family through Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ made sin for us, bearing our penalty.
Isaiah 65:2 - God’s outstretched hands to a rebellious people.
Mark 2:5 - Immediate forgiveness to the paralytic.
Joel 2:25-26 - God restoring what was lost with abundance.
Matthew 28:19-20 - Commissioning disciples as partners in mission.
Philippians 4:7 - God’s peace guarding hearts and minds.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 - Scripture’s role in teaching and correcting for righteousness.
Psalm 95:2 - Worshipping God with thankful songs.
1 Corinthians 10:31 - Doing all for God’s glory.
Hebrews 13:15 - Offering praise as a sacrifice through Christ.
Exodus 20:3 - No other gods before the Lord, guarding against idolatry in submission.
1 Peter 3:1-2 - Wives submitting as a testimony to faith.
2 Timothy 4:10 - Human capacity to love worldly things, showing agape’s broader use.
1 John 3:16 - Agape defined by Christ’s sacrificial death.
Ephesians 5:28-29 - Husbands loving wives as their own bodies, following Christ’s example.
Titus 3:4-5 - God’s kindness and love shown to the undeserving.
Deuteronomy 5:16 - Command to honor parents for blessing.
Philippians 2:6-8 - Christ’s submission to the Father in humility.
Deuteronomy 18:10-11 - Rebellion likened to forbidden practices.
Proverbs 22:6 - Training children in the way they should go.
Isaiah 49:15 - God’s maternal-like compassion as a parenting model.
Matthew 25:21 - Reward for faithful service to the Master.
Revelation 22:12 - Christ’s return with impartial reward and judgment.