Analysis: Colossians, Chapter 3
Colossians Chapter 3 stands as a pivotal component in the Apostle Paul's epistle to the church at Colossae, bridging the doctrinal expositions of the earlier chapters with practical guidance for Christian living. This transition underscores the inseparability of belief and behavior in the Christian faith, a theme Paul meticulously unfolds through a rich tapestry of theological and moral instruction. The historical context of Colossians is marked by the church's struggle against false teachings that sought to undermine the sufficiency of Christ's work and authority. Amidst this backdrop, Chapter 3 serves as a clarion call to the believers to live out the implications of their union with Christ, a foundational doctrine that Paul leverages to argue for a transformed life.
The chapter begins with an exhortation to set one's sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ reigns supreme, an admonition that roots the believer's identity and conduct in the risen Lord (Colossians 3:1-2). This heavenly orientation is not an escapist ideal but a transformative vision that informs and shapes the believer's earthly existence. The theological significance of this orientation is profound, as it signifies the believer's resurrection with Christ and their participation in His victory over sin and death. Paul's call to "seek the things that are above" (Colossians 3:1) is thus both an identity statement and a moral imperative, encapsulating the essence of Christian living as a dynamic interplay between being and doing.
Paul then delineates the ethical ramifications of this heavenly citizenship, outlining a stark contrast between the old self, characterized by sinful practices, and the new self, renewed in the image of the Creator (Colossians 3:5-10). The vivid imagery of "putting to death" the earthly nature and "putting on" the new self (Colossians 3:9-10) echoes the baptismal motif of dying and rising with Christ, emphasizing the believer's break with the past and the continuous process of renewal. This theological framework establishes the basis for Christian ethics, grounded not in external adherence to the law but in the transformative power of the gospel.
The chapter further advances this theme by advocating for a set of virtues that embody the new life in Christ, including compassion, kindness, humility, patience, and love (Colossians 3:12-14). The crowning virtue of love, which "binds everything together in perfect harmony" (Colossians 3:14), highlights the communal dimension of Christian ethics, envisioning the church as a body unified in love and purpose. This vision extends to the household, where Paul applies the principles of mutual submission and respect to the relationships between wives and husbands, children and parents, and slaves and masters (Colossians 3:18-4:1). These instructions, while reflective of the socio-cultural context of the first-century Greco-Roman world, transcend their historical specificity by grounding social ethics in the lordship of Christ.
In the broader context of biblical narrative and theological discourse, Colossians Chapter 3 embodies the New Testament's radical redefinition of identity, community, and ethics in light of the gospel. It challenges not only the Colossian believers but all Christians to examine the congruence between their professed faith in Christ and their daily conduct. The chapter's emphasis on heavenly orientation, moral transformation, and communal love serves as a timeless reminder of the gospel's power to create a new humanity, marked by holiness, unity, and love. Thus, Colossians Chapter 3 not only addresses the specific challenges faced by the early church but also speaks to the enduring quest for authenticity and integrity in the Christian life, affirming the indissoluble link between doctrinal truth and ethical living in the pursuit of Christlikeness.
The Scripture: Colossians, Chapter 3
1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
6 For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:
7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.
8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;
10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
18 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.
19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.
20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.
21 Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.
22 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:
23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
25 But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.
A Letter to Jesus: Colossians, Chapter 3
My Precious Jesus,
As I meditate on Colossians chapter 3, I am overwhelmed by the depth of wisdom and insight it offers into living a life that is pleasing to You. In this chapter, Paul provides practical instructions for believers on how to live in light of their new identity in You.
Paul begins by encouraging believers to set their minds on things above, where You are seated at the right hand of God (Colossians 3:1-2). He reminds us that our lives are hidden with You in God, and that we should seek the things that are above, not the things of this earth. It's a powerful reminder to keep our focus on You and Your kingdom, rather than getting caught up in the cares and distractions of this world.
What stands out to me, dear Jesus, is Paul's exhortation to put to death the sinful deeds of the flesh and to put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after Your image (Colossians 3:5-10). He lists specific sins that believers are to put to death, such as sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed. Instead, we are to put on compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, and forgiveness. It's a reminder that as Your followers, we are called to live lives that reflect Your character and love.
Paul also speaks about the importance of letting Your peace rule in our hearts and being thankful (Colossians 3:15-17). He encourages believers to let Your word dwell in them richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in their hearts to You. It's a beautiful picture of what it looks like to live in harmony with one another and to be filled with Your peace and gratitude.
As I reflect on Colossians chapter 3, I am challenged to examine my own life and to strive to live in a way that is pleasing to You, dear Jesus. Am I setting my mind on things above and seeking Your kingdom first in all that I do? Am I putting to death the sinful deeds of the flesh and putting on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after Your image? May Your Spirit continue to work in me, transforming me into Your likeness and enabling me to live a life that brings glory and honor to You.
With all my love and devotion, Your ever loving disciple, Michael.
Summary: Colossians, Chapter 3
Colossians Chapter 3 is a profound continuation of Paul's theological discourse, emphasizing the transformation that should characterize the life of a believer in Jesus Christ. This transformation is grounded in the believer's union with Christ, particularly in His death and resurrection, a theme that Paul uses to propel believers towards a life that reflects their new identity in Christ.
The chapter begins with a call to set one's heart and mind on things above, not on earthly things (Colossians 3:1-2). This exhortation is based on the theological premise that believers have been raised with Christ, and therefore their life should mirror the realities of the heavenly realm where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. This perspective is not merely about future hope but is intended to shape the ethical and moral conduct of believers in the present.
Paul then moves to describe the practical implications of this new life in Christ, advocating for the putting to death of earthly natures, such as sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which he equates with idolatry (Colossians 3:5). This vivid imagery of putting to death the old self is complemented by the call to shed practices such as anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from one's lips (Colossians 3:8). These instructions highlight the stark contrast between the old self, ruled by sinful nature, and the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator (Colossians 3:10).
A significant theological emphasis in this chapter is the unity and equality of all believers in Christ, transcending racial, social, or cultural barriers. Paul states that in Christ, there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and is in all (Colossians 3:11). This declaration underscores the radical inclusivity of the gospel and the transformative power of Christ's death and resurrection, which establishes a new humanity in which the divisions of the old order are overcome.
The latter part of the chapter outlines the Christian virtues that should define the life of believers, such as compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and above all, love, which binds them all together in perfect unity (Colossians 3:12-14). Paul also speaks to the peace of Christ ruling in believers' hearts and the importance of gratitude, the word of Christ dwelling richly among them, and whatever they do, in word or deed, being done in the name of the Lord Jesus (Colossians 3:15-17).
Finally, Paul addresses specific household relationships—wives and husbands, children and fathers, slaves and masters—providing guidance that, while reflective of the cultural context of his time, also hints at the revolutionary nature of Christian ethics, emphasizing mutual respect, love, and fairness (Colossians 3:18-25).
In summary, Colossians Chapter 3 is a powerful exposition on the theological significance of the believer's identification with Christ. It calls for a radical transformation in personal conduct and social relationships, grounded in the realities of the resurrection life. This chapter not only challenges believers to live out their heavenly citizenship here on earth but also provides a vision of a new community transformed by Christ's love, where every barrier is broken down, and Christ Himself is the center of all life and relationships.
Interpretation: Colossians, Chapter 3
Colossians Chapter 3 is an essential portion of the Apostle Paul's letter that offers both practical and theological guidance for living a Christian life, emphasizing the profound transformation that believers undergo through their union with Christ. It transitions from the theological doctrines discussed in the earlier chapters to a more practical application of those truths in the daily lives of the believers.
The chapter begins with a powerful call to the believers in Colossae to focus their lives on the "things above, " meaning the realities of the Kingdom of God and the life to come, rather than the transient concerns of the earthly realm (Colossians 3:1-2). This is grounded in the theological truth that believers have been raised with Christ, a reality that should fundamentally alter their perspective and priorities.
Following this, Paul provides a stark list of vices (Colossians 3:5-9) that believers are to "put to death" or rid themselves of, including sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed. This imagery of putting to death the old self reflects the radical nature of Christian transformation, indicating a break with the past and the practices that define a life apart from God. This is not merely ethical instruction but is deeply theological, tied to the believer's identity with Christ in His death and resurrection.
Conversely, Paul outlines the virtues that should characterize the new self, which is being renewed in the image of its creator (Colossians 3:10-14). These virtues include compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, forgiveness, and above all, love. The call to clothe oneself with these virtues mirrors the language of putting on new garments, symbolizing the new identity of the believer in Christ. This new identity transcends all earthly divisions—whether ethnic, social, or religious—signifying a new humanity united in Christ (Colossians 3:11).
Paul then turns his attention to the Christian household, offering instructions for wives, husbands, children, and slaves (Colossians 3:18-4:1). These guidelines reflect a transformation of social relationships under the lordship of Christ, emphasizing mutual respect, love, and obedience to God's order. While some of these instructions reflect the cultural context of the time, the underlying principle is the lordship of Christ over every aspect of life, including family and social structures.
At its core, Colossians Chapter 3 is a vivid portrayal of the Christian life as a journey of transformation, marked by a shift from earthly to heavenly priorities, from old self to new self in Christ, and from division to unity. It encapsulates the essence of Christian ethical and moral living, not as an end in itself, but as the outworking of the believer's union with Christ and their anticipation of the life to come. This chapter serves as a reminder that the Christian faith is not merely about doctrinal correctness but about a life transformed in every aspect by the power of the Gospel.
A Letter to a Friend: Colossians, Chapter 3
Hey there,
I hope you're doing well! I wanted to share some insights from Colossians chapter 3 with you. It's such a powerful chapter that offers practical guidance for living a life that honors God.
Paul starts by encouraging believers to set their minds on things above, not on earthly things (Colossians 3:2). He reminds us that our focus should be on the eternal rather than the temporary, on the things of God rather than the things of this world. It's a reminder to keep our priorities in line with God's kingdom.
One of the key themes of this chapter is putting off the old self and putting on the new self in Christ (Colossians 3:9-10). Paul lists various sinful behaviors that we are to rid ourselves of, such as anger, malice, slander, and filthy language. Instead, we are to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. It's a call to live in a way that reflects the character of Christ.
What stands out to me is Paul's emphasis on love (Colossians 3:14). He says that above all, we are to put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. Love is the defining characteristic of a follower of Christ, and it should permeate every aspect of our lives.
Paul also speaks about the importance of letting the peace of Christ rule in our hearts (Colossians 3:15). He encourages believers to be thankful and to let the word of Christ dwell in them richly. It's a reminder that gratitude and a deep understanding of God's word are essential for living a life that honors God.
As I reflect on Colossians chapter 3, I'm challenged to examine my own life and see if I'm living in a way that reflects the character of Christ. Am I focusing on the things of God, putting off sinful behaviors, and putting on love and compassion? Am I letting the peace of Christ rule in my heart and being thankful for all that He has done for me?
I hope this chapter speaks to you as much as it has to me. Let's encourage each other to live lives that honor God in all that we do.
Take care, Michael