Colossians 3 Explained – Verse by Verse Commentary

The True Meaning of Colossians 3

The Epistle to the Colossians was written by the Apostle Paul, a former persecutor of the early Christian church who experienced a dramatic conversion and became one of the most influential figures in the spread of Christianity. Paul provides guidance to the believers in Colossae in this chapter, encouraging them to live in a manner that reflects their new life in Christ.

The chapter begins by exhorting the Colossians to set their minds on things above, not on earthly things. This echoes the teachings of Jesus, who urged his followers to store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth (Matthew 6:19-21). Paul then delves into the importance of putting off the old self and putting on the new self, which is being renewed in the image of its Creator (Colossians 3:9-10). This transformation is a central theme in the writings of Paul, who emphasizes the need for believers to die to their old way of life and be raised to new life in Christ (Romans 6:4). Paul outlines specific virtues and behaviors that should characterize the lives of those who have been made new in Christ as the chapter progresses. He encourages the Colossians to clothe themselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, and to let the peace of Christ rule in their hearts (Colossians 3:12-15). These exhortations echo the teachings of Jesus, who called his followers to love one another and to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9, John 13:34-35).

Colossians 3:1-4

The Apostle Paul addresses the believers in Colossae in Colossians 3:1-4, emphasizing the need for their focus and mindset to be set on heavenly things rather than earthly things. Let’s break down this powerful passage.

Verse 1 starts with the instruction to “Set your minds on things above, not on things on the earth.” Paul is exhorting the believers to prioritize spiritual matters and to have a heavenly perspective in all they do. Believers are urged to think about eternal values, the Kingdom of God, and the things that truly matter in the sight of God by setting their minds on things above. This directive echoes Jesus’ own teachings to store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth (Matthew 6:19-21).

Moving on to verse 2, Paul continues by saying, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Here, Paul repeats and reinforces his previous statement, emphasizing the importance of consistently focusing on heavenly realities rather than getting entangled in temporary, worldly concerns. This emphasis on an eternal perspective is crucial for believers to navigate their lives with spiritual wisdom and discernment. Paul provides a profound reason for why believers are to set their minds on heavenly things in verse 3: “For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”” This verse refers to the believers’ identification with Christ in His death and resurrection. When a person becomes a follower of Christ, their old self, the sinful nature, dies, and they are raised to new life with Christ (Romans 6:4). This new life is hidden with Christ, meaning it is secure and protected in God. This understanding is pivotal for believers to grasp their identity in Christ and to live victoriously in Him.

Finally, verse 4 encapsulates the believers’ future hope and ultimate destiny: “When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.” The promise of Christ’s return and the believers’ future glorification with Him is a central theme throughout the New Testament. This verse underscores the believers’ glorious hope of being united with Christ in His fullness and experiencing the eternal splendor of His presence. This anticipation of Christ’s return should serve as a motivation for believers to live holy and godly lives in the present (2 Peter 3:11-12). Colossians 3:1-4 challenges believers to set their minds on heavenly things, reminding them of their identity in Christ, their eternal hope, and the importance of living in light of Christ’s return. This passage calls believers to live with a spiritual perspective, grounded in the truths of the Gospel, and focused on the things that have eternal significance.

Colossians 3:5-11

Verse 5 of Colossians 3 starts with the poignant statement, “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature.” This verse is a call to believers to rid themselves of sinful behaviors and desires that are rooted in their human nature, which is prone to rebellion against God. Paul, the author of Colossians, urges the readers to actively reject and renounce these tendencies rather than simply attempting to suppress them. This highlights the importance of intentional and active participation in the process of sanctification, the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life to conform them to the image of Christ. This theme of putting off the old self and putting on the new self is echoed throughout the New Testament, such as in Ephesians 4:22-24 where believers are encouraged to put off their old selves, be renewed in the spirit of their minds, and put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

Moving on to verse 6, Paul warns against the consequences of indulging in sinful desires, stating that “because of these the wrath of God is coming.” This serves as a stark reminder of the seriousness of sin in the eyes of God. Throughout the Bible, God’s wrath is depicted as a response to disobedience and unrepentant sin. For instance, in Romans 1:18, Paul speaks of the wrath of God being revealed against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. This emphasizes the need for believers to take sin seriously and turn away from it, seeking forgiveness and reconciliation with God.

Verse 7 continues by listing specific examples of sinful behaviors: “You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived.” This verse reminds believers of their past life of sin before coming to faith in Christ. It highlights the transformative power of the gospel that brings about a new way of life marked by holiness and obedience to God. The reference to the old self and the new self reflects themes found throughout the New Testament, such as in Ephesians 4:22-24 and Romans 6:6-7, where believers are called to leave behind their old way of life and embrace the new life in Christ. Believers must rid themselves of not only outward sinful behaviors but also of inward attitudes and emotions, as Paul exhorts in verse 8: “But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.”” This verse emphasizes the importance of internal transformation that accompanies outward behavioral change. It underscores the holistic nature of sanctification, which involves the renewal of the mind and heart in addition to outward actions. The emphasis on controlling one’s speech is a common theme in the New Testament, as seen in passages like Ephesians 4:29 where believers are encouraged to let no corrupting talk come out of their mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

Verse 9 further emphasizes the shift from the old self to the new self: “Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices.” Honesty and integrity are core values in the Christian life, reflecting the truthfulness of God Himself. The reference to putting off the old self and its practices echoes the theme of transformation and renewal in Christ, as believers are called to live in accordance with their new identity in Him. This idea of laying aside falsehood and speaking the truth is reiterated in Ephesians 4:25, where believers are instructed to put away falsehood and speak the truth with each other.

Finally, verse 11 encapsulates the comprehensive nature of salvation in Christ: “Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.” This verse emphasizes the universal scope of the gospel, transcending social, cultural, and racial distinctions. All believers in Christ are united as one body, regardless of their backgrounds or status. This echoes the message of unity in diversity found throughout the New Testament, such as in Galatians 3:28 where Paul declares that in Christ, there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for all are one in Christ Jesus. This inclusivity and unity in Christ serve as a powerful reminder of the transformative and unifying power of the gospel in breaking down barriers and divisions among believers.

Colossians 3:12-17

Colossians 3:12-17 is a beautiful section of the Bible that provides guidance on how Christians should conduct themselves. Let’s break it down into sections for a deeper understanding:

1. Verses 12-14: “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. We are reminded of our identity as God’s chosen people in these verses, who are dearly loved and called to live a life reflecting this love. The qualities mentioned – compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and love – are essential traits that should characterize a Christian’s life. The passage is echoing the teachings of Jesus Christ, who preached forgiveness and love for one another by emphasizing forgiveness and love. This message is crucial for believers as it reminds them to model their behavior after Jesus and treat others with grace and compassion.

2. Verses 15-17: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 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.”

These verses highlight the importance of peace, thankfulness, and unity among believers. The peace of Christ should govern our hearts, leading to gratitude and harmony within the body of Christ. The reference to teaching and admonishing one another with wisdom through songs and hymns underscores the significance of worship and fellowship in the Christian community. The passage emphasizes the need for a Christ-centered life by encouraging believers to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, dedicating even the smallest actions to honoring God. Paul is urging the Colossians (and by extension, all believers) to embody the virtues of Christ, promoting unity, love, peace, and thankfulness in their interactions with one another in these verses. This passage serves as a reminder of the transformative power of Christ’s love and the profound impact it should have on the lives of believers. It reinforces the importance of living a life that reflects the teachings of Jesus and highlights the significance of community, worship, and gratitude in the Christian walk.

Other relevant verses that resonate with the message of Colossians 3:12-17 include Ephesians 4:32, which also speaks about forgiveness, and 1 Corinthians 10:31, which emphasizes doing everything for the glory of God. These verses collectively emphasize the centrality of Christ in the life of a believer and the importance of embodying His love and virtues in all aspects of life.

Colossians 3:18-21

The passage in Colossians 3:18-21 addresses the relationships within a Christian household. Let’s break down this passage into sections to dive deeper into its meaning:

1. “Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.”
   This section lays down the principle of submission within marriage, emphasizing the idea of mutual respect and humility. Submission in Biblical context does not imply inferiority but rather fosters mutual respect and harmony within the marriage. It is essential to understand that this submission is to be within the framework of a loving and sacrificial leadership by the husband, as instructed later in the passage. Ephesians 5:22-33 further elaborates on the roles of husbands and wives, drawing a parallel between the relationship of Christ and the Church to that of a husband and wife.

2. “Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.”
   This section commands husbands to demonstrate selfless love towards their wives and to treat them with kindness and understanding. The call for husbands to love their wives sacrificially echoes the love Christ has for the Church. This type of love is not merely based on feelings but is rooted in a deep commitment to prioritize the well-being and growth of one’s spouse above oneself. This concept is further emphasized in Ephesians 5:25, where husbands are instructed to love their wives just as Christ loved the Church and gave himself up for her.

3. “Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.”
   The passage then addresses the relationship between children and their parents. Here, children are instructed to obey their parents, which reflects the commandment given in Exodus 20:12 to honor one’s parents. Obedience to parents is not only a cultural norm but also a divine command that helps in cultivating respect, discipline, and structure within the family unit.

4. “Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.”
   Lastly, fathers are urged not to provoke their children to anger or exasperate them. Instead, they are encouraged to bring up their children in the training and instruction of the Lord to nurture and guide them in a loving and supportive manner. This reflects the responsibility parents have in shaping the moral and spiritual development of their children. Proverbs 22:6 reaffirms the importance of parental guidance by advocating for a child to be trained up in the way they should go. Colossians 3:18-21 highlights the principles of submission, love, obedience, and proper parenting, providing a blueprint for harmonious relationships within the family. These principles not only contribute to a healthy family dynamic but also reflect the qualities of Christ-like love, respect, and guidance that should be evident in the lives of believers.

Colossians 3:22-25

The apostle Paul addresses slaves in Colossians 3:22-25, instructing them to obey their earthly masters in everything. At first glance, this passage can be difficult to understand in a modern context due to the mention of slavery. However, it’s crucial to note that the slavery of biblical times was not the same as the racially charged, oppressive form of slavery seen in more recent history. Paul provides guidance on how slaves should conduct themselves to ensure Christian integrity within the existing system of slavery in the Roman world.

The instruction for slaves to obey their masters in everything is not an endorsement of the institution of slavery but a reflection of the broader biblical principle of respect for authority. Slaves could demonstrate the transformative power of Christ in their lives by showing respect and diligence in their work, even under challenging circumstances. This message aligns with earlier teachings found in Colossians 3:17, where Paul emphasizes that everything should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, including work.

Furthermore, the motivation behind this obedience is highlighted in verse 23, which states that whatever the task may be, slaves should work with all their heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters. This perspective shifts the focus from earthly masters to serving God, reminding slaves of the eternal reward that comes from faithfully serving Him. This mindset can bring purpose and dignity to even the most menial tasks, serving as a powerful testimony to those witnessing the behavior of these slaves.

Paul concludes this section by emphasizing that there will be a reward from the Lord for everyone, whether they are slaves or free, based on their actions. This reminder underscores the importance of accountability before God and serves as a motivation for believers to live faithfully in all aspects of their lives, including their responsibilities as slaves or in any other role they may occupy. These verses in Colossians 3 call believers to live out their faith in every circumstance, demonstrating Christlikeness in their conduct, even in challenging or unjust situations. They underline the universal principle of honoring God through our actions, regardless of our social status or the nature of our work. This message can be applied in various contexts today, encouraging believers to seek to glorify God in all they do, thereby reflecting the transformative power of Christ in their lives.

After Colossians 3

Beloved, as we reflect on the teachings from Colossians 3, let us remember the call to set our minds on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. We are reminded to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving as the Lord has forgiven us. Let us strive to let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, being thankful and letting the word of Christ dwell in us richly. We should hold fast to these instructions as we prepare to delve into the next chapter, knowing that we are to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him, whether in word or deed. Let the peace of Christ guide our hearts and actions as we continue to walk in unity and love. Amen.