Colossians 1:21

Colossians 1:21 KJV is a powerful declaration of the profound transformation God brings about in believers. It vividly describes humanity's former spiritual state and the glorious act of divine reconciliation through Jesus Christ. This verse highlights the core message of the Gospel: a bridge built by God to restore a broken relationship.

Context

This verse is part of Paul's opening thanksgiving and prayer in his letter to the Colossians. Paul writes to a church facing challenges from false teachings, likely a blend of Jewish legalism, pagan philosophy, and early Gnostic ideas that diminished the person and work of Christ. Before exalting Christ's supremacy and warning against these errors, Paul reminds the Colossian believers of their past condition and present standing in Christ. He emphasizes the radical change from being separated from God to being brought near, setting the stage for his arguments about Christ being the head of all creation and the church.

Key Themes

• Former Alienation and Enmity: The verse explicitly states that believers "were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works." This describes a state of spiritual separation and hostility towards God, not merely a misunderstanding, but an active opposition stemming from sinful thoughts and actions. Humanity, by nature, was estranged from its Creator.
• Divine Reconciliation: The pivotal phrase "yet now hath he reconciled" underscores God's initiative in restoring the broken relationship. Reconciliation is God's act of bringing peace and harmony where there was once enmity. It is not humanity reaching out to God, but God reaching out to humanity through Christ.
• Transformation and New Standing: This verse highlights a radical shift from a state of spiritual death and separation to one of life and intimate communion with God. It speaks to the believer's new identity and standing in Christ, made possible by God's grace.

Linguistic Insights

• The word "alienated" comes from the Greek apallotrioo (ἀπαλλοτριόω), meaning to estrange, to be separated from, or to be an alien. It emphasizes a state of being cut off or isolated from. This deep separation is further intensified by being "enemies," from the Greek echthros (ἐχθρός), which denotes one who is hostile or an adversary. These terms paint a bleak picture of humanity's natural condition before God.
• The term "reconciled" is from the Greek apokatallasso (ἀποκαταλλάσσω), a strong compound verb meaning to reconcile completely, to restore fully to favor, or to change thoroughly from hostility to friendship. The prefix apo- intensifies the action, suggesting a complete and decisive restoration. It highlights the thoroughness of God's work in bridging the chasm created by sin.

Related Scriptures

This verse powerfully echoes other New Testament passages that describe humanity's former state and God's work of reconciliation:

• For a deeper understanding of being alienated from God and His promises, consider Ephesians 2:12, which describes Gentiles as being "without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel."
• The concept of humanity being "enemies" of God due to sin is also clearly articulated in Romans 5:10, which states, "For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son..."
• The comprehensive nature of God's act of reconciliation through Christ is further elaborated in 2 Corinthians 5:18-19, where Paul declares that "God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself."

Practical Application

Colossians 1:21 offers profound implications for believers today:

1. Gratitude for God's Grace: This verse serves as a powerful reminder of our former spiritual predicament and the immense grace required to bring us into a relationship with God. It should inspire deep gratitude for the salvation offered through Christ.
2. Understanding Our Identity in Christ: Believers are no longer "alienated" or "enemies." Our identity is now defined by our reconciliation and peace with God. This truth provides assurance and security.
3. Living in Light of Reconciliation: Recognizing the complete reconciliation God has accomplished should motivate us to live lives that honor Him, reflecting the new spiritual reality we have in Christ. It calls us to live in peace with God and, as much as possible, with others.