Colossians3

As those risen with Christ, believers are exhorted to seek heavenly things and set their affections above, recognizing their old life is dead and their new life is hidden with Christ. This new identity demands putting off earthly vices such as fornication, anger, and lying, and instead putting on virtues like mercies, kindness, and charity. Furthermore, all actions, including household duties, are to be performed heartily as unto the Lord, giving thanks to God.

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The Heavenly Focus of the New Life

¶ If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

Putting Off the Earthly Vices

¶ Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:

In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.

¶ But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.

Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.

Putting On the New Virtues

¶ Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

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.

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.

Duties in the Christian Household

¶ Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.

Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.

Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.

Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.

Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

Study Notes for Colossians 3

Verse 1

This verse transitions from the theological argument of Chapter 2 (freedom from legalism) to the ethical application of that freedom. Since believers were raised with Christ (cf. 2:12), their focus and priorities must shift from earthly concerns to heavenly realities.

Verse 3

The statement 'ye are dead' refers to the believer's spiritual death to the old life of sin and the Law (cf. Rom. 6). The believer's true life is secured and sustained in union with Christ, hidden from the world until its full revelation.

Verse 4

This refers to the Parousia (Christ's Second Coming). The future manifestation of Christ’s glory guarantees that believers will also share in that glory, providing the eschatological hope that motivates present ethical behavior.

Verse 5

To 'mortify' (Greek: *nekrōsate*) means literally 'to put to death' or 'to treat as dead.' Paul lists sins related primarily to sexual immorality, impurity, and uncontrolled desires, characterizing the corrupt 'earthly nature.' Covetousness is equated with idolatry because it replaces devotion to God with devotion to material gain.

Verse 8

This second list focuses on interpersonal sins, particularly those involving speech and temperament (anger, malice, slander). These actions destroy the peace and unity of the Christian community.

Verse 9

'The old man' refers to the unregenerate self dominated by sin. Lying is specifically forbidden as incompatible with the truth revealed in Christ, who is the Truth.

Verse 10

The 'new man' is the regenerated self, characterized by continuous renewal based on true knowledge of God. This renewal restores the believer toward the original image of God in which humanity was created (Genesis 1:26).

Verse 11

This radical statement abolishes the social, ethnic, and religious distinctions (Jew/Gentile, cultured/uncivilized, slave/free) that often divided humanity. It asserts Christ’s universal lordship and unifying presence as the sole marker of identity within the church.

Verse 12

Paul returns to the metaphor of 'putting on' clothing. The virtues listed are the necessary positive behaviors required of those who are chosen ('elect') and deeply loved by God. 'Bowels of mercies' refers to deep, heartfelt compassion.

Verse 13

Forgiveness is foundational to communal harmony and is explicitly modeled after the perfect, undeserved forgiveness received from Christ himself. This is a practical application of the gospel.

Verse 14

Love (*agapē*) is the essential virtue that binds all the others together, providing cohesion and completeness. It is the defining characteristic of Christian life and fellowship.

Verse 15

The 'peace of God' (the objective state of reconciliation) must actively 'rule' or arbitrate (*brabeuetō*, act as an umpire) conflicts within the heart and the church body, guiding decisions and relationships.

Verse 16

The 'word of Christ' likely refers to the gospel message and the body of Christian instruction. Dwelling 'richly' implies deep saturation and active use of scripture in corporate worship and mutual instruction through song.

Verse 17

This verse provides a comprehensive summary principle for Christian ethics: all actions, major or minor, are to be done as an act of service and gratitude directed toward the Lord Jesus, making life a continuous act of worship.

Verse 18

Paul applies the general principles (v. 12-17) to specific domestic and social structures (known as the *Haustafeln* or household codes). The submission of wives is qualified by 'as it is fit in the Lord,' emphasizing that both roles are governed by Christ’s authority.

Verse 19

The command to husbands balances the command to wives, requiring active, sacrificial love (*agapē*) and prohibiting bitterness or harshness, thereby preventing the abuse of patriarchal authority.

Verse 21

Fathers (representing parental authority) are warned against excessive harshness or impossible standards that lead to discouragement, emphasizing the need for nurturing discipline and patience.

Verse 22

These instructions to servants (often household slaves) elevate their labor by demanding sincerity and focusing their ultimate allegiance on God, regardless of the quality of their earthly masters.

Verse 23

This principle transforms mundane work into sacred service. Doing work 'heartily, as to the Lord' imbues all labor with divine purpose and dignity.

Verse 24

The promise of 'the reward of the inheritance' assures believers that their ultimate compensation comes from Christ, providing motivation beyond human employment or social systems.

Verse 25

This concluding warning ensures divine justice governs all social relationships, including the master/servant dynamic. Wrongdoing by anyone, regardless of their social status, will be judged impartially by God ('no respect of persons').

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Colossians3

The Heavenly Focus of the New Life

Putting Off the Earthly Vices

Putting On the New Virtues

Duties in the Christian Household

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