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.

The Heavenly Focus of the New Life

1
If then you were raised together with Messiah, seek the things that are above, where Messiah is, seated on the right hand of God. ​
2
Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth.
3
For you died, and your life is hidden with Messiah in God. ​
4
When Messiah, our life, is revealed, then you will also be revealed with him in glory. ​

Putting Off the Earthly Vices

5
Put to death therefore your members which are on the earth: sexual immorality, uncleanness, depraved passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry; ​
6
for which things’ sake the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience.
7
You also once walked in those, when you lived in them;
8
but now you also put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and shameful speaking out of your mouth. ​
9
Don’t lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old man with his doings, ​
10
and have put on the new man, who is being renewed in knowledge after the image of his Creator, ​
11
where there can’t be Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bondservant, freeman; but Messiah is all, and in all. ​

Putting On the New Virtues

12
Put on therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, humility, and perseverance; ​
13
bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Messiah forgave you, so you also do. ​
14
Above all these things, walk in love, which is the bond of perfection. ​
15
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. ​
16
Let the word of Messiah dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your heart to the Lord. ​
17
Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Yeshua, giving thanks to God the Father, through him. ​

Duties in the Christian Household

18
Wives, be in subjection to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. ​
19
Husbands, love your wives, and don’t be bitter against them. ​
20
Children, obey your parents in all things, for this pleases the Lord.
21
Fathers, don’t provoke your children, so that they won’t be discouraged. ​
22
Servants, obey in all things those who are your masters according to the flesh, not just when they are looking, as men pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing God. ​
23
And whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men, ​
24
knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Messiah. ​
25
But he who does wrong will receive again for the wrong that he has done, and there is no partiality. ​

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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