Put On the New Self
Paul calls on the Colossians to adopt a...
Paul calls on the Colossians to adopt a new mindset that leads to a different way of living.
1Therefore, since you have been raised with Christ, strive for the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
you died: See 2:20. What is now hidden...
you died: See 2:20.
What is now hidden will be revealed one day (compare 1:26). We cannot see Christ sitting at the right hand of God or that we have new life with Christ. But by faith in the good news, we know these things are true. When Christ returns in glory, everyone will see his supremacy. Then our relationship to him will become direct experience.
you died: See 2:20.
What is now hidden will be revealed one day (compare 1:26). We cannot see Christ sitting at the right hand of God or that we have new life with Christ. But by faith in the good news, we know these things are true. When Christ returns in glory, everyone will see his supremacy. Then our relationship to him will become direct experience.
3For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4When Christ, who is your† life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.
5Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry. 6Because of these, the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience.† 7When you lived among them, you also used to walk in these ways. 8But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.
the old self … the new self: Paul...
the old self … the new self: Paul contrasts old and new identities (see also Romans 5:12–21; 6:6; Ephesians 4:22–24). Believers stop living the way they used to and start living a new life in Christ, letting him be Lord and guide the way they live.
9Do not lie to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices, 10and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 11Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, or free, but Christ is all and is in all.
Paul explains the new life of those who...
Paul explains the new life of those who have been raised with Christ (3:1). Their good qualities and actions contribute to the peace and strength of the Christian community.
12Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity. 15Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for to this you were called as members of one body. And be thankful.
16Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17And whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
Christian Households
This series of teachings is called a household...
This series of teachings is called a household code. Paul instructs wives (3:18), husbands (3:19), children (3:20), fathers (3:21), slaves (3:22–25), and masters (4:1). Similar codes are found in Greco-Roman writings and other parts of the New Testament (see Ephesians 5:22–6:9; 1 Peter 2:18–3:7).
18Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
19Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.
20Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord.
21Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they will not become discouraged.
Serving with Honor
(Ephesians 6:5–9; 1 Timothy 6:1–2)
Slaves have masters on earth they must obey....
Slaves have masters on earth they must obey. Slavery was central to life and the economy in the ancient world. The New Testament does not directly oppose slavery. Yet, Christian faith creates relationships that change the nature of the social structure (see Philemon 1:15–16).
It is the Lord Christ you are serving: All Christians, whether slave or free, serve a higher Master. His will is most important.
Slaves have masters on earth they must obey. Slavery was central to life and the economy in the ancient world. The New Testament does not directly oppose slavery. Yet, Christian faith creates relationships that change the nature of the social structure (see Philemon 1:15–16).
It is the Lord Christ you are serving: All Christians, whether slave or free, serve a higher Master. His will is most important.
22Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord.
23Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, as for the Lord and not for men, 24because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 25Whoever does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.