Analysis of Colossians Chapter 3
The Epistle to the Colossians, attributed to the Apostle Paul, is a profound letter addressing the believers in Colossae. In Colossians Chapter 3, Paul shifts his focus from theological discourse to practical exhortations, urging the Colossians to live out their faith in tangible ways. This chapter can be divided into several subsections, each highlighting different aspects of Christian conduct and spirituality.
Verses 1-4: Setting Minds on Things Above
“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”
The opening verses of Chapter 3 establish a foundation for the subsequent instructions. Paul begins by reminding the Colossians of their new identity in Christ. Having been “raised with Christ,” believers are called to a higher standard of living, one that is characterized by divine focus and heavenly aspirations. This transformation is not merely a moral change but a fundamental reorientation of one’s life and priorities.
Paul underscores the need to “set your hearts on things above,” urging believers to cultivate a mindset that prioritizes spiritual realities over material concerns. By doing so, they align themselves with Christ, who is “seated at the right hand of God.” This imagery signifies Christ’s authority and His exalted position, which serves as a model for believers to emulate.
The phrase “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God” alludes to the believers’ spiritual death to sin and their new life in Christ. This hidden life signifies a profound union with Christ, unseen by the world but secure in God. The anticipation of Christ’s return and the promise of appearing with Him in glory provide both motivation and hope for believers to live faithfully in their present circumstances.
Verses 5-11: Putting to Death Earthly Nature
“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.”
Having established the believers’ heavenly focus, Paul now exhorts the Colossians to rid themselves of behaviors that are incompatible with their new identity in Christ. The command to “put to death” suggests a decisive and radical action against sinful tendencies that belong to their earthly nature. This includes a comprehensive list of behaviors such as sexual immorality, impurity, and greed, which Paul equates with idolatry – the worship of something other than God.
These vices provoke the “wrath of God,” a theme Paul often addresses to emphasize the serious consequences of sin. He reminds the Colossians that these behaviors characterized their previous way of life, which they have now renounced. The renewal process requires not only the cessation of overt sins but also the elimination of attitudes like anger, malice, and deceitful speech. This holistic transformation reflects a complete overhaul of one’s character and conduct.
The metaphor of “taking off the old self” and “putting on the new self” illustrates the radical change that occurs in a believer’s life. This new self is continuously “being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator,” emphasizing an ongoing process of spiritual growth and conformity to God’s likeness. In this new reality, social and ethnic distinctions become irrelevant, as all believers are united in Christ, who transcends all human barriers.
Verses 12-17: Clothed with Christian Virtues
“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. 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.”
In contrast to the earlier admonition to reject sinful behaviors, Paul now encourages the Colossians to adopt virtues that reflect their identity as “God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved.” The imagery of clothing oneself with virtues like compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience suggests an intentional and visible display of Christ-like character. These virtues are not inherent but must be actively cultivated and demonstrated in the believer’s life.
The call to “bear with each other and forgive one another” underscores the importance of mutual forbearance and reconciliation within the Christian community. The standard of forgiveness is none other than the forgiveness extended by the Lord, highlighting the depth and breadth of grace that believers are expected to emulate. The supremacy of love is emphasized, as it “binds them all together in perfect unity.” Love is portrayed as the adhesive that holds the community together, fostering harmony and cohesion.
Paul further instructs the believers to let the “peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” This peace, which transcends individual circumstances, is a hallmark of the Christian community and serves as both a guiding principle and a source of stability. The exhortation to be thankful underscores a recurrent theme in Paul’s letters, encouraging believers to maintain an attitude of gratitude regardless of their situations.
Central to the community’s life is the “message of Christ,” which is to dwell richly among them. This involves teaching, admonishing, and encouraging one another through various forms of worship, such as psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. The communal aspect of faith is highlighted, as believers are to build each other up through shared expressions of devotion and gratitude to God. The comprehensive instruction to do everything “in the name of the Lord Jesus” integrates faith into all aspects of life, urging believers to live in a manner that honors and glorifies God.
Verses 18-21: Christian Household Dynamics
“Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.”
Paul’s instructions now turn to the Christian household, providing guidelines for various relationships within the family unit. The exhortation for wives to “submit yourselves to your husbands” is qualified by the phrase “as is fitting in the Lord,” suggesting that this submission is to be understood within the context of mutual respect and Christ-centered relationships. It is crucial to interpret this verse in light of the broader biblical teaching on mutual submission and the inherent dignity of both spouses.
Husbands are commanded to “love your wives and do not be harsh with them,” placing emphasis on the responsibility of husbands to care for and honor their wives. This command balances the call for submission with a directive for loving leadership, echoing the sacrificial love that Christ has for the church.
Children are instructed to “obey your parents in everything,” with the rationale that such obedience pleases the Lord. This directive underscores the importance of respect and obedience within the family structure, which reflects order and harmony in the Christian household.
Fathers (or parents) are cautioned against embittering their children, which could lead to discouragement. This instruction highlights the need for nurturing and supportive parenting that fosters a positive and affirming environment for children to grow in. The balance of discipline and encouragement is essential for the healthy development of children within a Christian context.
Verses 22-25: Instructions for Slaves
“Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.”
The final section addresses the conduct of slaves, urging them to obey their earthly masters with sincerity and reverence for the Lord. This instruction, while situated within the historical context of first-century Roman society, underscores a principle that can be applied more broadly to all forms of labor and service. The call to work “with all your heart, as working for the Lord” redefines the nature of work as an act of worship and service to God, rather than merely a duty to human authorities.
Paul assures the believers that their faithful service will be rewarded by the Lord, who sees and values their commitment. The reference to an “inheritance from the Lord” provides hope and motivation, reminding believers that their true reward is not earthly but divine. This perspective shifts the focus from immediate recognition to eternal significance.
The final verse, “Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism,” affirms the principle of divine justice. It serves as a warning that wrongdoing will not go unnoticed or unpunished by God, emphasizing His impartiality and righteousness.
Conclusion
Colossians Chapter 3 offers a comprehensive and practical guide for Christian living, emphasizing the transformation that occurs through faith in Christ. Paul’s exhortations cover various aspects of personal conduct, communal relationships, family dynamics, and vocational responsibilities. Central to these instructions is the call to align one’s life with the reality of their new identity in Christ, setting their minds on things above and embodying virtues that reflect God’s character.
The chapter presents a vision of a transformed community, where believers are united in Christ, living out their faith in visible and tangible ways. The emphasis on love, peace, forgiveness, and mutual encouragement underscores the distinctiveness of the Christian life, marked by grace and humility. By integrating faith into all areas of life, Paul encourages the Colossians to live in a manner that honors God and reflects the transformative power of the gospel.