# Overview Colossians Chapter 3 begins with a call to believers to set their hearts and minds on things above, where #Christ is seated at the right hand of #God. This chapter highlights the transformation that comes from being united with Christ in His death and resurrection. Believers are encouraged to put to death earthly, sinful practices such as immorality, impurity, and greed, which are tied to the old self. Instead, they are to put on the new self, which is being renewed in the image of its Creator. This transformation breaks down barriers of ethnicity, social status, and religion, as all are one in Christ. The chapter emphasizes virtues such as compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, urging believers to forgive one another and to be bound together in love, the perfect bond of unity. The chapter continues with practical instructions for living out this new life in Christ. The peace of Christ is to rule in believers' hearts, with thankfulness being a hallmark of their lives. The word of Christ is to dwell richly among them, teaching and admonishing one another with wisdom through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. In whatever they do, whether in word or deed, they are to do it all in the name of the #Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. The chapter concludes with specific exhortations for family relationships and work life, urging wives, husbands, children, fathers, and slaves to conduct themselves in a manner fitting for those who belong to the #Lord. This underscores the holistic transformation that the gospel brings to every aspect of life. ## Theological Insights In Colossians Chapter 3, the Apostle #Paul provides a profound theological exposition on the transformation that occurs in a believer's life through union with #Christ. The chapter begins with an exhortation to "seek the things that are above" where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God (Colossians 3:1). This call emphasizes the believer's new identity in [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]] and the shift from earthly focus to heavenly focus, rooted in the resurrection power of Christ. Paul's instruction to "set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth" (Colossians 3:2) reflects the transformation of the believer's priorities and affections, akin to the teaching of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, where He calls His followers to "seek first the kingdom of God" ([[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 6|Matthew 6:33]]). The theological concept of being "hidden with Christ in God" (Colossians 3:3) speaks to the security and assurance of the believer's salvation. This hiddenness indicates a spiritual reality that transcends the present world, linking back to the idea of being "in Christ," a major theme in Paul's epistles, such as in [[Ephesians/Ephesians Chapter 2|Ephesians 2:6]], where believers are seated with Christ in the heavenly places. Paul contrasts the old self with the new self, underscoring the complete renewal that accompanies salvation (Colossians 3:9-10). This renewal is not merely an improvement of the old nature but a complete transformation into the image of the Creator, reminiscent of the original creation in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 1|Genesis 1:27]], emphasizing the restoration of humanity through #Christ. The chapter stresses the centrality of Christ as "all and in all" (Colossians 3:11), eliminating divisions such as Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, which echoes [[Galatians/Galatians Chapter 3|Galatians 3:28]]. This unity in Christ is a theological affirmation of the inclusive nature of the gospel, breaking down barriers and creating a new, unified community in [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]]. Paul further outlines the virtues that should characterize the life of believers: compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience (Colossians 3:12). Above all, the call to "put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony" (Colossians 3:14) reflects the greatest commandment to love God and neighbor ([[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 22|Matthew 22:37-39]]). Finally, the passage concludes with practical exhortations for Christian households, emphasizing mutual submission and the inherent dignity of each role within the family and society, under the lordship of Christ (Colossians 3:18-25). This section highlights the sanctification of everyday life and work, as all actions are to be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him (Colossians 3:17). This aligns with the broader biblical teaching on worship and service, found in passages like [[Romans/Romans Chapter 12|Romans 12:1]]. Overall, Colossians Chapter 3 presents a robust theological framework for understanding the believer's identity and conduct in light of Christ's supremacy and the transformative power of the gospel. ## Thematic Connections ### New Life in Christ In #Colossians Chapter 3, the theme of new life in #Christ is paramount. Believers are urged to set their minds on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God (Colossians 3:1-2). This echoes the transformation described in [[2 Corinthians/2 Corinthians Chapter 5|2 Corinthians 5:17]], where anyone in Christ is a new creation. The focus on heavenly things ties into the call for believers to live a life that reflects their new identity in Christ, which is consistent with the exhortation found in [[Philippians/Philippians Chapter 3|Philippians 3:20]] about citizenship in heaven. ### Putting Off the Old Self The chapter emphasizes the need to put to death what is earthly (Colossians 3:5) and to put off the old self with its practices (Colossians 3:9). This theme resonates with the teachings of [[Ephesians/Ephesians Chapter 4|Ephesians 4:22-24]] about putting off the old self and putting on the new self. The imagery of changing garments to symbolize spiritual renewal is a recurring biblical motif found also in [[Romans/Romans Chapter 13|Romans 13:12-14]], where believers are encouraged to cast off works of darkness and put on the armor of light. ### Unity in the Body of Christ Colossians 3:11 declares that in Christ there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, nor free, but Christ is all, and in all. This theme of unity within the body of Christ is echoed in [[Galatians/Galatians Chapter 3|Galatians 3:28]], affirming that all are one in Christ Jesus. The emphasis on unity highlights the breaking down of social and cultural barriers, akin to the reconciliation described in [[Ephesians/Ephesians Chapter 2|Ephesians 2:14-16]]. ### Love and Forgiveness Believers are exhorted to put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony (Colossians 3:14), and to forgive as the Lord has forgiven them (Colossians 3:13). These themes are mirrored in [[1 Corinthians/1 Corinthians Chapter 13|1 Corinthians 13]], which describes love as the greatest virtue, and in [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 6|Matthew 6:14-15]], where Jesus teaches about the necessity of forgiveness. The call to love and forgive is a foundational aspect of the Christian life, reflecting the character of Christ. ### Peace and Thankfulness The peace of Christ is to rule in believers' hearts, and they are to be thankful (Colossians 3:15). This theme of peace is aligned with Jesus' assurance in [[John/John Chapter 14|John 14:27]] that He gives His peace to His disciples. The call to thankfulness is echoed throughout Scripture, including in [[1 Thessalonians/1 Thessalonians Chapter 5|1 Thessalonians 5:18]], where giving thanks in all circumstances is God’s will for believers. ### The Word of Christ The exhortation to let the word of Christ dwell richly among believers (Colossians 3:16) underscores the importance of Scripture in the life of the church. This is connected to the call in [[Psalm/Psalm 119|Psalm 119]] for the word of God to be a lamp and a light, guiding believers in their walk with Him. The indwelling word is vital for teaching, admonishing, and worship, reflecting the transformative power of Scripture. ## Prophetic Fulfillments ### The New Self in the Image of Christ Colossians 3 emphasizes the transformation of believers into the "new self," which is made in the image of its Creator. This transformation aligns with the prophetic promise found in [[Ezekiel/Ezekiel Chapter 36|Ezekiel 36:26-27]], where God promises to give a new heart and spirit to His people. The apostle Paul, in Colossians 3:10, speaks of putting on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its Creator. This reflects the fulfillment of God's promise to renew and transform His people by His Spirit, pointing towards the ultimate restoration and redemption brought through #Christ. ### The Unity of Believers In Colossians 3:11, Paul writes about the unity of believers in #Christ, where there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, and free. This unity fulfills the prophetic vision seen in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 49|Isaiah 49:6]], where God declares that His salvation will reach to the ends of the earth, and in [[Joel/Joel Chapter 2|Joel 2:28-29]], where God promises to pour out His Spirit on all people. Through Christ, the barriers between different groups are broken down, and the inclusive promise of salvation for all nations is realized. ### The Peace of Christ The call for the peace of #Christ to rule in the hearts of believers in Colossians 3:15 resonates with the prophetic vision of peace found in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 9|Isaiah 9:6-7]], where the coming Messiah is described as the "Prince of Peace." This peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a profound sense of wholeness and reconciliation with God and others. Through Christ, this prophetic peace is inaugurated, and believers are invited to live in this divine peace, reflecting the kingdom of God in their lives. ### The Indwelling Word of Christ Colossians 3:16 encourages believers to let the word of #Christ dwell richly among them. This fulfills the prophetic anticipation of the new covenant described in [[Jeremiah/Jeremiah Chapter 31|Jeremiah 31:33]], where God promises to write His law on the hearts of His people. Through the indwelling word, believers experience the intimate relationship with God prophesied in the Old Testament, where His teachings and presence guide their lives deeply and personally. ### The Kingdom Life in Christ The exhortations in Colossians 3 to live a life worthy of the Lord, characterized by compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, echo the Messianic expectations of a righteous and holy life as prophesied in passages like [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 11|Isaiah 11:2-5]]. The life in Christ that Paul describes is the fulfillment of the prophetic vision of God's people walking in His ways, reflecting His character, and manifesting His kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. ## Verses - **Colossians 3:1** - "Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand." - See [[Ephesians/Ephesians Chapter 2#Ephesians 2:6]] for more on being raised with Christ. - **Colossians 3:2** - "Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth." - Also referenced in [[Philippians/Philippians Chapter 3#Philippians 3:20]]. - **Colossians 3:3** - "For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God." - Refer to [[Galatians/Galatians Chapter 2#Galatians 2:20]] for similar concepts. - **Colossians 3:4** - "And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory." - See also [[1 John/1 John Chapter 3#1 John 3:2]]. - **Colossians 3:5** - "So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world." - Refer to [[Ephesians/Ephesians Chapter 5#Ephesians 5:3]]. - **Colossians 3:6** - "Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming." - Also referenced in [[Ephesians/Ephesians Chapter 5#Ephesians 5:6]]. - **Colossians 3:7** - "You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world." - **Colossians 3:8** - "But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language." - See also [[Ephesians/Ephesians Chapter 4#Ephesians 4:31]]. - **Colossians 3:9** - "Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds." - Refer to [[Ephesians/Ephesians Chapter 4#Ephesians 4:22]]. - **Colossians 3:10** - "Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him." - See also [[Ephesians/Ephesians Chapter 4#Ephesians 4:24]]. - **Colossians 3:11** - "In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us." - Also referenced in [[Galatians/Galatians Chapter 3#Galatians 3:28]]. - **Colossians 3:12** - "Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." - See also [[Ephesians/Ephesians Chapter 4#Ephesians 4:2]]. - **Colossians 3:13** - "Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others." - Refer to [[Ephesians/Ephesians Chapter 4#Ephesians 4:32]]. - **Colossians 3:14** - "Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony." - Also referenced in [[1 Corinthians/1 Corinthians Chapter 13#1 Corinthians 13:13]]. - **Colossians 3:15** - "And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful." - See also [[Philippians/Philippians Chapter 4#Philippians 4:7]]. - **Colossians 3:16** - "Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts." - Refer to [[Ephesians/Ephesians Chapter 5#Ephesians 5:19]]. - **Colossians 3:17** - "And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father." - Also referenced in [[1 Corinthians/1 Corinthians Chapter 10#1 Corinthians 10:31]]. - **Colossians 3:18** - "Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting for those who belong to the Lord." - See also [[Ephesians/Ephesians Chapter 5#Ephesians 5:22]]. - **Colossians 3:19** - "Husbands, love your wives and never treat them harshly." - Refer to [[Ephesians/Ephesians Chapter 5#Ephesians 5:25]]. - **Colossians 3:20** - "Children, always obey your parents, for this pleases the Lord." - Refer to [[Ephesians/Ephesians Chapter 6#Ephesians 6:1]]. - **Colossians 3:21** - "Fathers, do not aggravate your children, or they will become discouraged." - Also referenced in [[Ephesians/Ephesians Chapter 6#Ephesians 6:4]]. - **Colossians 3:22** - "Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything you do. Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. Serve them sincerely because of your reverent fear of the Lord." - See also [[Ephesians/Ephesians Chapter 6#Ephesians 6:5]]. - **Colossians 3:23** - "Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people." - Refer to [[Ephesians/Ephesians Chapter 6#Ephesians 6:7]]. - **Colossians 3:24** - "Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ." - Also referenced in [[Ephesians/Ephesians Chapter 6#Ephesians 6:8]]. - **Colossians 3:25** - "But if you do what is wrong, you will be paid back for the wrong you have done. For God has no favorites." - See also [[Romans/Romans Chapter 2#Romans 2:11]].