Colossians 3
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1If then you were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God. 2Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth. 3For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4When Christ, our life, is revealed, then you will also be revealed with him in glory. 5Put to death therefore your members which are on the earth: sexual immorality, uncleanness, depraved passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry; 6for which things’ sake the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience. 7You also once walked in those, when you lived in them; 8but now you also put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and shameful speaking out of your mouth. 9Don’t lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old man with his doings, 10and have put on the new man, who is being renewed in knowledge after the image of his Creator, 11where there can’t be Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bondservant, freeman; but Christ is all, and in all. 12Put on therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, humility, and perseverance; 13bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do. 14Above all these things, walk in love, which is the bond of perfection. 15And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16Let the word of Christ 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. 17Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father, through him. 18Wives, be in subjection to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19Husbands, love your wives, and don’t be bitter against them. 20Children, obey your parents in all things, for this pleases the Lord. 21Fathers, don’t provoke your children, so that they won’t be discouraged. 22Servants, 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. 23And whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men, 24knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. 25But he who does wrong will receive again for the wrong that he has done, and there is no partiality.
World English Bible (public domain)
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”
Colossians 3:2
Summary
Colossians chapter 3 calls believers to set their minds on things above, emphasizing the transformation that comes from being united with Christ. Paul encourages the Colossians to put to death their earthly nature and embrace the new self, characterized by compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. The chapter details how Christians should live in harmony, allowing the peace of Christ to rule in their hearts and letting the word of Christ dwell richly among them. Paul also addresses specific relationships within the Christian community, including instructions for wives, husbands, children, fathers, and servants, promoting love and unity in all responsibilities.
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Chapter outline
How Colossians 3 unfolds
Colossians 3:1–4 Seek the Things Above
Paul urges believers to focus on heavenly matters, reminding them that their true life is hidden with Christ, who will be revealed in glory.
Colossians 3:5–11 Put Off the Old Self
The chapter shifts to a call for moral transformation, instructing the Colossians to reject earthly behaviors and embrace their new identity in Christ.
Colossians 3:12–14 Embrace the New Self
Believers are encouraged to embody virtues like compassion and love, which serve as the foundation for community harmony and perfection.
Colossians 3:15–17 Let Peace Rule in Hearts
Paul emphasizes the importance of Christ's peace and gratitude in community life, urging believers to let the word of Christ dwell richly among them.
Colossians 3:18–25 Instructions for Household Relationships
The chapter concludes with specific guidance for familial and social roles, promoting love, respect, and fairness among all members of the community.
Key verses
Colossians 3:2The key verse highlights the central call to prioritize heavenly values over earthly distractions, framing the chapter's overall message.
Main themes in Colossians 3
Christ-like living
The theme of Christ-like living surfaces in verses 12 to 14, where Paul instructs believers to embody virtues such as compassion and humility. This chapter develops the idea by contrasting the old self's behaviors with the new life in Christ. Within the larger movement, it emphasizes that living like Christ fosters unity and perfection in the community.
Spiritual renewal
Spiritual renewal is evident in verses 9 and 10, where Paul speaks of putting off the old self and putting on the new self. The chapter complicates this theme by linking renewal to knowledge and relationship with Christ, highlighting the transformative power of the gospel. This renewal is crucial for the believer's identity and behavior in the community.
Community harmony
Community harmony is emphasized in verses 13 to 15, which call for forgiveness and love among believers. The chapter develops this theme by outlining how individual behaviors contribute to the collective peace and unity within the body of Christ. It illustrates that harmony is essential for reflecting the character of Christ in relationships.
Holiness in relationships
Holiness in relationships is a focus in verses 18 to 25, where Paul gives specific instructions for different family roles. This chapter complicates the theme by showing that holiness involves mutual respect, love, and proper conduct in everyday interactions. It underscores that relationships should reflect the holiness and love of Christ.
Cross-references
Passages that echo Colossians 3
- Ephesians 4Ephesians 4 echoes the themes of unity and spiritual renewal, emphasizing the new self in Christ.
- Ephesians 5Ephesians 5 connects by further detailing how believers should embody love and live in harmony within their relationships.
- Ephesians 6Ephesians 6 develops the theme of household relationships, providing guidance similar to that found in Colossians 3.
- Romans 12Romans 12 echoes the call for transformation and renewal of the mind, paralleling Colossians 3's focus on new identity.
- Matthew 6Matthew 6 connects through its emphasis on seeking heavenly things and the importance of a heart aligned with God.
- Galatians 5Galatians 5 develops the idea of living by the Spirit, similar to the new life described in Colossians 3.
Study questions
Questions for studying Colossians 3
- What does it mean to seek the things that are above?
- How does Paul describe the transformation of believers in this chapter?
- What virtues are highlighted as essential for the new self?
- How are specific household roles addressed in this chapter?
- What is the significance of letting the word of Christ dwell richly?
- How does the call to love serve as a bond of perfection?
Colossians 3: frequently asked questions
What is Colossians 3 about?+
What is the key verse in Colossians 3?+
What are the main themes of Colossians 3?+
Studied in
Where Colossians 3 comes up on ScriptureDepth
- ArticleWhat the Bible Says About Compassion: Key Passages Explained
- ArticleWhat the Bible Says About Family: Key Passages Explained
- ArticleWhat the Bible Says About Forgiveness: Key Passages with Context
- ArticleWhat the Bible Says About Gratitude: Key Passages Explained
- ArticleWhat the Bible Says About Idolatry: Key Passages Explained
- ArticleWhat the Bible Says About Marriage: Key Passages Explained
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