B. The proper method 3:5-17"Colossians 3:1-4 has provided the perspective from which the daily life of the Colossian Christians should be lived out. Now follows more specific advice that should help them the better to carry out the thematic exhortation to ’walk in him’ (Colossians 2:6)." [Note: Dunn, p. 211.] read more
Paul reminded the Colossians of who they were because an appreciation of who one is affects how he or she behaves. In doing prison evangelism, I have learned that many prisoners grew up hearing from their parent or parents that they would never amount to anything and would probably end up in prison. Thinking of themselves as "losers", they became what they thought they were. God has specially selected believers, has set them apart for great things, and has made them the objects of His love. In... read more
2. Things to put on 3:12-17Paul urged his readers not only to divest themselves of behavior that is inappropriate to their union with Christ but also to clothe themselves with attitudes and actions that are appropriate. He did so to complete their understanding of their responsibilities as Christians."The emphasis in this section is on motives. Why should we put off the old deeds and put on the qualities of the new life? Paul explained four motives that ought to encourage us to walk in newness... read more
The Christian’s Risen Life and the Duties it entails1-4. Resurrection with Christ and the heavenly life.Paraphrase] ’(1) Seeing then that at your conversion you shared not Christ’s death only, but His resurrection, go on to participate in His heavenly life, in that heaven where He is, and where He sits at God’s right hand. (2) Let your whole thought be set on heavenly, not on earthly things. (3) For you died with Christ, and your life in union with Him is a hidden life in God. (4) It is not... read more
[5.Practical Exhortation, General.(1) NEGATIVE.—To MORTIFY THE OLD MAN, by fleeing from—(a)Uncleanness and lust (Colossians 3:5-7);(b)Wrath and malice (Colossians 3:8); (c)Falsehood (Colossians 3:9).(2) POSITIVE.—To PUT ON THE NEW MAN, making Christ our “all in all.”(a)In love and peace, as shown in mercy, humility, patience, and forgiveness (Colossians 3:10-15);(b)In thanksgiving (Colossians 3:16);(c)In living to the glory of God (Colossians 3:17);(The whole of this section stands in close... read more
(10-17) In these verses we have the corresponding positive exhortation, connected with the idea of resurrection with Christ, through which we put on the new man, holding Christ to be our all in all. Of the new nature there are two marks—towards man love in all its various forms, towards God thanksgiving and living to His glory. read more
(14) Above all.—Properly, over all—as a bond or cincture to keep all together. Love is the general principle, harmonising all the special graces named above.The bond of perfectness.—The bond of that harmony of character which is perfection. The phrase is remarkable, apparently suggested by the claim to perfection, set up by the Gnostic teachers. They sought such perfection in knowledge peculiar to the few; St. Paul in the love which is possible to all. For as he elsewhere urges (1 Corinthians... read more
On the Heights Colossians 3:1 What are the things that are above? Does the Apostle mean the things that belong to the future life? Well, they do belong to the future life, and it is well for us to think of that life, and to think that we shall live in it, and that these things are the things that are current coin there. But he means the present life, for he exhorts us to seek these things, and to have them now, the things that abide, of which death cannot rob us, the things which belong to... read more
Chapter 3 THE GARMENTS OF THE RENEWED SOUL Colossians 3:12-14 (R.V.)We need not repeat what has been already said as to the logic of the inference, You have put off the "old man," therefore put off the vices which belong to him. Here we have the same argument in reference to the "new man" who is to be "put on" because he has been put on. This "therefore" rests the exhortation both on that thought, and on the nearer words, "Christ is all and in all." Because the new nature has been assumed in... read more
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Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Colossians 3:14
14. above—rather "over," as in Ephesians 6:16. Charity, which is the crowning grace, covering the multitude of others' sins (Ephesians 6:16- :), must overlie all the other graces enumerated. which is—that is, "for it is"; literally, "which thing is." bond of perfectness—an upper garment which completes and keeps together the rest, which, without it, would be loose and disconnected. Seeming graces, where love is wanting, are mere hypocrisy. Justification by faith is assumed as already having... read more