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
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 third imperative is "let dwell." The "word of Christ," used only here in the New Testament, is Christ’s teachings, not only during His earthly ministry but also in all of Scripture. His Word should permeate our whole being so that we make all decisions and plans in its light.". . . as the rabbis later pointed out, he who dwells in a house is the master of the house, not just a passing guest . . ." [Note: Dunn, p. 236.] "Thus we are to submit to the demands of the Christian message and let... read more
3:16 wisdom (h-13) It is a question of spiritual understanding whether 'in all wisdom' relates to 'dwell' or to 'teaching.' It may be the former. Paul taught in all wisdom (ch. 1.28), and in them the word was so to dwell. psalms, (i-20) 'In psalms,' &c., may be connected with 'singing' rather than with what precedes. but in Ephesians 5:19 , 'speaking' is connected with 'psalms.' 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
(16) The word of Christ.—Here again the definite phrase, “the word of Christ,” takes the place of the commoner phrase, “the word of the Lord,” “the word of God.” It is to “dwell in their hearts.” Hence it is the engrafted word” (James 1:21)—the truth of Christ conceived in the heart, striking root into it, and making it its dwelling-place. It will be observed how all such phrases prepare for the full conception of Him as Himself “the Word of God.”In all wisdom.—The symmetry of the original, “in... 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
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Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Colossians 3:16
16. The form which "thankfulness" (Colossians 3:15) ought to take. Let the word of Christ—the Gospel word by which ye have been called. richly— (Colossians 2:2; Romans 15:14). in all wisdom—ALFORD joins this clause with "teaching," c., not with "dwell in you," as English Version, for so we find in Romans 15:14- :, "teaching in all wisdom," and the two clauses will thus correspond, "In all wisdom teaching," and "in grace singing in your hears" (so the Greek order). and . . . and—The oldest... read more