Colossians 3 - Printer Friendly

Paul frequently establishes spiritual concepts as ideas first, then moves into applying them. His letter to the Colossians does the same. Chapters 1 and 2 set the stage by showing how the teachings of Christ are superior to all other claims. With that established, Chapter 3 transitions to practical matters within the church.

First, Paul addresses topics related to Christian conduct (Colossians 3:1–17). This begins with a focus on the new life believers have in Jesus (Colossians 3:1–4). This focus involves Christians giving attention to godly, spiritual ideas, rather than sinful, earthly ones. Paul uses strong terminology when describing how believers are to remove certain sins from their lives: they are to "put to death," spiritually speaking, all earthly, sinful desires (Colossians 3:5–11). Paul gives specific examples of sins Christians are meant to avoid, including sexual immorality and slander.

Instead of wallowing in sin, Christians are to put on the "new self" (Colossians 3:12–17), doing all things for the glory of God (Colossians 3:17). Paul commends positive behaviors which Christians are to imitate. Among these are patience and humility, but the most important is love. Christian love is what allows imperfect, diverse people to be bound together as one spiritual body. This perspective will be renewed later in the chapter, as well, when Paul reminds his readers that God is an impartial judge of all men, slave or free.

In the latter part of this passage, Paul addresses Christian households, including "bondservants," or slaves (Colossians 3:18—4:1). This begins with a brief word to wives (Colossians 3:18), followed by husbands (Colossians 3:19). Children and fathers are then addressed (Colossians 3:20–21). Included in this discussion of Christian households are guidelines for bondservants (Colossians 3:22—4:1). They were to be obedient to their masters (Colossians 3:22), working as for the Lord (Colossians 3:23).

Chapter 4, verse 1 is actually the end of this discussion. There, Paul specifically warns masters to heed his instructions in chapter 3. God is the Master in Heaven over all mankind, and He expects those who serve as masters to be fair.

Colossians 3:1–11 encourages Christian believers to focus their attention on godly, spiritual things. Those who are spiritually free, thanks to their faith in Christ, should not live in the sins which used to be their habit. Paul specifically refers to certain sins such as sexual immorality, jealousy, slander, lying, and revenge. These are not simply to be avoided: Paul tells believers to ''put to death'' such behaviors in their own lives. All believers are united in Christ, so all believers should act as people committed to their Savior. The next passage will contrast these sins with the positive behaviors Christians are meant to undertake.

Colossians 3:12–17 follows Paul's advice on sins to avoid by listing positive traits Christians should strive to emulate. Among these are compassion, humility, patience, and forgiveness. More important than any other is love, which not only inspires the other traits, but which binds Christians together as a single family, under Christ. Paul then opens the idea of following Christ to include every aspect of our lives: whatever we think or do, as believers, ought to be compatible with the example of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Colossians 3:18—4:1 gives specific instructions from Paul for those living in Christian homes. This passage includes directions for husbands, wives, children, and servants. Paul makes a point of reminding believers not to merely ''get by'' with the bare minimum of what we are obligated to do. Rather, we should serve knowing that Christ is our ultimate judge. Paul also places ''masters'' under the same obligation to kindness and fairness as slaves and servants: both are equal in the eyes of Christ.

In this chapter, Paul gives clear instructions to Christians about living out faith in Christ. Since believers have been saved by Christ, they should not participate in the sins which trap unbelievers. Sexual immorality, jealousy, slander, and revenge are not to be part of the Christian's life. Instead, believers ought to demonstrate compassion, humility, patience, and forgiveness. Above all, followers of Christ should show love. Paul also gives specific instructions for those living in Christian homes, including husbands, wives, children, and servants.

Prior chapters in Colossians emphasized the supremacy of Jesus, and the inferiority of worldly teachings. Paul's explanation of Christ as the ultimate authority, and the only source of truth, is key to understanding the difference between godly wisdom and worldly deceptions. In this chapter, Paul will apply those earlier ideas using practical instructions. This application runs through the beginning of chapter 4, which will end with various news about fellow Christian ministers.

The book of Colossians describes Christ as superior to all other teachers, faiths, and philosophies. In this letter, written from prison, Paul once again tackles false teachings. Among these errors are claims that Christians need to give up all physical enjoyments, that they should worship angels, and that they need to rely on the wisdom of an elite few. These problems are consistent with an ancient heresy known as Gnosticism. In response, Paul explains that Christ is supreme, and sufficient for our salvation.