Colossians 3:6 - Printer Friendly

ESV: On account of these the wrath of God is coming.

NIV: Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.

NASB: For it is because of these things that the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience,

CSB: Because of these, God’s wrath is coming upon the disobedient,

NLT: Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming.

KJV: For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:

NKJV: Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience,

In verse 5, Paul listed five sins which Christians are to avoid. In fact, believers are instructed to "put to death" these kinds of evils in their own lives. Here, Paul warns that the sins he has just listed are inviting the wrath of God. Some manuscripts also specify that this wrath is aimed at "the sons of disobedience." According to the Bible, God's wrath is the result of human sin. Jesus taught, "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him" (John 3:36).

In Romans, Paul specifically mentions the "wrath of God" on several occasions (Romans 1:18; 5:9; 12:19), noting that it will come against the ungodly. Those who put trusting faith in Christ, however, will escape this wrath. It is crucial to note that Christians are explicitly told not to seek revenge on earth. We are commanded in no uncertain terms to leave wrath and revenge in the hands of God, not to take it ourselves (Romans 12:19).

The wrath of God is mentioned here, in the book of Romans, Ephesians 5:6, John 3:36, and the book of Revelation (Revelation 14:10; 14:19; 15:1, 7; 16:1; 19:15). The references in Revelation appear to be associated with the seven-year tribulation period. During this time, many judgments will take place on the earth, concluding with the return of Christ. At that point, Jesus will "will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty" (Revelation 19:15).

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.

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.