Colossians 3:10 - Printer Friendly

ESV: and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.

NIV: and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.

NASB: and have put on the new self, which is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created it—

CSB: and have put on the new self. You are being renewed in knowledge according to the image of your Creator.

NLT: Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.

KJV: And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

NKJV: and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him,

This verse picks up in the middle of a thought begun in verse 9, regarding Christians setting aside the "old self" of worldly, sinful behaviors. In contrast with the old self, the believer is a new creation and should therefore live differently. Paul adds that the new self is constantly refreshed through knowledge of the one who created it: Christ. Knowledge which comes from Christ is noted throughout Colossians as an important part of the Christian life (Colossians 1:9–10; Colossians 2:2–3).

Just as Christ is "the image of the invisible God" (Colossians 1:15), believers are being remade into the likeness of Jesus. Paul notes elsewhere that Christ is "the image of God" (2 Corinthians 4:4). Jesus is also fully involved in creation (Colossians 1:16). John 1:3 says, "All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made." The believer is a new person increasingly designed to grow more like Christ, the one who created us.

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.

Accessed 5/3/2024 7:45:15 PM