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
Four imperatives in Colossians 3:15-17 identify the precepts believers must follow. The first of these is "let rule." When Christians need to make choices, the peace that Christ produces in our hearts should be a determining factor. [Note: Lightfoot, p. 221.] We should choose what will result in peace between us and God, and between us and one another, if such a course of action lies within God’s moral will (cf. John 14:27)."This directive forms, with the Word of God and the witness of the... 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
(15) The peace of God.—The true reading is the peace of Christ—that which He gives (John 14:27), that which He is (see Ephesians 2:14). The ordinary reading is, no doubt, borrowed from Philippians 4:7. This verse forms a link between the preceding exhortation to love of man, and the following exhortation to a loving and thankful service of God. The “peace of Christ” is the sense of unity in Him, with our fellow-men and with God. We are “called to it in one Body,” of which He is the Head. (Comp.... 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 PRACTICAL EFFECTS OF THE PEACE OF CHRIST, THE WORD OF CHRIST, AND THE NAME OF CHRIST Colossians 3:15-17 (R.V)There are here three precepts somewhat loosely connected, of which the first belongs properly to the series considered in our last chapter, from which it is only separated as not sharing in the metaphor under which the virtues contained in the former verses were set forth. In substance it is closely connected with them, though in form it is different, and in sweep is more... read more
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Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Colossians 3:15
15. peace of God—The oldest manuscripts and versions read, "The peace of CHRIST" (compare Philippians 4:7). "The peace of GOD." Therefore Christ is God. Peace was His legacy to His disciples before He left them (John 14:27), "MY peace I give unto you." Peace is peculiarly His to give. Peace follows love (Colossians 3:14; Ephesians 4:2; Ephesians 4:3). rule—literally, "sit as umpire"; the same Greek verb simple, as appears compounded (Colossians 2:18). The false teacher, as a self-constituted... read more