| ….Therefore, since you have been raised with Christ, continue seeking the things above, where Christ is- seated at God’s right hand. Focus your thoughts on those heavenly things, not on worldly things, for you have died and your life has been hidden with Christ in God. When Christ (who is your life) is revealed, then you will also be revealed with him in glory. | 1-4 |
| ….Therefore, put to death the sins of your worldly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil, and especially greed (which is idolatry). It is because of these things that the wrath of God is coming. You, too, walked in these ways, when you lived the life you once lived. But now you must put away all these things: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, and abusive language that comes from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have stripped off the old man with his practices and have clothed yourselves with the new man which is being renewed into a knowledge according to the image of the one who created it, where there are no racial or ethnic distinctions, cultural barriers, or class distinctions1, but Christ is all and in all. | 5-11 |
| ….Therefore, as God’s chosen people, set-apart and loved, clothe yourselves with a compassionate heart, kindness, humility, a gentile spirit, and patience- bearing with one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a complaint against someone. (Just as the Lord forgave you, you also should forgive others in the same way). But above all, clothe yourselves with love, which is the perfect bond. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts (for you were indeed called into one body to this peace), and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell abundantly in you, teaching and warning one another with all wisdom, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with grace in your hearts to God. And whatever you may do, whether in word or action, do it all in the name of Christ Jesus, giving thanks to God the father through him. |
12-17 | ….Wives, submit to your husbands as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter towards her. Children, obey your parents according to all that they say, for this is pleasing to the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, so that they will not become disheartened. | 18-21 | ….Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only when they are watching you- as those who only seek approval from men- but with sincere hearts, fearing your heavenly Master. Whatever you do, work from the soul as to the heavenly Master and not to people, knowing that you will receive your reward- your inheritance- from him. Continue serving your Master, who is Christ. For the one who does wrong will be repaid for what he did wrong- there is no favoritism. | 22-25 |
| Resources Used: |
| Colossians-Philemon, WBC, by Peter O’Brien Colossians and Philemon, TNTC, by N.T. Wright BDAG A Grammatical Analysis of the Greek New Testament by Max Zerwick NET Bible notes Robertson’s Word Pictures Vincent’s Word Studies |
- Lit. - where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave, or free ↩
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