Seek above and put off the old
Colossians 3:1–11FocusA changed identity and conduct
Connection to the wholePaul joins the readers' life with Christ to active rejection of former sins and renewal in the new man.
interpretation Colossians 3:13
KJVForbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
Read it in context
Put on the new conduct
Start reading at Colossians 3:12 (Colossians 3:12 to Colossians 3:17).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Positive commands describe the relationships, worship, and gratitude that should fill the place of the old conduct.
- 3:12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
- 3:13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
- 3:14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
- 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
- 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
- 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul is the named author, with Timothy included in the greeting and Paul's own greeting at the close. Biblical references: Colossians 1:1; Colossians 4:18. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Colossians 3:1–3:25): Paul instructs the Colossian believers about their new life, then addresses wives, husbands, children, fathers, and servants. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The saints and faithful brethren in Christ at Colossae. The letter was also to be read in the church of the Laodiceans. Biblical references: Colossians 1:2; Colossians 4:16. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Put on the new conduct. Read Colossians 3:12 through Colossians 3:17 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Positive commands describe the relationships, worship, and gratitude that should fill the place of the old conduct. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? Paul writes in bonds and refers to messages carried by fellow workers. The letter does not state a calendar date or name the place of imprisonment. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The saints at Colosse are addressed, with Laodicea and other nearby communities also mentioned. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Put on the new conduct (Colossians 3:12 to Colossians 3:17). Start reading at Colossians 3:12. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The letter presents Christ's supremacy and declares that the fullness of the Godhead dwells in Him bodily. It joins life in Him with baptism, faith in God's operation, and changed conduct. See Colossians 1:18, Colossians 2:9, Colossians 2:12, Colossians 3:1. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Reject teachings and practices that displace Christ while also putting away the conduct the letter condemns. Read warnings about ordinances in the specific argument, not as a blanket dismissal of every command. interpretation
Cited: Colossians 3:12, Colossians 3:17, Colossians 1:18, Colossians 2:9, Colossians 2:12, Colossians 3:1
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself and signs the letter.
Colossians 1:1Colossians 4:18
Early traditionUniform early tradition names Paul.
What is debatedSome critical scholars question Pauline authorship on stylistic grounds.
Related passages
- Forbearing Rom 15:1-2 2 Cor 6:6 Gal 6:2 Eph 4:2,32
- forgiving Matt 5:44 Matt 6:12,14-15 Matt 18:21-35 Mark 11:25 Luke 6:35-37 Luke 11:4 Luke 17:3-4 Luke 23:34
- quarrel Matt 18:15-17 1 Cor 6:7-8
- even Luke 5:20-24 Luke 7:48-50 2 Cor 2:10 Eph 4:32 Eph 5:2 1 Pet 2:21
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Colossians 3
Paul and Timothy address the saints and faithful brethren in Christ at Colosse. The letter presents Christ's sufficiency and supremacy, warns against teaching that displaces Him, and describes the conduct of those who have put on the new man.
Colossians 1:1 Colossians 1:2 Colossians 2:8
FocusLove, peace, and the word
Connection to the wholePositive commands describe the relationships, worship, and gratitude that should fill the place of the old conduct.
interpretation Household and work responsibilities
Colossians 3:18–25FocusServing the Lord
Connection to the wholePaul applies the new life to marriage, parenting, and service, emphasizing that the Lord evaluates conduct without partiality.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Colossians
Paul and Timothy address the saints and faithful brethren in Christ at Colosse. The letter presents Christ's sufficiency and supremacy, warns against teaching that displaces Him, and describes the conduct of those who have put on the new man.
Colossians 1:1 Colossians 1:2 Colossians 2:8
Thanksgiving and prayer
Colossians 1:1–14FocusGrowth in the knowledge of God
Connection to the wholePaul responds to the church's faith and love with prayer for a worthy walk, fruitfulness, and endurance.
interpretation Christ and Paul's ministry
Colossians 1:15–29FocusReconciliation and mature believers
Connection to the wholeChrist's preeminence and reconciling work explain the message and purpose of Paul's labour among the Gentiles.
interpretation Continue in Christ
Colossians 2:1–23FocusFulness, baptism, and freedom from false demands
Connection to the wholePaul warns against rival teaching by grounding the readers in Christ, His fulness, and their relationship to His death and resurrection.
interpretation FocusConduct, relationships, and witness
Connection to the wholeThe readers are called to seek things above and put away the old conduct, applying the new life to households, work, prayer, and speech.
interpretation Messengers and greetings
Colossians 4:7–18FocusFellow workers and perseverance
Connection to the wholeThe closing names and instructions reveal the wider fellowship supporting the church and its continued obedience.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.