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 3:17
KJVAnd 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.
Read it in context
The New Life in Christ and Christian Conduct
Start reading at Colossians 3:1 (Colossians 3:1 to Colossians 3:17).
This verse concludes a section on the general principles of the new life in Christ, which began at the chapter's start.
- 3:1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
- 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
- 3:3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
- 3:4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
- 3:5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
- 3:6 For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:
- 3:7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.
- 3:8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
- 3:9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;
- 3:10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
- 3:11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
- 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 main event or theme? The main theme is that all actions and words of believers should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, with thanksgiving to God the Father through Him.
- What is God revealing? God is revealing that every aspect of a believer's life, including words and deeds, should be performed in the authority and character of the Lord Jesus, and with thanksgiving to God the Father through Him.
- What is the literary style? Exhortation or imperative instruction within an epistle.
When
- When was it written? Approximately A.D. 60 to 62.
- When does the event take place? This instruction applies to the continuous, daily life of believers.
Where
- Where did it happen? This instruction applies to believers wherever they are, in all their daily activities.
- Where was the author located? Rome, while Paul was imprisoned.
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The New Life in Christ and Christian Conduct (Colossians 3:1 to Colossians 3:17). Start reading at Colossians 3:1. This verse concludes a section on the general principles of the new life in Christ, which began at the chapter's start.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? This verse summarizes the preceding exhortations for Christian living (Colossians 3:1-16), emphasizing that all words and deeds should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus with thanksgiving, thus setting the stage for the specific instructions on relationships that follow (Colossians 3:18-25). stated in the text
- How does it point to Christ? The verse explicitly directs believers to do 'all in the name of the Lord Jesus' and to give thanks to God the Father 'by him,' thereby establishing Christ as the authority, the means, and the focus of all Christian conduct and worship. stated in the text
- How do I apply it today? Believers today should consciously dedicate all their words and actions to the Lord Jesus, seeking to honor Him in every endeavor, and cultivating a spirit of thankfulness to God the Father through Him in all circumstances. interpretation
Cited: Colossians 3:17, Colossians 3:1-16, Colossians 3:18-25, Colossians 3:23, Ephesians 5:20, 1 Thessalonians 5:18
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
- whatsoever Col 3:23 2 Chr 31:20-21 Prov 3:6 Rom 14:6-8 1 Cor 10:31
- in word 2 Thess 2:17 1 John 3:18
- in the Mic 4:5 Matt 28:19 Acts 4:30 Acts 19:17 Phil 1:11 1 Thess 4:1-2
- giving Col 1:12 Col 2:7 Rom 1:8 Eph 5:20 1 Thess 5:18 Heb 13:15 1 Pet 2:5,9 1 Pet 4:11
- God Eph 1:17 Phil 2:11 1 Thess 1:1 Heb 1:5 1 John 2:23
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.