3:1 raised together with Christ See note on 2:12.

things above Paul’s remarks here echo Jesus’ instruction to seek first the kingdom of heaven (Matt 6:33).

seated at the right hand of God A position of favor, honor, and authority (Psa 110:1; Eph 1:20). In the ot, God’s right hand symbolizes strength and salvation (Exod 15:6; Psa 20:6).

3:2 things on earth Paul probably has in mind the empty human traditions and worldly elemental forces he spoke against throughout ch. 2.

3:3 you have died Refers to believers sharing in Christ’s death through baptism.

3:4 Christ, who is your life Paul underscores the significance of Christ for the believer: Jesus is not peripheral to life; He is life. He imparts God’s life, and He is the center around which life should be oriented.

revealed with him The believer’s life is hidden in God, and the world does not recognize it. Here, Paul reminds the Colossians that they will share in Christ’s glory when He returns.

3:5 put to death what is earthly The list of sinful actions in this verse echoes the deeds of the flesh in Gal 5:19–21.

Spirit and Flesh in Paul’s Letters

Idolatry Paul associates idolatry with the consuming desire to possess more than others, regardless of actual need.

3:6 wrath of God Refers to divine judgment against evil. See note on Rom 1:18.

3:8 lay aside These vices all relate to dysfunction among the community of believers. Believers must no longer participate in—these actions.

3:9 lie If believers mislead one another by communicating falsely, the trust within the community will be broken.

taken off See note on Col 3:10.

3:10 put on Here the Greek text of Colossians uses the imagery of changing one’s clothes to illustrate Christ’s transformative work in believers’ lives (compare Rom 13:14; Gal 3:27).

being renewed The Greek word used here, anakainoō, refers to the process of becoming new, which is ongoing for the believer.

knowledge True knowledge reflects the image of the Creator. Compare the opening of the Christ-hymn in ch. 1, which identifies Christ as both the image of God and the agent of creation (1:15–16). Paul also states that divine wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Christ (2:3).

3:11 Greek The Greek word used here, hellēn, is an ethnic term denoting the people of Greece. Paul sometimes uses this term as a synonym for “Gentiles” (non-Jews).

circumcision nor uncircumcision Another way of referring to Jews (those who are circumcised according to the law) and Gentiles (those who are not).

barbarian A person considered uncultured according to Graeco-Roman standards—i.e., those who did not speak Greek or Latin and who practiced foreign customs or traditions.

Scythian Like barbarians, Scythians were typically regarded as uncivilized people.

Christ is all The standard categories of race and social status that normally divide people do not apply to those who are in Christ (compare Gal 3:28)—there is equality.

3:12 chosen of God Originally, God chose the nation of Israel to be His people (Deut 14:2; Rom 9:4–5). However, because such distinctions are rendered irrelevant in Christ (Col 3:11), Paul affirms the Colossian believers as being among God’s chosen people (compare 1:12, 21–22).

3:13 putting up with one another Believers must have patience with one another, even while enduring difficult situations.

forgiving one another Even in the community of believers, the actions of some offend or hurt others; how believers respond is critical. Experiencing God’s forgiveness shows that believers must forgive one another (Luke 7:47).

3:15 peace The Greek word used here, eirēnē, refers to wholeness or the absence of conflict in a relationship.

be thankful Paul commands the Colossians to express gratitude for the things they have and the people in their lives. Gratitude is a safeguard against grumbling and complaining, both of which can ruin a community.

3:16 word of Christ Refers either to the gospel message about Christ or to Christ’s teaching (as opposed to human philosophies or traditions; Col 2:8).

psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs Refers to a variety of songs used in Christian worship, probably including the ot psalms.

3:17 name of the Lord Jesus See note on Phil 2:9.

3:18 be subject Paul is not saying that a wife ought to respond to her husband with mindless obedience; being subject to one’s spouse should be voluntary and conscious. Submission in marriage is not demeaning; it is informed by God’s relationship to the Church (see Eph 5:22–23; note on 5:22).

3:19 love In this context, to love (agapaō) means to put the needs and interests of others before your own. In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul presents Christ’s sacrificial death on behalf of the Church as the model of love that husbands should have for their wives (see Eph 5:25 and note).

3:20 obey your parents This reflects the fifth commandment (Exod 20:12).

The Law in Paul’s Letters

3:21 provoke In Paul’s time, fathers had considerable authority within the household. He urges fathers to use that authority in a way that avoids causing resentment.

3:22 Slaves Paul includes slaves in his discussion of the family because they were considered members of the Graeco-Roman household. Compare note on Col 4:1.

Slavery in the First Century

fearing the Lord Refers to having a profound reverence for God, especially for His authority and commands. In the book of Proverbs, fear of Yahweh is equated with the beginning of wisdom (Prov 9:10).

3:24 Inheritance The property received by a child or descendent from a deceased parent.

3:25 partiality God does not make unfair distinctions between people, treating some better than others. Therefore, He does not condone the use of social status or our identity in Christ as license for wrongdoing.