The Life of the Church

Paul wants the believers at Colossae to live in the reality of Christ’s supremacy. Christ’s work enables believers to set their minds on godly matters (3:1–2), so that they will be empowered to conquer impure, earthly behaviors (3:5–9). New life in Christ—putting “off the old self with its practices” and putting “on the new self” (3:9b–10a ESV)—brings about a new dimension of godly living (3:12–13) and stands in contrast to the surrounding world. In addition, new life in Christ overcomes human social barriers and finds its ultimate expression in love (3:11; 3:14). The “peace of Christ” (3:15) and the “word of Christ” (3:16) lead the church to unity and thankfulness.

Paul also instructs the believers about human relationships, giving commands to wives, husbands, children, fathers, slaves, and masters (3:18–4:1). The rationale for these teachings is consistently expressed in terms of service to God:

• “as is fitting in the Lord” (3:18 ESV);

• “for this pleases the Lord” (3:20);

• “fearing the Lord” (3:22);

• “as for the Lord” (3:23);

• “You are serving the Lord Christ” (3:24);

• “you have a Master in heaven” (4:1).

The believers’ ability to live according to Paul’s ethical instructions comes from Christ: “Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him” (2:6–7a ESV).