FocusA 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 3:2
KJVSet your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
Read it in context
Seek above and put off the old
Start reading at Colossians 3:1 (Colossians 3:1 to Colossians 3:11).
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.
Paul joins the readers' life with Christ to active rejection of former sins and renewal in the new man.
- 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.
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? Seek above and put off the old. Read Colossians 3:1 through Colossians 3:11 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Paul joins the readers' life with Christ to active rejection of former sins and renewal in the new man. 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 Seek above and put off the old (Colossians 3:1 to Colossians 3:11). Start reading at Colossians 3:1. 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 3:1, Colossians 3:11, Colossians 1:18, Colossians 2:9, Colossians 2:12
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
- Set Col 3:1 1 Chr 22:19 1 Chr 29:3 Ps 62:10 Ps 91:14 Ps 119:36-37 Prov 23:5 Eccl 7:14
- not Col 3:5 Ps 49:11-17 Matt 6:19 Luke 12:15 Luke 16:8-9,11,19-25 Phil 3:19 1 John 2:15
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
Put on the new conduct
Colossians 3:12–17FocusLove, 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.