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 3:22
KJVServants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:
Read it in context
Household Duties and Christian Conduct
Start reading at Colossians 3:1 (Colossians 3:1 to Colossians 4:1).
This section on household duties (3:18-4:1) follows a broader exhortation on Christian living (3:1-17), making 3:1 a suitable starting point for understanding the full context.
- 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.
- 3:18 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.
- 3:19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.
- 3:20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.
- 3:21 Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.
- 3:22 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:
- 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
- 3:24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
- 3:25 But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.
- 4:1 Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.
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 an instruction for servants to obey their earthly masters in all things, not with outward show to please men, but with sincerity of heart, fearing God.
- What is God revealing? God is revealing that the obedience of servants to their masters should stem from an inner attitude of sincerity and reverence for God, rather than merely seeking human approval.
- What is the literary style? The literary style is an exhortation or instruction within an epistle.
When
- When was it written? The epistle was written approximately A.D. 60 to 62.
- When does the event take place? The instructions are for the ongoing conduct of believers in their daily lives, specifically during the time of Paul's imprisonment and beyond.
Where
- Where did it happen? The instructions are directed to the church at Colosse.
- Where was the author located? The author, Paul, was located in Rome, where he was imprisoned, when he wrote this epistle.
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Household Duties and Christian Conduct (Colossians 3:18 to Colossians 4:1). Start reading at Colossians 3:1. This section on household duties (3:18-4:1) follows a broader exhortation on Christian living (3:1-17), making 3:1 a suitable starting point for understanding the full context.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? This verse is part of a larger section of practical instructions for believers on how to live out their new life in Christ. It follows exhortations to put off sinful practices and put on Christ-like virtues, specifically applying these principles to household relationships and the conduct of servants. stated in the text
- How does it point to Christ? Servants are exhorted to obey their masters 'fearing God' (Colossians 3:22) and to do their work 'as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ' (Colossians 3:23-24). This shows that all work, even for earthly masters, is ultimately service to the Lord Christ. stated in the text
- How do I apply it today? Believers today are called to perform their work and duties with diligence, sincerity, and integrity, not merely to please human supervisors, but with a heart that fears God and recognizes that their ultimate service is to the Lord, who will provide the reward of the inheritance. interpretation
Cited: Colossians 3:1, Colossians 3:3, Colossians 3:17, Colossians 3:18, Colossians 3:22, Colossians 3:23, Colossians 3:24, Colossians 4:1, Colossians 1:1, Colossians 4:18
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
- obey Col 3:20 Ps 123:2 Mal 1:6 Matt 8:9 Luke 6:46 Luke 7:8 Eph 6:5-7 1 Tim 6:1-2
- menpleasers Gal 1:10 1 Thess 2:4
- in singleness Matt 6:22 Acts 2:46 Eph 6:5
- fearing Gen 42:18 Neh 5:9,15 Eccl 5:7 Eccl 8:12 Eccl 12:13 2 Cor 7:1
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 FocusServing 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.