Colossians 3

Christ at the right hand of God

Christ — the Anointed One (Greek Christos, Hebrew Messiah)

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Colossians 3:1

Since baptized Saints have risen with Christ, they should set their hearts on heaven, where the resurrected Christ sits at God's right hand.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same event in Acts 7:56 — Stephen sees 'the Son of man standing on the right hand of God'
• the same event in Mark 16:19 — 'he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God'

When Christ shall appear

For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. Colossians 3:3–4

Christ is our very life; when He appears at His Second Coming, His faithful Saints will appear with Him in glory.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same event in 1 John 3:2 — 'when he shall appear, we shall be like him'

Christ is all, and in all

Christ — the Anointed One (Greek Christos, Hebrew Messiah)

And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Colossians 3:10–11

The new person we become is renewed after the Creator's image, and in that new life divisions of race and class vanish because Christ is everything and lives in everyone who follows Him.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alludes to Genesis 1:27 — 'God created man in his own image'

As Christ forgave you

Christ — the Anointed One (Greek Christos, Hebrew Messiah)

Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. Colossians 3:13

Christ's forgiveness of us is both the reason and the pattern for forgiving others.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

In the name of the Lord Jesus

Jesus — 'Jehovah saves'; Christ — 'the Anointed One'

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. Colossians 3:16–17

Christ's word should fill our lives, and everything we say and do should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to the Father through Him.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

• a parallel account in Ephesians 5:19-20 — the same counsel: songs to the Lord and thanks 'in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ'

The Lord

Lord — Master and rightful ruler; in Paul's letters the title of the risen Jesus, carrying the weight of the divine name

Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. Colossians 3:18

Family relationships are to be lived as fits disciples of the Lord.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

The Lord

Lord — Master and rightful ruler; in Paul's letters the title of the risen Jesus, carrying the weight of the divine name

Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. Colossians 3:20

Children's obedience pleases the Lord.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

The Lord Christ

Lord — Master and rightful ruler; in Paul's letters the title of the risen Jesus, carrying the weight of the divine name

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Colossians 3:23–24

Whatever our work, we do it for the Lord Christ, who is the real Master and who gives the reward of eternal inheritance.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

• a parallel account in Ephesians 6:5-8 — the same instruction: service 'as unto Christ'