Colossians 3 in plain modern English. New Ground English Translation.
Time Period
~AD 60-62
Location
Colossae, a city in the Lycus River valley in the Roman province of Asia (modern-day western Turkey)
Audience
Gentile Christians in Colossae, a church likely founded by Epaphras rather than Paul personally
Situation
Paul writes from prison to address false teachings threatening the church, including early Gnostic-like philosophy, Jewish legalism, ascetic practices, and possible angel worship. Chapter 3 transitions from theological refutation to practical Christian living.
Key Background
Colossae was a declining city overshadowed by nearby Laodicea and Hierapolis, creating perhaps a sense of inferiority that made the congregation vulnerable to teachings promising special spiritual knowledge or experiences. After establishing Christ's supremacy in chapters 1-2, Paul now addresses how believers should live in light of their union with the risen Christ, emphasizing transformation of character over external religious practices. The household codes in this chapter reflect the social structures of the Greco-Roman world while introducing a radically new ethic of mutual responsibility in Christ.
So if you've been to with The set your focus on the things above, where The is seated at God's
on things above, not on things here on earth.
Because you and your real life is now with The One in God.
When The One — who is your — is then you'll also be with him in
So to whatever in you belongs to your old earthly nature: runaway desire, evil cravings, and — which is really just of
These are exactly the things that bring God's against those who to
You used to in those very things when your life was wrapped up in them.
But now you need to all of this too: and coming out of your mouth.
Don't lie to each other. You've already stripped off your with all its habits,
and you've put on your — the one being in to the One who created it.
In this new reality, there's no or Jewish person, no or no no no slave or free person. The One is and he's in everyone.
So then, as people God has and with kindness, a gentleness, and patience.
with each other and anyone if you have a against them. Just as the released you, do the same.
And over all of these, put on — it's the thing that a
Let the that The gives be the in your hearts — after all, you were called into for this. And be thankful people.
Let The among you. Teach and advise each other with all wisdom. Sing psalms, hymns, and from the to God with grateful hearts.
And whatever you do, whether in word or action, do it all in the of the giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Wives, your husbands' lead — this is what's for those who belong to the Master.
Husbands, your wives and don't become with them.
Children, to your parents in everything, because this the
don't your children, or they'll just down.
Those of you who are listen to your earthly masters in everything — not just when like but with a out of for the
Whatever you do, at it with as if you're working for the Master and not for people,
because you know that you'll receive your from the Master as your reward. It's the Master, The One, that you're really
Anyone who does will the they've done — there's no