rwp - 3

rwp@Colossians:3:1 @{If then ye were raised together with Christ} (\ei oun sungerthte ti Christi\). Condition of the first class, assumed as true, like that in strkjv@2:20| and the other half of the picture of baptism in strkjv@2:12| and using the same form \sungerthte\ as then which see for the verb \sunegeir\. Associative instrumental case of \Christi\. {The things that are above} (\ta an\). "The upward things" (cf. strkjv@Phillipians:3:14|), the treasure in heaven (Matthew:6:20|). Paul gives this ideal and goal in place of merely ascetic rules. {Seated on the right hand of God} (\en dexii tou theou kathmenos\). Not periphrastic verb, but additional statement. Christ is up there and at God's right hand. Cf. strkjv@2:3|.

rwp@Colossians:3:2 @{Set your mind on} (\phroneite\). "Keep on thinking about." It does matter what we think and we are responsible for our thoughts. {Not on the things that are upon the earth} (\m ta epi ts gs\). Paul does not mean that we should never think the things upon the earth, but that these should not be our aim, our goal, our master. The Christian has to keep his feet upon the earth, but his head in the heavens. He must be heavenly-minded here on earth and so help to make earth like heaven.

rwp@Colossians:3:3 @{For ye died} (\apethanete gar\). Definite event, aorist active indicative, died to sin (Romans:6:2|). {Is hid} (\kekruptai\). Perfect passive indicative of \krupt\, old verb, to hide, remains concealed, locked "together with" (\sun\) Christ, "in" (\en\) God. No hellish burglar can break that combination.

rwp@Colossians:3:4 @{When Christ shall be manifested} (\hotan ho Christos phanerthi\). Indefinite temporal clause with \hotan\ and the first aorist passive subjunctive of \phanero\, "whenever Christ is manifested," a reference to the second coming of Christ as looked for and longed for, but wholly uncertain as to time. See this same verb used of the second coming in strkjv@1John:3:2|. {Ye also together with him} (\kai humeis sun auti\). That is the joy of this blessed hope. He repeats the verb about us \phanerthsesthe\ (future passive indicative) and adds \en doxi\ (in glory). Not to respond to this high appeal is to be like Bunyan's man with the muck-rake.

rwp@Colossians:3:5 @{Mortify} (\nekrsate\). First aorist active imperative of \nekro\, late verb, to put to death, to treat as dead. Latin Vulgate _mortifico_, but "mortify" is coming with us to mean putrify. Paul boldly applies the metaphor of death (2:20; strkjv@3:3|) pictured in baptism (2:12|) to the actual life of the Christian. He is not to go to the other Gnostic extreme of license on the plea that the soul is not affected by the deeds of the body. Paul's idea is that the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1Corinthians:6:19|). He mentions some of these "members upon the earth" like fornication (\porneian\), uncleanness (\akatharsian\), passion (\pathos\), evil desire (\epithumian kakn\), covetousness (\pleonexian\) "the which is idolatry" (\htis estin eidlolatria\). See the longer list of the works of the flesh in Gal strkjv@5:19-21|, though covetousness is not there named, but it is in strkjv@Ephesians:4:19; strkjv@5:5|.

rwp@Colossians:3:6 @{Cometh the wrath of God} (\erchetai h org tou theou\). Paul does not regard these sins of the flesh as matters of indifference, far otherwise. Many old MSS. do not have "upon the sons of disobedience," genuine words in strkjv@Ephesians:5:6|.

rwp@Colossians:3:7 @{Walked aforetime} (\periepatsate pote\). First aorist (constative) indicative referring to their previous pagan state. {When ye lived} (\hote ezte\). Imperfect active indicative of \za\, to live, "ye used to live" (customary action). Sharp distinction in the tenses.

rwp@Colossians:3:8 @{But now} (\nuni de\). Emphatic form of \nun\ in decided contrast (to \pote\ in verse 7|) in the resurrection life of strkjv@2:12; strkjv@3:1|. {Put ye also away} (\apothesthe kai humeis\). Second aorist middle imperative of old verb \apotithmi\, to put away, lay aside like old clothes. This metaphor of clothing Paul now uses with several verbs (\apothesthe\ here, \apekdusamenoi\ in verse 9|, \endusamenoi\ in verse 10|, \endusasthe\ in verse 12|). {All these} (\ta panta\). The whole bunch of filthy rags (anger \orgn\, wrath \thumon\, malice \kakian\, railing \blasphmian\, shameful speaking \aischrologian\). See somewhat similar lists of vices in strkjv@Colossians:3:5; strkjv@Galatians:5:20; strkjv@Ephesians:4:29-31|. These words have all been discussed except \aischrologian\, an old word for low and obscene speech which occurs here only in the N.T. It is made from \aischrologos\ (\aischros\ as in strkjv@1Corinthians:11:6| and that from \aischos\, disgrace). Note also the addition of "out of your mouth" (\ek tou stomatos humn\). The word was used for both abusive and filthy talk and Lightfoot combines both ideas as often happens. Such language should never come out of the mouth of a Christian living the new life in Christ.

rwp@Colossians:3:9 @{Lie not to another} (\m pseudesthe eis alllous\). Lying (\pseudos\) could have been included in the preceding list where it belongs in reality. But it is put more pointedly thus in the prohibition (\m\ and the present middle imperative). It means either "stop lying" or "do not have the habit of lying." {Seeing that ye have put off} (\apekdusamenoi\). First aorist middle participle (causal sense of the circumstantial participle) of the double compound verb \apekduomai\, for which see strkjv@2:15|. The \apo\ has the perfective sense (wholly), "having stripped clean off." The same metaphor as \apothesthe\ in verse 8|. {The old man} (\ton palaion anthrpon\). Here Paul brings in another metaphor (mixes his metaphors as he often does), that of the old life of sin regarded as "the ancient man" of sin already crucified (Romans:6:6|) and dropped now once and for all as a mode of life (aorist tense). See same figure in strkjv@Ephesians:4:22|. \Palaios\ is ancient in contrast with \neos\ (young, new) as in strkjv@Matthew:9:17| or \kainos\ (fresh, unused) as in strkjv@Matthew:13:52|. {With his doings} (\sun tais praxesin autou\). Practice must square with profession.

rwp@Colossians:3:10 @{And have put on} (\kai endusamenoi\). First aorist middle participle (in causal sense as before) of \endun\, old and common verb (Latin _induo_, English endue) for putting on a garment. Used of putting on Christ (Galatians:3:27; strkjv@Romans:13:14|). {The new man} (\ton neon\). "The new (young as opposed to old \palaion\) man" (though \anthrpon\ is not here expressed, but understood from the preceding phrase). In strkjv@Ephesians:4:24| Paul has \endusasthai ton kainon\ (fresh as opposed to worn out) \anthrpon\. {Which is being renewed} (\ton anakainoumenon\). Present passive articular participle of \anakaino\. Paul apparently coined this word on the analogy of \ananeomai\. \Anakainiz\ already existed (Hebrews:6:6|). Paul also uses \anakainsis\ (Romans:12:2; strkjv@Titus:3:5|) found nowhere before him. By this word Paul adds the meaning of \kainos\ to that of \neos\ just before. It is a continual refreshment (\kainos\) of the new (\neos\, young) man in Christ Jesus. {Unto knowledge} (\eis epignsin\). "Unto full (additional) knowledge," one of the keywords in this Epistle. {After the image} (\kat' eikona\). An allusion to strkjv@Genesis:1:26,28|. The restoration of the image of God in us is gradual and progressive (2Corinthians:3:18|), but will be complete in the final result (Romans:8:29; strkjv@1John:3:2|).

rwp@Colossians:3:11 @{Where} (\hopou\). In this "new man" in Christ. Cf. strkjv@Galatians:3:28|. {There cannot be} (\ouk eni\). \Eni\ is the long (original) form of \en\ and \estin\ is to be understood. "There does not exist." This is the ideal which is still a long way ahead of modern Christians as the Great War proved. Race distinctions (Greek \Helln\ and Jew \Ioudaios\) disappear in Christ and in the new man in Christ. The Jews looked on all others as Greeks (Gentiles). Circumcision (\peritom\) and uncircumcision (\akrobustia\) put the Jewish picture with the cleavage made plainer (cf. strkjv@Ephesians:2|). The Greeks and Romans regarded all others as barbarians (\barbaroi\, strkjv@Romans:1:14|), users of outlandish jargon or gibberish, onomatopoetic repetition (\bar-bar\). {A Scythian} (\Skuths\) was simply the climax of barbarity, _bar-baris barbariores_ (Bengel), used for any rough person like our "Goths and Vandals." {Bondman} (\doulos\, from \de\, to bind), {freeman} (\eleutheros\, from \erchomai\, to go). Class distinctions vanish in Christ. In the Christian churches were found slaves, freedmen, freemen, masters. Perhaps Paul has Philemon and Onesimus in mind. But labour and capital still furnish a problem for modern Christianity. {But Christ is all} (\alla panta Christos\). Demosthenes and Lucian use the neuter plural to describe persons as Paul does here of Christ. The plural \panta\ is more inclusive than the singular \pn\ would be. {And in all} (\kai en psin\). Locative plural and neuter also. "Christ occupies the whole sphere of human life and permeates all its developments" (Lightfoot). Christ has obliterated the words barbarian, master, slave, all of them and has substituted the word \adelphos\ (brother).

rwp@Colossians:3:12 @{Put on therefore} (\endusasthe oun\). First aorist middle imperative of \endun\ (verse 10|). He explains and applies (\oun\ therefore) the figure of "the new man" as "the new garment." {As God's elect} (\hs eklektoi tou theou\). Same phrase in strkjv@Romans:8:33; strkjv@Titus:1:1|. In the Gospels a distinction exists between \kltos\ and \eklektos\ (Matthew:24:22,24,31|), but no distinction appears in Paul's writings. Here further described as "holy and beloved" (\hagioi kai gapmenoi\). The items in the new clothing for the new man in Christ Paul now gives in contrast with what was put off (3:8|). The garments include a heart of compassion (\splagchna oiktirmou\, the nobler _viscera_ as the seat of emotion as in strkjv@Luke:1:78; strkjv@Phillipians:1:8|), kindness (\chrstotta\, as in strkjv@Galatians:5:22|), humility (\tapeinophrosunn\, in the good sense as in strkjv@Phillipians:2:3|), meekness (\prautta\, in strkjv@Galatians:5:23| and in strkjv@Ephesians:4:2| also with \tapeinophrosun\), long-suffering (\makrothumian\, in strkjv@Galatians:5:22; strkjv@Colossians:1:11; strkjv@James:5:10|).

rwp@Colossians:3:13 @{Forbearing one another} (\anechomenoi allln\). Present middle (direct) participle of \anech\ with the ablative case (\allln\), "holding yourselves back from one another." {Forgiving each other} (\charizomenoi heautois\). Present middle participle also of \charizomai\ with the dative case of the reflexive pronoun (\heautois\) instead of the reciprocal just before (\allln\). {If any man have} (\ean tis echi\). Third class condition (\ean\ and present active subjunctive of \ech\). {Complaint} (\momphn\). Old word from \memphomai\, to blame. Only here in N.T. Note \pros\ here with \tina\ in the sense of against for comparison with \pros\ in strkjv@2:31|. {Even as the Lord} (\kaths kai ho Kurios\). Some MSS. read \Christos\ for \Kurios\. But Christ's forgiveness of us is here made the reason for our forgiveness of others. See strkjv@Matthew:6:12,14f.| where our forgiveness of others is made by Jesus a prerequisite to our obtaining forgiveness from God.

rwp@Colossians:3:14 @{And above all these things} (\epi psin de toutois\). "And upon all these things." {Put on love} (\tn agapn\). See strkjv@Luke:3:20|. The verb has to be supplied (\endusasthe\) from verse 12| as the accusative case \agapn\ shows. {Which is} (\ho estin\). Neuter singular of the relative and not feminine like \agap\ (the antecedent) nor masculine like \sundesmos\ in the predicate. However, there are similar examples of \ho estin\ in the sense of _quod est_ (_id est_), "that is," in strkjv@Mark:14:42; strkjv@15:42|, without agreement in gender and number. Songs:also strkjv@Ephesians:5:5| where \ho estin\ = "which thing." {The bond of perfectness} (\sundesmos ts teleiottos\). See strkjv@2:19| for \sundesmos\. Here it is apparently the girdle that holds the various garments together. The genitive (\teleiottos\) is probably that of apposition with the girdle of love. In a succinct way Paul has here put the idea about love set forth so wonderfully in strkjv@1Corinthians:13|.

rwp@Colossians:3:15 @{The peace of Christ} (\h eirn tou Christou\). The peace that Christ gives (John:14:27|). {Rule} (\brabeuet\). Imperative active third singular of \brabeu\, to act as umpire (\brabeus\), old verb, here alone in N.T. See strkjv@1Corinthians:7:15| for called in peace. {In one body} (\en heni smati\). With one Head (Christ) as in strkjv@1:18,24|. {Be ye thankful} (\eucharistoi ginesthe\). "Keep on becoming thankful." Continuous obligation.

rwp@Colossians:3:16 @{The word of Christ} (\ho logos tou Christou\). This precise phrase only here, though "the word of the Lord" in strkjv@1Thessalonians:1:8; strkjv@4:15; strkjv@2Thessalonians:3:1|. Elsewhere "the word of God." Paul is exalting Christ in this Epistle. \Christou\ can be either the subjective genitive (the word delivered by Christ) or the objective genitive (the word about Christ). See strkjv@1John:2:14|. {Dwell} (\enoikeit\). Present active imperative of \enoike\, to make one's home, to be at home. {In you} (\en humin\). Not "among you." {Richly} (\plousis\). Old adverb from \plousios\ (rich). See strkjv@1Timothy:6:17|. The following words explain \plousis\. {In all wisdom} (\en pasi sophii\). It is not clear whether this phrase goes with \plousis\ (richly) or with the participles following (\didaskontes kai nouthetountes\, see strkjv@1:28|). Either punctuation makes good sense. The older Greek MSS. had no punctuation. There is an anacoluthon here. The participles may be used as imperatives as in strkjv@Romans:12:11f.,16|. {With psalms} (\psalmois\, the Psalms in the Old Testament originally with musical accompaniment), {hymns} (\humnois\, praises to God composed by the Christians like strkjv@1Timothy:3:16|), {spiritual songs} (\idais pneumatikais\, general description of all whether with or without instrumental accompaniment). The same song can have all three words applied to it. {Singing with grace} (\en chariti idontes\). In God's grace (2Corinthians:1:12|). The phrase can be taken with the preceding words. The verb \id\ is an old one (Ephesians:5:19|) for lyrical emotion in a devout soul. {In your hearts} (\en tais kardiais humn\). Without this there is no real worship "to God" (\ti thei\). How can a Jew or Unitarian in the choir lead in the worship of Christ as Saviour? Whether with instrument or with voice or with both it is all for naught if the adoration is not in the heart.

rwp@Colossians:3:17 @{Whatsoever ye do} (\pn hoti ean poite\). Indefinite relative (everything whatever) with \ean\ and the present active subjunctive, a common idiom in such clauses. {Do all} (\panta\). The imperative \poieite\ has to be supplied from \poite\ in the relative clause. \Panta\ is repeated from \pn\ (singular), but in the plural (all things). \Pn\ is left as a nominative absolute as in strkjv@Matthew:10:32; strkjv@Luke:12:10|. This is a sort of Golden Rule for Christians "in the name of the Lord Jesus" (\en onomati Kuriou Isou\), in the spirit of the Lord Jesus (Ephesians:5:20|). What follows (directions to the various groups) is in this same vein. Sociological problems have always existed. Paul puts his finger on the sore spot in each group with unerring skill like a true diagnostician.

rwp@Colossians:3:18 @{Wives} (\kai gunaikes\). The article here distinguishes class from class and with the vocative case can be best rendered "Ye wives." Songs:with each group. {Be in subjection to your husbands} (\hupotassesthe tois andrasin\). "Own" (\idiois\) is genuine in strkjv@Ephesians:5:22|, but not here. The verb \hupotassomai\ has a military air, common in the _Koin_ for such obedience. Obedience in government is essential as the same word shows in strkjv@Romans:13:1,5|. {As is fitting in the Lord} (\hs anken en Kurii\). This is an idiomatic use of the imperfect indicative with verbs of propriety in present time (Robertson, _Grammar_, p. 919). Wives have rights and privileges, but recognition of the husband's leadership is essential to a well-ordered home, only the assumption is that the husband has a head and a wise one.

rwp@Colossians:3:19 @{Love your wives} (\agapte tas gunaikas\). Present active imperative, "keep on loving." That is precisely the point. {Be not bitter} (\m pikrainesthe\). Present middle imperative in prohibition: "Stop being bitter" or "do not have the habit of being bitter." This is the sin of husbands. \Pikrain\ is an old verb from \pikros\ (bitter). In N.T. only here and strkjv@Revelation:8:11; strkjv@10:9f|. The bitter word rankles in the soul.

rwp@Colossians:3:20 @{Obey your parents} (\hupakouete tois goneusin\). Old verb to listen under (as looking up), to hearken, to heed, to obey. {In all things} (\kata panta\). This is the hard part for the child, not occasional obedience, but continual. Surely a Christian father or mother will not make unreasonable or unjust demands of the child. Nowhere does modern civilization show more weakness than just here. Waves of lawlessness sweep over the world because the child was not taught to obey. Again Paul argues that this is "in the Lord" (\en Kurii\).

rwp@Colossians:3:21 @{Provoke not} (\m erethizete\). Present imperative of old verb from \ereth\, to excite. Only twice in N.T., here in bad sense, in good sense in strkjv@2Corinthians:9:2| (to stimulate). Here it means to nag and as a habit (present tense). {That they be not discouraged} (\hina m athumsin\). Negative purpose (\hina m\) with the present subjunctive (continued discouragement) of \athume\, old verb, but only here in N.T., from \athumos\ (dispirited, \a\ privative, \thumos\, spirit or courage). One does not have to read _Jane Eyre_ or _Oliver Twist_ to know something of the sorrows of childhood as is witnessed by runaway children and even child suicides.

rwp@Colossians:3:22 @{Your masters according to the flesh} (\tois kata sarka kuriois\). "Lords" really, but these Christian slaves (\douloi\) had Christ as lord, but even so they were to obey their lords in the flesh. {Not with eye-service} (\m en ophthalmodouliais\). Another Pauline word (here only and strkjv@Ephesians:6:6|), elsewhere only in Christian writers after Paul, an easy and expressive compound, service while the master's eye was on the slave and no longer. {Men-pleasers} (\anthrpareskoi\). Late compound only in LXX and Paul (here and strkjv@Ephesians:6:6|). {In singleness of heart} (\en haplotti kardias\). Songs:in strkjv@Ephesians:6:5|. Old and expressive word from \haplous\ (simple, without folds). See strkjv@2Corinthians:11:3|. {Fearing the Lord} (\phoboumenoi ton Kurion\). Rather than the lords according to the flesh.

rwp@Colossians:3:23 @{Whatsoever ye do} (\ho ean poite\). See same idiom in strkjv@3:17| except \ho\ instead of \pn hoti\. {Heartily} (\ek psuchs\). From the soul and not with mere eye service. In strkjv@Ephesians:6:7| Paul adds \met' eunoias\ (with good will) in explanation of \ek psuchs\. {As unto the Lord} (\hs ti Kurii\). Even when unto men. This is the highest test of worthwhile service. If it were only always true!

rwp@Colossians:3:24 @{Ye shall receive} (\apolmpsesthe\). Future middle indicative of \apolamban\, old verb, to get back (\apo\), to recover. {The recompense} (\antapodosin\). "The full recompense," old word, in LXX, but only here in N.T., but \antapodoma\ twice (Luke:14:12; strkjv@Romans:11:9|). Given back (\apo\) in return (\anti\). {Ye serve the Lord Christ} (\to Kurii Christi douleuete\). As his slaves and gladly so. Perhaps better as imperatives, keep on serving.

rwp@Colossians:3:25 @{Shall receive again for the wrong that he hath done} (\komisetai ho diksen\). It is not clear whether \ho adikn\ (he that doeth wrong) is the master or the slave. It is true of either and Lightfoot interprets it of both, "shall receive back the wrong which he did." This is a general law of life and of God and it is fair and square. {There is no respect of persons} (\ouk estin prospolmpsia\). There is with men, but not with God. For this word patterned after the Hebrew see strkjv@Romans:2:11; strkjv@Ephesians:6:9; strkjv@James:2:1| The next verse should be in this chapter also.

Colossians 3