What does Colossians 1:21 mean?

Explanation

In Colossians 1:21, the apostle Paul addresses the believers in Colosse, explaining the transformative power of the gospel.

When Paul speaks of the Colossians having been "alienated and enemies in [their] mind by wicked works," he is describing their former state of spiritual separation from God due to their sinful actions and attitudes.

The term "alienated" underscores their estrangement from God, while "enemies in [their] mind" suggests that this separation was not only a matter of behavior but also of thought and intent.

The phrase "yet now hath he reconciled" presents a stark contrast to their previous condition.

Through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, they have been reconciled, meaning their relationship with God has been restored and their sins have been forgiven.

The reconciliation was accomplished by Jesus's sacrificial work on the cross, and it brought about a complete change in their relationship with God, from one of hostility to one of peace and fellowship.

Historical Context

This verse is part of a letter written by the apostle Paul to the church in Colossae, a small Phrygian city in Asia Minor, during the first century A.D. Colossians is one of Paul's Prison Epistles, written while he was in captivity, likely in Rome.

The cultural setting of Colossae included a mix of Jewish and Hellenistic (Greek) influences, which led to a vulnerability to false teachings that combined elements of different philosophies and religions.

Paul's letter addresses these concerns and emphasizes the supremacy of Christ over all other powers and wisdoms.

Colossians 1:21 highlights the work of Christ in reconciling the believers who were once alienated because of the various human traditions and philosophies prevalent at that time, which were at odds with the gospel.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse touches upon the doctrine of reconciliation, a key concept in Christian soteriology, which deals with the study of salvation.

Paul's teaching reflects the belief that Christ's death was necessary to restore humanity's broken relationship with God.

Reconciliation involves a change in the relationship between God and humankind, where God's opposition to sin is satisfied through Christ, and human beings who were once estranged from God are now welcomed into a restored relationship with Him.

The verse also reflects the total depravity of human nature according to some theological traditions, suggesting that prior to reconciliation, individuals are not just making occasional moral mistakes, but are thoroughly at odds with God's nature and law.

Practical Applications

Colossians 1:21 has several practical implications for believers.

Firstly, it serves as a reminder of the believers' past state, encouraging humility and gratitude for the transformation brought about by Christ.

Secondly, it emphasizes the importance of reconciliation with God, not based on human works, but entirely through faith in Jesus Christ.

Believers are called to live in a way that reflects their new status as reconciled children of God.

The verse also encourages believers to share the message of reconciliation with others, knowing the profound impact it can have on lives marked by alienation and hostility toward God.

Lastly, it can encourage them to seek reconciliation in their personal relationships, mirroring the grace and peace they have received from God through Christ.

Cross-References

• Romans 5:10 - "For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life."
• Ephesians 2:12-13 - "That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ."
• 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 - "And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation."

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek text of Colossians 1:21 provide a richer understanding of the verse:

• "Alienated" (Greek: "apēllotriōmenous"): Signifies estrangement or being cut off from a former relationship or state of belonging.
• "Enemies" (Greek: "echthras"): Denotes hostility or opposition; in this context, it carries a moral and spiritual nuance, indicating enemies in thought and intent towards God.
• "Wicked works" (Greek: "en tois ergois tois ponērois"): "Wicked" suggests evil, malice, or morally wrong actions, while "works" denotes actions or deeds.

Together, they represent the sinful actions that contributed to the alienation from God.

• "Reconciled" (Greek: "apokatallaxai"): Means to change completely or exchange, hence the complete restoration of a relationship.

It implies that something has been done to turn a previous state of enmity into one of friendship and peace.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The theme of estrangement and reconciliation is not unique to Christianity and can be found in various other religious traditions and ancient myths.

For instance, many polytheistic religions contain myths where gods and humanity fall into conflict, followed by some form of atonement or reconciliation ritual.

However, unlike these myths where humans must appease the gods with offerings or ceremonies, in Christian theology, God initiates reconciliation through the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ without requiring any merit on the part of humanity.

Scientific Perspectives

Science primarily addresses empirical questions about the natural world and does not typically provide direct commentary on theological or scriptural concepts like reconciliation.

However, from a psychological and sociological perspective, the themes of alienation and reconciliation can be explored in terms of human relationships and community cohesion.

Studies on forgiveness and restorative justice practices reveal the benefits of reconciliation in terms of individual well-being and social harmony, which seem to parallel the spiritual reconciliation discussed in Colossians 1:21.

Commentaries

Different Bible commentators have offered various insights into Colossians 1:21.

Matthew Henry's commentary emphasizes the spiritual death that sin brings, necessitating reconciliation with God.

He points out that through Christ, believers are reconciled to God and are presented "holy and unblameable" in His sight.

John Gill remarks on the nature of the Colossians' past estrangement, which he identifies as both external (in their evil actions) and internal (in their minds), causing enmity with God.

Gill also underscores the unilateral action of God in reconciliation, achieved through the death of His Son, Jesus Christ.

Contemporary commentaries focusing on Colossians often draw on the historical context of the epistle, highlighting the significance of Paul's message against the backdrop of first-century religious syncretism and how the idea of reconciliation through Christ would have been particularly potent in a culture with diverse religious and philosophical influences.