What does Colossians 3:12 mean?

Explanation

Colossians 3:12 urges the members of the church in Colossae to live in a way that reflects their status as "the elect of God." Being elected or chosen by God carries a responsibility to embody virtues such as compassion ("bowels of mercies"), kindness, humility ("humbleness of mind"), gentleness ("meekness"), and patience ("longsuffering").

The apostle Paul is addressing believers, reminding them that they are loved by God and, as such, should practice behaviors that resonate with their identity in Christ.

This exhortation encourages the believers to clothe themselves with these virtues as they interact with one another, suggesting that these qualities should be as integral to their character as the clothes they wear.

Historical Context

Colossians was written by the Apostle Paul in approximately 60-62 A.D. while he was imprisoned in Rome.

The letter was intended for the fellowship of believers in the ancient city of Colossae, located in modern-day Turkey.

During this time, the early church faced both external persecutions and internal theological challenges, including false teachings that combined elements of Christianity with local pagan beliefs and philosophies, a phenomenon known as syncretism.

Paul's epistle addresses these challenges by emphasizing the supremacy of Christ and the sufficiency of following Him.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, Colossians 3:12 can be seen as a demonstration of sanctification, the process by which believers are increasingly conformed to the image of Christ.

This verse also reflects the concept of imitatio Christi, or the imitation of Christ, where believers strive to reflect Jesus' characteristics in their lives.

The virtues listed serve as a contrast to the "old self," which believers are called to put away earlier in the chapter.

Key theological terms include "elect," which signifies God's sovereign choice of individuals for salvation, and the language of putting on virtue, which recalls baptismal imagery of putting on Christ.

Practical Applications

Colossians 3:12 encourages individuals to actively practice virtues conducive to harmony and love within their communities. It serves as a practical behavioral guideline for everyday interactions, fostering an environment of support and forgiveness among believers.

The phrase "bowels of mercies" signifies deep compassion, which translates to being empathetic and responsive to others' needs.

In modern settings, this could mean volunteering, offering emotional support, or showing patience in difficult circumstances.

Each of the virtues, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, has practical implications for how one treats fellow humans and responds to life's challenges.

Cross-References

• Ephesians 4:1-2: "I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;"
• Galatians 5:22-23: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."
• 1 Peter 3:8: "Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:"
• 2 Peter 1:5-7: "And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;"

Language Study

Key words in Colossians 3:12 from the original Greek text include:

• "Elect" (ἐκλεκτοί - eklektoi): chosen or selected.
• "Holy" (ἅγιοι - hagioi): set apart, sanctified, or consecrated.
• "Beloved" (ἀγαπητοί - agapētoi): dearly loved or cherished.
• "Bowels of mercies" (σπλάγχνα οἰκτιρμοῦ - splagchna oiktirmou): a deep feeling of compassion; 'bowels' were thought to be the seat of emotion.
• "Kindness" (χρηστότητα - chrēstotēta): goodness or benevolence.
• "Humbleness of mind" (ταπεινοφροσύνην - tapeinophrosynēn): humility or modesty in one's thinking.
• "Meekness" (πραΰτητα - praÿtēta): gentleness or mildness.
• "Longsuffering" (μακροθυμίαν - makrothymian): patience or endurance.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the broader context of ancient religions and cultures, virtues such as humility, kindness, and patience were also valued.

For instance, similar ethical injunctions can be found in the moral teachings of Stoicism, which emphasized self-control and the development of personal virtues.

In Judaism, the practice of gemilut hasadim, or acts of loving-kindness, mirrors the Christian call for acts of mercy and kindness.

However, the concept of being "chosen" or "elect" by a deity has particular resonance within the monotheistic tradition of the Abrahamic faiths.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern psychology aligns with many of the virtues mentioned in Colossians 3:12, recognizing the positive impact of compassion, kindness, and humility on mental health and social relationships.

The scientific field of positive psychology, in particular, studies strengths that enable individuals and communities to thrive.

Scientific studies suggest that engaging in compassionate behavior not only benefits recipients but also enhances the well-being and life satisfaction of those who practice it.

commentaries

Commentators have taken various views on Colossians 3:12, with many underscoring the importance of the virtues listed as fundamental Christian characteristics.

Matthew Henry's Commentary, for example, emphasizes that these virtues represent the "regenerated new man," who acts according to God's will.

John Calvin highlights the corporate aspect, noting that "the perfection of the godly consists in unity," with love binding everything together.

Contemporary scholars often focus on the counter-cultural nature of these virtues in Paul's time, as they often run counter to the values of the surrounding society, and their relevance to present-day believers.