What does Colossians 3:15 mean?

Explanation

Colossians 3:15 is a call for believers to allow the peace of God to govern their hearts, effectively acting as an arbiter in their relationships and interactions within the Christian community.

This peace is understood to be a gift from God that surpasses human understanding and has the ability to unite believers as one body in Christ.

The verse exhorts believers to be consciously aware of their calling to peace and to express gratitude as a natural response to the unity and peace enjoyed within the body of believers.

Historical Context

The book of Colossians was written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Colossae, a city in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), in the first century AD.

This period was characterized by diverse religious and philosophical beliefs.

The Colossian church was facing threats from false teachings that were a mix of Jewish legalism, Eastern philosophy, and local pagan practices.

Paul's letter aims to counter these influences by emphasizing the supremacy of Christ and encouraging the members to live in a way that reflects their new identity in Him.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse emphasizes the role of peace as a defining characteristic of the Christian community. This peace is often interpreted as not only inner tranquility but also communal harmony, which has been accomplished through the work of Jesus Christ.

From a Reformed perspective, the peace of God is a result of the sovereign grace of God and is part of the believer's sanctification.

A Catholic viewpoint might emphasize the ecclesial aspect of peace, seeing it as part of the unity of the Church, which is the physical body of Christ on earth.

Evangelical traditions may highlight the personal relationship each believer has with God, which leads to the peace that governs one's heart.

Practical Applications

In today's context, this verse can be applied to encourage individuals to seek God’s peace in times of conflict or personal turmoil.

It serves as a reminder to prioritize unity and peace within the Christian community, to handle disagreements with a sense of calm and collectiveness, and to be conscious of the communal aspect of our faith.

Practically, this means being quick to forgive, seeking reconciliation, and maintaining a spirit of thankfulness.

Cross-References

• Philippians 4:7: "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
• Ephesians 4:3: "Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
• Romans 12:18: "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men."
• 1 Thessalonians 5:18: "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

Language Study

In the original Greek, 'peace' is translated from the word 'eirene,' which carries connotations of harmony, concord, and the absence of hostility.

It is akin to the Hebrew 'shalom,' meaning completeness or well-being.

The term 'rule' comes from 'brabeuo,' which means to act as an umpire or to decide.

The phrase 'in your hearts' uses the Greek 'kardia,' signifying the center of physical and spiritual life, including thoughts, passions, desires, and affections.

The word for 'thankful' is 'eucharistoi,' which is connected to 'eucharistia,' meaning gratitude and is at the root of the term Eucharist in Christian tradition.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient cultures, peace was often associated with the absence of war or conflict. Greek and Roman societies had deities that were embodiments of peace but understood primarily in political and civic terms.

In contrast, the peace referenced in Colossians is deeply personal and spiritual.

Ancient myths rarely address the kind of internal peace and community harmony that the Bible promotes.

Judaism, however, shares similarities in understanding peace as 'shalom', a comprehensive sense of well-being that encompasses social, ethical, and spiritual dimensions.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern psychology recognizes the impact of peace and gratitude on overall well-being.

Scientific studies have shown that gratitude is strongly associated with greater happiness, helping people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.

Commentaries

Various Bible commentaries offer different insights into Colossians 3:15:

• The Matthew Henry Commentary emphasizes the serene and peaceful state of a Christian's heart, asserting that peace is the umpire that should rule in it.
• The Pulpit Commentary discusses the social and personal dimensions of this peace, which binds the Christian community together in unity.
• John Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible states that this verse calls for a continued sense of peace among believers, which is a fruit of the Spirit, and promotes an environment conducive to the teaching of Christ.
• William Barclay's Daily Study Bible highlights the transformative power of Christian peace, which transcends simple toleration and moves towards true unity and fellowship within the Church.

These commentaries generally agree on the importance of peace in the life of believers, both personally and collectively, as well as the connection between peace, unity, and gratitude toward God.