Colossians 3 Summary

Paul urges believers to set their hearts and minds on things above, where Christ is, rather than on earthly things. Since they have died with Christ and their life is now hidden in Him, they must put to death sinful behaviors such as sexual immorality, greed, anger, slander, and lying.

Instead, they are to put on the new self, which is being renewed in Christ’s image. In this new life, earthly divisions like Jew or Gentile, slave or free, do not matter—Christ is all and in all.

Paul calls believers to clothe themselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and above all, love, which binds everything together. The peace of Christ should rule in their hearts, and the word of Christ should dwell richly among them, expressed through teaching, encouragement, and songs of worship. Whatever they do, they should do it in the name of the Lord Jesus.

He also gives practical instructions for Christian households: wives should respect their husbands, husbands should love their wives, children should obey their parents, fathers should not embitter their children, and slaves should obey their earthly masters sincerely—ultimately working as for the Lord rather than for men.

Key Themes:

• Seek heavenly values, not earthly ones.
• Put off the old sinful nature; put on the new Christlike nature.
• Unity in Christ transcends divisions.
• Love is the supreme virtue.
• Practical guidance for relationships in the Christian home and daily life.