The Chosen and Beloved: Clothed in Christ's Virtues and Peace
A Christ-centered community is marked by compassion, forgiveness, Word-saturation, peace, and gratitude.
Colossians 3:12–17 (BSB)
12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
13 Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
14 And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity.
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for to this you were called as members of one body. And be thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.
17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
What is the big idea of Colossians 3:12–17?
A Christ-centered community is marked by compassion, forgiveness, Word-saturation, peace, and gratitude.
How does Colossians 3:12–17 point to Christ?
Because Christ forgave believers through His atoning death and secured their status as chosen and beloved, they now live under His peace and Word, extending forgiveness and obedience in grateful response to His saving work.
How does Colossians 3:12–17 relate to the life and ministry of Jesus?
The character commanded here reflects the life and saving work of Christ. Believers forgive because the Lord forgave them. They pursue peace because Christ is their peace. They let the word of Christ dwell richly because Christ is the revealed mystery and wisdom of God. They do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus because he is the enthroned Lord and mediator through whom thanksgiving is given to the Father.
Authorial Intent
To instruct believers, as God’s chosen and beloved people, to clothe themselves with Christlike virtues and live under the governing peace and Word of Christ in grateful obedience.
Literary Context
Colossians 3:12-17 follows the command to put to death earthly sin and put off old-self practices in Colossians 3:5-11. Paul now gives the positive clothing of the new self. The passage explains what the renewed community looks like when Christ is all and in all: Christlike virtue, forgiveness, love, peace, thankfulness, word-shaped worship, mutual teaching, and comprehensive life under the name of Jesus.
Chapter: Colossians 3
Raised with Christ: Putting Off the Old Life and Putting On the New
Because believers have been raised with Christ and their life is hidden with him, they must put off the old life, put on the new, and bring every relationship and action under the lordship of Christ.