Colossians 3:1-11 - Seeking The "things That Are Above"
Let us repeat the glorious truth, which was doubtless the heart of Paul's teaching, that our old nature has been nailed in Christ to the Cross, and laid in the grave; and that our real self, the second Adam, has entered the new world of resurrection. We belong to the world on the threshold of which Jesus said, "Touch me not, for I am not yet ascended." We must guard against the defiling touch of the world, of sin, and of the old self-life. We stand between two worlds, each solicits us: let us yield to the influences that pull us upward, and not to those that anchor us to this sinful and vain world. Our eternal blessedness has begun, let us walk in it.
In Christ we profess to have put off the old man, i.e., the habits of our former life, Colossians 3:9; now let us actually do so, in the power of the Holy Spirit. We profess to have put on the risen Christ, Colossians 3:10; now let us don the attire and habits of the new man. Too many Christians resemble Lazarus, quickened from his death-sleep, but still arrayed in grave-clothes. Too few array themselves in the radiant beauty of the risen Lord, which is the common heritage of all who believe in Him, whatever their rank or nationality. [source]
Chapter Summary: Colossians 3
1He shows where we should seek Christ 5He exhorts to holiness; 10to put off the old self, and put on Christ; 12exhorting to charity, humility, 18and other duties
Greek Commentary for Colossians 3:7
Walked aforetime [περιεπατησατε ποτε] First aorist (constative) indicative referring to their previous pagan state. [source]
When ye lived [οτε εζητε] Imperfect active indicative of ζαω zaō to live, “ye used to live” (customary action). Sharp distinction in the tenses. [source]
In the which [ἐν οἷς] The omission of upon the children, etc., necessitates the reference to which things (Colossians 3:6) Otherwise we might render among whom. [source]
Walked - lived [] Walked, referring to their practice, lived, to their condition. Their conduct and their condition agreed. Compare Galatians 5:25. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Colossians 3:7
Hebrews 13:9Which have not profited them that have been occupied therein [ἐν οἶς οὐκ ὠφελήθησαν οἱ περιπατοῦντες] Lit. in the which they who walked were not profited. Περιπατεῖν towalk about is often used to express habitual practice or general conduct of life. See Romans 6:4; 2 Corinthians 10:3; Ephesians 2:10; Colossians 3:7; Colossians 4:5. [source]
What do the individual words in Colossians 3:7 mean?
Greek Commentary for Colossians 3:7
First aorist (constative) indicative referring to their previous pagan state. [source]
Imperfect active indicative of ζαω zaō to live, “ye used to live” (customary action). Sharp distinction in the tenses. [source]
The omission of upon the children, etc., necessitates the reference to which things (Colossians 3:6) Otherwise we might render among whom. [source]
Walked, referring to their practice, lived, to their condition. Their conduct and their condition agreed. Compare Galatians 5:25. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Colossians 3:7
Emphatic form of νυν nun in decided contrast (to ποτε pote in Colossians 3:7) in the resurrection life of Colossians 2:12; Colossians 3:1. [source]
Lit. in the which they who walked were not profited. Περιπατεῖν towalk about is often used to express habitual practice or general conduct of life. See Romans 6:4; 2 Corinthians 10:3; Ephesians 2:10; Colossians 3:7; Colossians 4:5. [source]