Commentary on Colossians 3:7
Text of Colossians 3:7 (KJV): "In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them."
This particular verse serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative experience of salvation and the necessity of living a life consistent with one’s faith. By examining the insights of notable public domain commentaries, we can extract profound theological implications and practical applications relevant for pastors, students, theologians, and scholars.
Contextual Analysis
In the broader context of Colossians 3, the apostle Paul is addressing the ethical implications of the believer's new identity in Christ. The preceding verses encourage believers to set their minds on things above rather than earthly things. Therefore, Colossians 3:7 serves as a reflective statement; it recalls the previous sinful behaviors that should no longer characterize the life of a believer.
Insights from Commentary
Matthew Henry
Historical Perspective: Matthew Henry emphasizes that Paul's admonition is rooted in the understanding that past sins shape the narrative of a believer's life. By stating, "In the which ye also walked," Paul affirms that the practitioners of vice are those who have been redeemed from it. Sin was once a habitual part of their existence.
Transformative Reality: Henry notes that the phrase indicates a transition. The "ye also walked" demonstrates that Christians are called to abandon their former lifestyles. The positioning of this verse within the chapter serves as a powerful juxtaposition to the call for renewal in Christ — believers are new creations, no longer living in the same walk as before their conversion.
Albert Barnes
A Call to Wisdom: Albert Barnes explores the theme of wisdom as it relates to behavior and lifestyle choices. He remarks that believers should reflect on their past transgressions and the grace that has liberated them. This reflection serves as an impetus to live wisely, avoiding the temptations of the old life.
Practical Application: Barnes points out that understanding one's past is crucial for spiritual growth. By acknowledging the ways of the world and the sins that ensnared them, Christians can be better equipped to pursue holiness. He emphasizes living in accordance with the truths of the gospel, demonstrating a life that contrasts sharply with previous behavior.
Adam Clarke
The Nature of Life without Christ: Adam Clarke provides an exegetical examination of the phrase “when ye lived in them.” He highlights that living in sin is an active state, indicating a lack of awareness or unwillingness to recognize the danger one is in without Christ. For Clarke, this serves as a sober warning to take stock of one's spiritual journey.
Encouragement toward Holiness: Clarke also stresses the necessity of continual vigilance against returning to former ways. He encourages believers to cultivate the fruits of the Spirit, asserting that they must actively pursue a life that reflects Christ’s righteousness, contrasting starkly with their previous conduct.
Theological Reflections
The Doctrine of Sanctification: As echoed through the insights of these commentators, Colossians 3:7 reinforces the doctrine of sanctification — the ongoing process by which believers are made holy, set apart for God’s purposes. The declaration of past actions is not merely historical; it’s a call to active change and growth in Christ.
Moral Responsibility: This verse highlights the moral responsibilities that accompany salvation. Believers are not just passive recipients of grace but are actively involved in the moral and ethical implications of their new identity. The acknowledgment of past sins serves to motivate believers toward righteousness.
Conclusion
Colossians 3:7, when understood in light of the insights from Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke, provides deep theological reflection and practical wisdom for the contemporary believer. It calls for a recognition of one’s past and a strong reminder of the transformative power of the gospel. As pastors, students, theologians, and scholars engage with this text, may they be inspired to reflect on their lives, yield to the leading of the Holy Spirit, and bear witness to the change that comes through Christ.
