THE EPISTLE
OF
PAUL THE APOSTLE
TO THE
COLOSSIANS
Colossians 3 ©
1 The apostle, according to his custom having hitherto propounded the grounds of doctrine, comes in the two following chapters unto exhortations unto piety, and first of all he exhorts them in general that they should seek that which is in heaven. 3 Whereof they have now indeed some beginnings, but expect the full possession at the manifestation of Christ. 5 Afterward sets before their eyes the way which leads thereunto, namely, the mortifying of the old man with his members or vices, which he rehearses. 10 And the putting on of the new man, which is created after God’s image with his spiritual virtues. 16 Adjoins certain means conducing thereunto, such as are the rich indwelling of God’s Word among them, singing of psalms, and the like. 17 Exhorts them that they direct all things to the glory of God. 18 Comes afterwards to special duties, namely, of wives and husbands towards one another. 20 Of children towards their parents, and of fathers towards their children. 22 And finally of servants towards their masters.
IF 1ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are 2above, wherea Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
3Set your affection on things above, not 4on things on the earth.
Forb5ye are dead, and 6your life is 7hidc with Christ in God.
Whend Christ, who is 8our life, 9shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
10Mortifye therefore 11yourf members 12which are upon the earth; fornication, 13uncleanness, inordinateg14affection, evil concupiscence,h and covetousness, whichi is 15idolatry:
Forj which things’ sake 16the wrath of God cometh on the 17children of disobedience:
Ink the which ye also walked 18some time, when ye lived in them.
Butl now ye also put off all these; 19anger, wrath, 20malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
Liem not one to another, seeing that ye have put off 21the old man with his deeds;
Andn have put on the new man, 22which is renewed 23in knowledge aftero the image of him 24that created him:
25Where there is 26neitherp Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, 27Scythian, bondqnor free: but 28Christ is all, and in all.
Putr on therefore, ass the elect of God, holy and 29beloved, 30bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
Forbearing one another, andt forgiving one another, if any man have 31a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
Andu above all these things put on charity, which isv32the bond of perfectness.
And let 33the peace of God 34rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called 35in one body; and 36be ye thankful.
Let 37the word of Christ 38dwell in you richly 39in all wisdom; teachingw and admonishing one another in 40psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing 41with grace 42in your hearts to the Lord.
And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all 43in the name of the Lord Jesus, givingx thanks to God and the Father by him.
Wives,y submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit 44in the Lord.
Husbands,z love your wives, and be not bitter against them.
Children,aa obey your parents 45in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.
Fathers, 46provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.
Servants,ab obey 47in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with 48eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, 49fearing God:
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and 50not unto men;
Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive 51the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
But he that doeth 52wrong shall receive for 53the wrong which he hath done: and there is no 54respect of persons.