Chapter 3
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The
Colossians exhorted to be heavenly-minded
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1–4
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to
mortify all corrupt affections
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5–11
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to
live in mutual love, forbearance, and forgiveness
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12–17
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and
to practise the duties of wives and husbands, children, parents, and servants
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18–25
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Verses 1–4
As Christians are freed from the ceremonial law, they must
walk the more closely with God in gospel obedience. As heaven and earth are
contrary one to the other, both cannot be followed together; and affection to
the one will weaken and abate affection to the other. Those that are born again
are dead to sin, because its dominion is broken, its power gradually subdued by
the operation of grace, and it shall at length be extinguished by the
perfection of glory. To be dead, then, means this, that those who have the Holy
Spirit, mortifying within them the lusts of the flesh, are able to despise
earthly things, and to desire those that are heavenly. Christ is, at present,
one whom we have not seen; but our comfort is, that our life is safe with him.
The streams of this living water flow into the soul by the influences of the
Holy Spirit, through faith. Christ lives in the believer by his Spirit, and the
believer lives to him in all he does. At the second coming of Christ, there
will be a general assembling of all the redeemed; and those whose life is now
hid with Christ, shall then appear with him in his glory. Do we look for such
happiness, and should we not set our affections upon that world, and live above
this?
Verses 5–11
It is our duty to mortify our members which incline to the
things of the world. Mortify them, kill them, suppress them, as weeds or vermin
which spread and destroy all about them. Continual opposition must be made to
all corrupt workings, and no provision made for carnal indulgences. Occasions
of sin must be avoided: the lusts of the flesh, and the love of the world; and
covetousness, which is idolatry; love of present good, and of outward
enjoyments. It is necessary to mortify sins, because if we do not kill them,
they will kill us. The gospel changes the higher as well as the lower powers of
the soul, and supports the rule of right reason and conscience, over appetite
and passion. There is now no difference from country, or conditions and
circumstances of life. It is the duty of every one to be holy, because Christ
is a Christian’s All, his only Lord and Saviour, and all his hope and
happiness.
Verses 12–17
We must not only do no hurt to any, but do what good we can
to all. Those who are the elect of God, holy and beloved, ought to be lowly and
compassionate towards all. While in this world, where there is so much
corruption in our hearts, quarrels will sometimes arise. But it is our duty to
forgive one another, imitating the forgiveness through which we are saved. Let
the peace of God rule in your hearts; it is of his working in all who are his.
Thanksgiving to God, helps to make us agreeable to all men. The gospel is the
word of Christ. Many have the word, but it dwells in them poorly; it has no
power over them. The soul prospers, when we are full of the Scriptures and of
the grace of Christ. But when we sing psalms, we must be affected with what we
sing. Whatever we are employed about, let us do every thing in the name of the
Lord Jesus, and in believing dependence on him. Those who do all in Christ’s
name, will never want matter of thanksgiving to God, even the Father.
Verses 18–25
The epistles most taken up in displaying the glory of the
Divine grace, and magnifying the Lord Jesus, are the most particular in
pressing the duties of the Christian life. We must never separate the
privileges and duties of the gospel. Submission is the duty of wives. But it is
submission, not to a severe lord or stern tyrant, but to her own husband, who
is engaged to affectionate duty. And husbands must love their wives with tender
and faithful affection. Dutiful children are the most likely to prosper. And
parents must be tender, as well as children obedient. Servants are to do their
duty, and obey their masters’ commands, in all things consistent with duty to God
their heavenly Master. They must be both just and diligent; without selfish
designs, or hypocrisy and disguise. Those who fear God, will be just and
faithful when from under their master’s eye, because they know they are under
the eye of God. And do all with diligence, not idly and slothfully; cheerfully,
not discontented at the providence of God which put them in that relation. And
for servants’ encouragement, let them know, that in serving their masters
according to the command of Christ, they serve Christ, and he will give them a
glorious reward at last. But, on the other hand, he who doeth wrong, shall
receive for the wrong which he hath done. God will punish the unjust, as well
as reward the faithful servant; and the same if masters wrong their servants.
For the righteous Judge of the earth will deal justly between master and
servant. Both will stand upon a level at his tribunal. How happy would true
religion make the world, if it every where prevailed, influenced every state of
things, and every relation of life! But the profession of those persons who are
regardless of duties, and give just cause for complaint to those they are
connected with, deceives themselves, as well as brings reproach on the gospel.
Excerpt from:
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Bible
Matthew Henry (1662 - 1714)
www.e-sword.net
or www.ccel.org
