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2COLfrontintrod9hy0# Introduction to Colossians<br><br>## Part 1: General Introduction<br><br>### Outline of the Book of Colossians<br><br>1. Greeting, thanksgiving, and prayer (1:1-12)<br>1. The person and work of Christ<br> - Deliverance and redemption (1:13-14)<br> - Christ: the Image of the invisible God, and the One who is over all creation (1:15-17)<br> - Christ is the Head of the Church, and the Church trusts in him (1:18-2:7)<br>1. Tests of faithfulness<br> - Warnings against false teachers (2:8-19)<br> - True godliness is not rigid rules and unbending traditions (2:20-23)<br>1. Teaching and living<br> - Life in Christ (3:1-4)<br> - Old and new life (3:5-17)<br> - Christian family (3:18-4:1)<br>1. Christian behavior (4:2-6)<br>1. Closing and greetings<br> - Paul thanks Tychicus and Onesimus (4:7-9)<br> - Paul sends greetings from his associates (4:10-14)<br> - Paul gives directions to Archippus and the Christians in Laodicea (4:15-17)<br> - Pauls personal greeting (4:18)<br><br>### Who wrote the Book of Colossians?<br><br>Paul wrote the Book of Colossians. Paul was from the city of Tarsus. He had been known as Saul in his early life. Before becoming a Christian, Paul was a Pharisee. He persecuted Christians. After he became a Christian, he traveled several times throughout the Roman Empire telling people about Jesus.<br><br>Paul wrote this letter while in prison in Rome.<br><br>### What is the Book of Colossians about?<br><br>Paul wrote this letter to the believers in the Asia Minor city of Colossae. The main purpose of this letter was to defend the gospel against false teachers. He did this by praising Jesus as the image of God, sustainer of all things, and head of the church. Paul wanted them to understand that only Christ is needed for God to accept them.<br><br>### How should the title of this book be translated?<br><br>Translators may choose to call this book by its traditional title, “Colossians.” Or they may choose a clearer title, such as “Pauls Letter to the Church in Colossae,” or “A Letter to the Christians in Colossae.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])<br><br>## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts<br><br>### What were the religious issues that the church in Colossae struggled with?<br><br>In the church in Colossae, there were false teachers. Their exact teaching is unknown. But they probably taught their followers to worship angels and to obey strict rules about religious ceremonies. They probably also taught that a person must be circumcised and can only eat certain types of food. Paul said these false teachings came from the minds of men and not from God.<br><br>### How did Paul use the imagery of heaven and earth?<br><br>In this letter, Paul frequently spoke of heaven as “above.” He distinguished it from the earth, which Scripture speaks of as being “below.” The purpose of this imagery was to teach Christians to live in a way that honors God who lives in heaven above. Paul is not teaching that the earth or the physical world is evil. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/evil]])<br><br>## Part 3: Important Translation Issues<br><br>### How are the ideas of “holy” and “sanctify” represented in Colossians in the ULT?<br><br>The scriptures use such words to indicate any one of various ideas. For this reason, it is often difficult for translators to represent them well in their versions. In Colossians, these words usually indicate a simple reference to Christians without implying any particular role filled by them. So Colossians in the ULT uses “believers” or “those who believe in him.” (See: 1:2, 12, 26)<br><br>### Was Jesus created or is he eternal?<br><br>Jesus was not a created being but has always existed as God. Jesus also became a human being. There is potential for confusion in Colossians 1:15 where it says Jesus “is the firstborn of all creation.” This statement means that Jesus is dominant over all of creation. It does not mean that he was the first thing God created. Translators should be careful not to imply that Jesus is a created being.<br><br>### What does Paul mean by the expression “in Christ,” “in the Lord,” etc.?<br><br>Paul meant to express the idea of a very close union with Christ and the believers. See the introduction to the book of Romans for more details about this kind of expression.<br><br>### What are the major issues in the text of the Book of Colossians?<br><br>For the following verses, some modern versions of the Bible differ from older versions. The ULT text has the modern reading and puts the older reading in a footnote. If a translation of the Bible exists in the general region, translators should consider using the reading found in those versions. If not, translators are advised to follow the modern reading.<br>* “May grace be to you, and peace from God our Father” (1:2). Some older versions have a longer reading: “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”<br>* “Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf” (1:7). Some older versions read “for you”: “Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant, a faithful servant of Christ for you.”<br>* “the Father, who has made you able to have a share in the inheritance of the believers in light” (1:12). Some older versions read, “the Father, who has qualified us for a share in the inheritance in light.”<br>* “In his Son we have redemption” (1:14). Some older versions read, “In his Son we have redemption through his blood.”<br>* “and forgave us all of our trespasses” (2:13). Some older versions read: “and forgave you all of your trespasses.”<br>* “When Christ appears, who is your life” (3:4). Some older versions read, “When Christ appears, who is our life.”<br>* “It is for these things that the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience” (3:6). The ULT, UST, and many other modern versions read this way. However, some modern and older versions read, “It is for these things that the wrath of God is coming.”<br>* “I sent him to you for this, that you might know the matters about us” (4:8). Some older versions read, “I sent him to you for this, that he might know the matters about you.”<br><br>(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])
3COL1introgtm30# Colossians 01 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>As in a typical letter, Paul begins his letter in verses 1-2 by introducing Timothy and himself to the Christians in Colossae.<br><br>Paul writes much of this chapter around two subjects: who Christ is, and what Christ has done for the Christian.<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Secret truth<br><br>Paul refers to a “secret truth” in this chapter. The role of the church in the plans of God was once unknown. But God has now revealed it. Part of this involves the Gentiles having equal standing with the Jews in the plans of God. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/reveal]])<br><br>## Important figures of speech in this chapter<br><br>### Images for Christian living<br><br>Paul uses many different images to describe Christian living. In this chapter, he uses the images of “walking” and “bearing fruit.” (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/fruit]])<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### Paradox<br><br>A paradox is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. Verse 24 is a paradox: “Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you.” People do not usually rejoice when they suffer. But in verses 25-29 Paul explains why his suffering is good. ([Colossians 1:24](../../col/01/24.md))
4COL11h5gl0General Information:Though this letter is from Paul and Timothy to the Colossian believers, later in the letter Paul makes it clear that he is the writer. Most likely Timothy was with him and wrote the words down as Paul spoke.
5COL11nlf1figs-exclusive0General Information:Throughout this letter the words “we,” “our,” and “ours” include the Colossians unless noted otherwise. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
6COL11bqvtfigs-you0General Information:The words “you,” “your,” and “yours” refer to the Colossian believers and so are plural unless noted otherwise. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
7COL11fny3ἀπόστολος Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ διὰ θελήματος Θεοῦ1an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God“whom God chose to be an apostle of Christ Jesus”
8COL13q1sufigs-exclusiveεὐχαριστοῦμεν…τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν1We give thanks … of our LordThese words do not include the Colossians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
9COL14z6ebτὴν πίστιν ὑμῶν ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ1your faith in Christ Jesus“your belief in Christ Jesus”
10COL15n1qzfigs-metonymyδιὰ τὴν ἐλπίδα τὴν ἀποκειμένην ὑμῖν ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς1because of the hope that is reserved for you in the heavensHere, **hope** stands for what the believer can confidently expect, that is, the things that God has promised to do for all believers. These things are spoken of as if they were physical objects that God was keeping in the **heavens** for the believers to possess later. Alternate translation: “because you are certain that God, who is in heaven, will do the many good things that he has promised you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
11COL15xn8sτῷ λόγῳ τῆς ἀληθείας, τοῦ εὐαγγελίου1the word of truth, the gospelThis could mean: (1) “the message about the truth, the gospel” or (2) “the true message, the gospel.”
12COL16wk21figs-metaphorἐστὶν καρποφορούμενον καὶ αὐξανόμενον1it is … bearing fruit and is growingHere, **fruit** is a metaphor for “result” or “outcome.” Alternate translation: “it is … having good results, more and more” or “this gospel is … having increasing results” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
13COL16z3g5figs-hyperboleἐν παντὶ τῷ κόσμῳ1in all the worldThis is a generalization referring to the part of the **world** that they knew about. Alternate translation: “throughout the world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
14COL16ait7τὴν χάριν τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐν ἀληθείᾳ1the grace of God in truth“the true grace of God”
15COL17f8t1figs-exclusiveἡμῶν…ἡμῶν1our … ourThe word **our** does not include the Colossians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
16COL17mjv5ἐμάθετε ἀπὸ Ἐπαφρᾶ, τοῦ ἀγαπητοῦ συνδούλου ἡμῶν, ὅς1gospel as you learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant, who“you learned from Epaphras, who is our beloved fellow servant and who” or “Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant, taught you. He”
17COL17q8gtἘπαφρᾶ, τοῦ ἀγαπητοῦ συνδούλου ἡμῶν, ὅς ἐστιν πιστὸς ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν διάκονος τοῦ Χριστοῦ1Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalfHere, **on our behalf** means that Epaphras was doing work for Christ that Paul himself would have done if he were not in prison.
18COL17pz3htranslate-namesἘπαφρᾶ1EpaphrasThis is the man who preached the gospel to the people in Colossae. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
19COL18k2k9figs-exclusiveἡμῖν1to usThe word **us** does not include the Colossians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
20COL18e7ezfigs-metaphorτὴν ὑμῶν ἀγάπην ἐν Πνεύματι1your love in the SpiritPaul speaks of the Holy Spirit as if he were a place in which the believers were located. Alternate translation: “how the Holy Spirit has enabled you to love believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
21COL19iyq40Connecting Statement:Because the Spirit has enabled them to love others, Paul prays for them and tells them here how he prays for them.
22COL19s83eδιὰ τοῦτο1Because of this“Because the Holy Spirit has enabled you to love other believers”
23COL19f2xdfigs-exclusiveἡμεῖς…ἠκούσαμεν, οὐ παυόμεθα1we heard this … we … have not stoppedThe word **we** does not include the Colossians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
24COL19u7zhἀφ’ ἧς ἡμέρας ἠκούσαμεν1from the day we heard this“from the day Epaphras told us these things”
25COL19w2a7figs-metaphorἵνα πληρωθῆτε τὴν ἐπίγνωσιν τοῦ θελήματος αὐτοῦ1that you might be filled with the knowledge of his willPaul speaks of the Colossian believers as though they were containers. Alternate translation: “that God would fill you with what you need to know so that you can do his will” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
26COL19mzz8ἐν πάσῃ σοφίᾳ καὶ συνέσει πνευματικῇ1in all wisdom and spiritual understanding“, so that the Holy Spirit will make you wise and able to understand what God wants you to do”
27COL110m4hffigs-metaphorπεριπατῆσαι ἀξίως τοῦ Κυρίου1that you will walk worthily of the LordHere to **walk** signifies behavior in life. Alternate translation: “to live the way God expects you to” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
28COL110vv4gεἰς πᾶσαν ἀρεσκείαν1in every pleasing way“in ways that will please the Lord”
29COL110vfp3figs-metaphorκαρποφοροῦντες1bearing fruitPaul is speaking of the Colossian believers as if they were trees or plants. As a plant grows and bears **fruit**, so also believers are to keep getting to know God better and doing good deeds. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
30COL111gxv6figs-activepassiveδυναμούμενοι1being strengthenedThis can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God strengthening you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
31COL111mzf2figs-metaphorεἰς πᾶσαν ὑπομονὴν καὶ μακροθυμίαν1to all endurance and patiencePaul speaks of the Colossian believers as if God would move them into a location of **endurance** and **patience**. In reality, he is praying that they will never stop trusting in God and that they will be completely patient as they honor him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
32COL112t5lwἱκανώσαντι ὑμᾶς εἰς τὴν μερίδα1who has made you able to share“who has allowed you to share”
33COL112lt2qἱκανώσαντι ὑμᾶς1who has made you ableHere Paul is focusing on his readers as receivers of Gods blessings. But he does not mean that he himself has no share in those blessings.
34COL112r2zwfigs-metaphorτοῦ κλήρου1the inheritanceReceiving what God has promised believers is spoken of as if it were inheriting property and wealth from a family member. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
35COL112hkf5figs-metaphorἐν τῷ φωτί1in the lightThis idea is opposite to the idea of the dominion of darkness in the next verse. Alternate translation: “in the glory of his presence” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
36COL113g9d30Connecting Statement:Paul talks about the ways in which Christ is excellent.
37COL113dw5kfigs-metaphorτῆς ἐξουσίας τοῦ σκότους1the authority of darknessHere, **darkness** is a metaphor for evil. Alternate translation: “the evil forces that controlled us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
38COL113zav6guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτοῦ Υἱοῦ τῆς ἀγάπης αὐτοῦ1of his beloved Son“Son” is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
39COL114wh6qfigs-metaphorἐν ᾧ1in whomPaul often speaks as if the believers were **in** Jesus Christ or “in” God. This can be translated as the beginning of a new sentence. Alternate translation: “by means of whom” or “by means of his Son” or “because of his Son” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
40COL114v5d8figs-abstractnounsἔχομεν τὴν ἀπολύτρωσιν, τὴν ἄφεσιν τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν1we have redemption, the forgiveness of sinsThe nouns **redemption** and **forgiveness** can be translated as verbs. Alternate translation: “we are redeemed; our sins are forgiven” or “God redeems us; he forgives our sins” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
41COL115j5u9figs-metaphorὅς ἐστιν εἰκὼν τοῦ Θεοῦ τοῦ ἀοράτου1He is the image of the invisible God“His Son is the image of the invisible God.” Here, **image** does not mean a representation of something that is visible. Instead, **image** here means that by knowing the Son, we learn what God the Father is like. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
42COL115h945figs-metaphorπρωτότοκος πάσης κτίσεως1the firstborn of all creationThe word **firstborn** does not refer to when Jesus was born. Instead, it refers to his position as the eternal Son of God the Father. In this sense, **firstborn** is a metaphor meaning “most important.” Jesus is the most important and the unique Son of God. Alternate Translation: “Gods Son, the most important one over all creation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
43COL115af6bfigs-abstractnounsπάσης κτίσεως1of all creationThe noun **creation** can be translated with a verb. Alternate Translation: “of all that God created” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
44COL116kru3figs-activepassiveὅτι ἐν αὐτῷ ἐκτίσθη τὰ πάντα1For in him all things were createdThis can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “For through him God created all things” or “God caused the Son to create all things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
45COL116zl7jfigs-activepassiveτὰ πάντα δι’ αὐτοῦ καὶ εἰς αὐτὸν ἔκτισται1all things were created through him and for himThis can be stated in active form. God caused the Son to create all things for the Sons glory. Alternate translation: “for by him and for him God created all things” or “God caused him to create all things for himself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
46COL117wk9yαὐτός ἐστιν πρὸ πάντων1he is before all things“it is he who existed before all things”
47COL117m4lpfigs-metaphorτὰ πάντα ἐν αὐτῷ συνέστηκεν1in him all things hold togetherPaul is speaking here of the Son controlling all things as if he were physically holding them together. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
48COL118qsf3αὐτός ἐστιν ἡ κεφαλὴ1he is the head“Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is the head”
49COL118q8i3figs-metaphorαὐτός ἐστιν ἡ κεφαλὴ τοῦ σώματος, τῆς ἐκκλησίας1he is the head of the body, the churchPaul speaks of Jesus position over the **church** as if he were the **head** on the human **body**. As the head rules the body, so does Jesus rule the church. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
50COL118j6uqἡ ἀρχή1the beginning“the originating authority.” He is the first chief or founder.
51COL118s12xπρωτότοκος ἐκ τῶν νεκρῶν1the firstborn from among the deadJesus is the first person to die and come back to life, never to die again.
52COL120as3pδιὰ τοῦ αἵματος τοῦ σταυροῦ αὐτοῦ1through the blood of his cross“by means of the blood Jesus shed on the cross”
53COL120x5avfigs-metonymyτοῦ αἵματος τοῦ σταυροῦ αὐτοῦ1the blood of his crossHere, **blood** stands for the death of Christ on the cross. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
54COL121kv5u0Connecting Statement:Paul makes it clear that God has now revealed that Christ exchanges the sin of Gentile believers for his holiness.
55COL121imq1καὶ ὑμᾶς ποτε1At one time, you also“There was a time when you Colossian believers also”
56COL121wp3tἀπηλλοτριωμένους1alienated“like people whom God did not know”
57COL122ejt4figs-metaphorπαραστῆσαι ὑμᾶς ἁγίους, καὶ ἀμώμους, καὶ ἀνεγκλήτους, κατενώπιον αὐτοῦ1to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before himPaul is describing the Colossians as though Jesus had physically cleaned them, put them in clean clothes, and brought them to stand before God the Father. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
58COL122u94jfigs-parallelismἀμώμους, καὶ ἀνεγκλήτους1blameless and above reproachPaul uses two words that mean almost the same thing to emphasize the idea of perfection. Alternate translation: “perfect” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
59COL122lf5afigs-metaphorκατενώπιον αὐτοῦ1before himThis expression of location stands for “in Gods view” or “in Gods mind” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
60COL123d9kgfigs-activepassiveτοῦ κηρυχθέντος1which was proclaimedthat believers proclaimed (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
61COL123q21bἐν πάσῃ κτίσει τῇ ὑπὸ τὸν οὐρανόν1to every creature that is under heaven“to every person in the world”
62COL123g8iqfigs-metonymyοὗ ἐγενόμην ἐγὼ Παῦλος διάκονος1of which I, Paul, became a servantPaul was actually a **servant** of God. Alternate translation: “the gospel that I, Paul, serve God by proclaiming” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
63COL124rcw3ἀνταναπληρῶ τὰ ὑστερήματα τῶν θλίψεων τοῦ Χριστοῦ ἐν τῇ σαρκί μου1I fill up in my flesh the lack of the afflictions of ChristPaul speaks about the suffering that he continues to experience. He may be acknowledging here that there is much suffering that he and all other Christians must endure before Christ comes again, and that Christ in a spiritual sense joins with them in experiencing these hardships. Paul certainly does not mean that Christs sufferings alone were not enough to provide salvation for the believers.
64COL124fm9yfigs-metaphorἀνταναπληρῶ…ἐν τῇ σαρκί μου1I fill up in my fleshPaul speaks of his body as if it were a container that could hold suffering. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
65COL124mge9figs-metaphorὑπὲρ τοῦ σώματος αὐτοῦ, ὅ ἐστιν ἡ ἐκκλησία1for the sake of his body, which is the churchPaul often speaks of the **church**, the group of all Christian believers, as if it were Christs **body**. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
66COL125t6udfigs-metaphorπληρῶσαι τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ1to fulfill the word of GodThis means to bring about the purpose of Gods gospel message, which is that it be preached and believed. Alternate translation: “to be obedient to what God has instructed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
67COL125x4dlfigs-metonymyπληρῶσαι τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ1to fulfill the word of GodHere, **word of God** is a metonym for the message from God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
68COL126f3mtfigs-activepassiveτὸ μυστήριον τὸ ἀποκεκρυμμένον1the mystery that had been hiddenThis can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the secret truth that God had hidden” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
69COL126z8gvἀπὸ τῶν αἰώνων καὶ ἀπὸ τῶν γενεῶν1from the ages and from the generationsThe words **ages** and **generations** refer to the time period from the creation of the world until the time when the gospel was preached.
70COL126a9kwfigs-activepassiveνῦν…ἐφανερώθη1now has been revealedThis can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “now God has revealed it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
71COL127c8ybfigs-metaphorτὸ πλοῦτος τῆς δόξης τοῦ μυστηρίου τούτου1the riches of the glory of this mysteryPaul speaks of the value of this **mystery** about God as if it were a treasure of material wealth. “riches” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
72COL127c7lnfigs-metaphorΧριστὸς ἐν ὑμῖν1Christ in youPaul speaks of the believers as if they were actual containers in which **Christ** is present. This is one of his ways of expressing the union of the believers with Christ. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
73COL127mr83ἡ ἐλπὶς τῆς δόξης1the hope of glory“so you can confidently expect to share in Gods glory”
74COL128va1xfigs-exclusiveἡμεῖς καταγγέλλομεν…παραστήσωμεν1we proclaim … we may presentThese word **we** does not include the Colossians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
75COL128na8wνουθετοῦντες πάντα ἄνθρωπον1admonishing every man“warning everyone”
76COL128lyz1figs-explicitἵνα παραστήσωμεν πάντα ἄνθρωπον1so that we may present every manYou may need to make explicit to whom they will present every person. Alternate translation: “so that we may present to God every person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
77COL128uk2ifigs-metaphorτέλειον1completeBeing **complete** is a metaphor for being spiritually mature. Alternate translation: “spiritually mature” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
78COL2introp3uc0# Colossians 02 General Notes<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Circumcision and baptism<br><br>In verses 11-12, Paul uses both the old covenant sign of circumcision and the new covenant sign of baptism to show how Christians are united with Christ and freed from sin.<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### Flesh<br><br>This is a complex issue. “Flesh” is possibly a metaphor for our sinful nature. Paul is not teaching that the physical part of man is sinful. Paul appears to be teaching that, while Christians are alive (“in the flesh”), we will continue to sin. But our new nature will be fighting against our old nature. Paul also uses “flesh” in this chapter to refer to the physical body.<br><br>### Implicit information<br><br>Paul mentions several issues in this chapter that imply information about the context of the church in Colossae. It is best to allow the text to remain uncertain over the actual details. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
79COL21tt6v0Connecting Statement:Paul continues to encourage the believers in Colossae and Laodicea to understand that Christ is God and that he lives in believers, so they should live in the same way they received him.
80COL21dqg5ἡλίκον ἀγῶνα ἔχω ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν1how great a struggle I have for youPaul has exerted much effort in developing their purity and understanding of the gospel.
81COL21fn4zτῶν ἐν Λαοδικίᾳ1those at LaodiceaThis was a city very close to Colossae where there was also a church for which Paul was praying.
82COL21rj7dfigs-synecdocheὅσοι οὐχ ἑόρακαν τὸ πρόσωπόν μου ἐν σαρκί1as many as have not seen my face in the fleshHere, **face in the flesh** represents the person as a whole. Alternate translation: “all those who have never seen me personally” or “all those whom I have never met face to face” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
83COL22ge1wfigs-pronounsἵνα…αἱ καρδίαι αὐτῶν1so that their heartsPaul includes the Galatians even though he uses a different pronoun. Alternate translation: “so that their hearts and yours” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns]])
84COL22a4pxσυμβιβασθέντες1having been brought togetherThis means brought together in a close relationship.
85COL22kdg8figs-metaphorπᾶν πλοῦτος τῆς πληροφορίας τῆς συνέσεως1all the riches of the full assurance of understandingPaul speaks of a person who is completely sure that the good news is true as though that person were rich in physical things. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
86COL22qgi2τοῦ μυστηρίου τοῦ Θεοῦ1of the mystery of GodThis is knowledge that can be revealed only by God.
87COL22v13eΧριστοῦ1ChristJesus Christ is the mystery revealed by God.
88COL23w74dfigs-activepassiveἐν ᾧ εἰσιν πάντες οἱ θησαυροὶ τῆς σοφίας καὶ γνώσεως ἀπόκρυφοι1In him all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hiddenOnly Christ can reveal Gods true **wisdom** and **knowledge**. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God has hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge in Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
89COL23w4mrfigs-metaphorοἱ θησαυροὶ τῆς σοφίας καὶ γνώσεως1the treasures of wisdom and knowledgePaul speaks of Gods **wisdom** and **knowledge** as if they were material wealth. Alternate translation: “the very precious wisdom and knowledge” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
90COL23vd98figs-doubletτῆς σοφίας καὶ γνώσεως1of wisdom and knowledgeThese words mean basically the same thing here. Paul uses them together to emphasize that all spiritual understanding comes from Christ. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
91COL24j8diπαραλογίζηται1may deceiveThis means to cause someone to believe something that is not true, so he acts on that belief, and suffers harm as a result.
92COL24y4r3πιθανολογίᾳ1persuasive speechspeech that will make a person think differently
93COL25g1rpfigs-metonymyτῇ σαρκὶ ἄπειμι1I am absent in the fleshThe persons **flesh**, or physical body, is a metonym for the person. Alternate translation: “not physically present with you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
94COL25bz56figs-idiomτῷ πνεύματι σὺν ὑμῖν εἰμι1I am with you in the spiritBeing with someone **in spirit** is a metaphor for thinking continually about that person. Alternate translation: “I continually think about you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
95COL25ev9pτὴν τάξιν1good orderdoing things properly
96COL25hth1τὸ στερέωμα…πίστεως ὑμῶν1the strength of your faith“how nothing and no one can cause you to stop believing”
97COL26m3f1figs-metaphorἐν αὐτῷ περιπατεῖτε1walk in himTo **walk** on a path is a metaphor for how a person lives his life. The words **in him** refer to being in close relationship with Christ and so doing what pleases him. Alternate translation: “live your lives the way he wants you to” or “live so that people can see that you belong to him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
98COL27e2x6figs-idiomἐρριζωμένοι…ἐποικοδομούμενοι ἐν αὐτῷ…βεβαιούμενοι τῇ πίστει…περισσεύοντες ἐν εὐχαριστίᾳ1being rooted … built up in him … confirmed in the faith … abounding in thanksgivingThese words explain what it means to “walk in him.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
99COL27fw47figs-metaphorἐρριζωμένοι1being rootedPaul speaks of a person with true faith in Christ as if that person were a tree growing in solid ground with deep roots. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
100COL27tb5mfigs-metaphorἐποικοδομούμενοι ἐν αὐτῷ1built up in himPaul speaks of a person with true faith in Christ as if that person were a building that has a strong foundation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
101COL27yh83βεβαιούμενοι τῇ πίστει1be confirmed in the faith“trusting in Jesus for everything”
102COL27l1isκαθὼς ἐδιδάχθητε1just as you were taughtThis is best stated without naming or otherwise calling attention to the teacher, who was Epaphras ([Colossians 1:7](../01/07.md)). Alternate translation: “just as you learned” or “just as they taught you” or “just as he taught you”
103COL27j47dfigs-metaphorπερισσεύοντες ἐν εὐχαριστίᾳ1abounding in thanksgivingPaul speaks of **thanksgiving** as if it were objects that a person could obtain more of. Alternate translation: “be very thankful to God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
104COL28cbw50Connecting Statement:Paul urges the believers to be careful not to turn to the words and rules of others because nothing can add to the fullness of God that believers have in Christ.
105COL28ga9lfigs-metaphorὑμᾶς ἔσται ὁ συλαγωγῶν1will be the one who takes you captivePaul speaks of the way a person can believe false teachings (because they believe false things or love the wrong things) as if someone had physically caught and held that person by force. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
106COL28p3vxτῆς φιλοσοφίας1philosophyreligious doctrines and beliefs that are not from Gods word but are based on mans thoughts about God and life
107COL28t8xxfigs-metaphorκενῆς ἀπάτης1empty deceitPaul speaks of false ideas that produce nothing and so are without value as though they are containers with nothing in them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
108COL28l9jtτὴν παράδοσιν τῶν ἀνθρώπων…τὰ στοιχεῖα τοῦ κόσμου1the tradition of men … the elemental teaching of the worldBoth Jewish traditions and pagan (Gentile) belief systems are worthless. The **elemental teaching of the world** perhaps refers to evil spirits that claimed to rule the world and that were adored by people. But some interpreters view the **elemental teaching of the world** as peoples basic teachings about the world.
109COL29ahq5ἐν αὐτῷ κατοικεῖ πᾶν τὸ πλήρωμα τῆς Θεότητος σωματικῶς1in him all the fullness of God dwells in bodily form“Gods total nature lives in physical form in Christ”
110COL210lbk7figs-metaphorἐστὲ ἐν αὐτῷ πεπληρωμένοι1you are filled in himPaul speaks of people as though they were containers into which God has placed Christ. Alternate translation: “You are made complete in Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
111COL210je36figs-metaphorὅς ἐστιν ἡ κεφαλὴ πάσης ἀρχῆς καὶ ἐξουσίας1who is the head of all rule and authorityChrist is the ruler over every other ruler (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
112COL211xeq7figs-metaphorἐν ᾧ καὶ περιετμήθητε1In him you were also circumcisedPaul is speaking of those who belong to Christ as if they were inside Christs body. Alternate translation: “Because you are in Christ, you have been circumcised” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
113COL211f6ekfigs-activepassiveἐν ᾧ καὶ περιετμήθητε1In him you were also circumcisedThis can also be made active. Alternate translation: “In Christ, God circumcised you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
114COL211ii43figs-metaphorπεριτομῇ ἀχειροποιήτῳ1a circumcision made without handsWith this metaphor, Paul says that God has made Christian believers acceptable to himself in a way that reminded him of **circumcision**, the ceremony through which Hebrew male babies were added to the community of Israel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
115COL212ln8efigs-metaphorσυνταφέντες αὐτῷ ἐν τῷ βαπτισμῷ1You were buried with him in baptismPaul speaks of being baptized and joining the assembly of believers as if it were being buried with Christ. Alternate translation: “It is as if you were buried with Christ when you were baptized” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
116COL212r8l8figs-activepassiveσυνταφέντες αὐτῷ ἐν τῷ βαπτισμῷ1You were buried with him in baptismThis can be made active. Alternate translation: “When someone baptized you, it was as if God buried you with Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
117COL212g1rqfigs-metaphorἐν ᾧ…συνηγέρθητε1in him you were raised upWith this metaphor, Paul speaks of the new spiritual life of believers that God made possible by making Christ come alive again. Alternate translation: “in him God caused you to live again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
118COL212yp7ufigs-activepassiveἐν ᾧ…συνηγέρθητε1in him you were raised upThis can be made active. Alternate translation: “because you have joined yourself to Christ, God raised you up” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
119COL212rec6figs-idiomσυνηγέρθητε1you were raised upHere to be **raised up** is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. Alternate translation: “God caused you to live again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
120COL212qcsmfigs-activepassiveσυνηγέρθητε1you were raisedThis can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God raised you up” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
121COL213v6vifigs-metaphorὑμᾶς νεκροὺς ὄντας1you, being deadPaul speaks of unresponsiveness to God as if it were death. Alternate translation: “when you Colossian believers were unable to respond to God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
122COL213f9msfigs-metaphorὑμᾶς νεκροὺς ὄντας…συνεζωοποίησεν ὑμᾶς1you, being dead … he made you alive togetherWith this metaphor Paul speaks of coming into new spiritual life as if it were coming back to life physically. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
123COL213wh4zνεκροὺς…ἐν τοῖς παραπτώμασιν καὶ τῇ ἀκροβυστίᾳ τῆς σαρκὸς ὑμῶν1dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your fleshYou were dead on two accounts: (1) you were spiritually dead, living a life of sin against Christ and (2) you were not circumcised according to the law of Moses.
124COL213k2hwχαρισάμενος ἡμῖν πάντα τὰ παραπτώματα1having forgiven us all of our trespasses“for he forgave us, both us Jews and you Gentiles, of all our trespasses”
125COL214w22zfigs-metaphorἐξαλείψας τὸ καθ’ ἡμῶν χειρόγραφον τοῖς δόγμασιν, ὃ ἦν ὑπεναντίον ἡμῖν1having canceled the written record of the decrees against us, which were opposed to usPaul speaks of the way God forgives our sins as if it were the way a person, to whom many people owe money or goods, destroys the **record** of that debt so they do not have to pay him back. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
126COL215gh24figs-metaphorἐδειγμάτισεν ἐν παρρησίᾳ1he made a public spectacle of themIn Roman times, it was common practice for the Roman armies to have a victory parade when they returned home, displaying all the prisoners they had captured and goods they had obtained. God was victorious over the evil powers and authorities. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
127COL215cg37figs-metonymyἐν αὐτῷ1in the crossHere, **the cross** stands for Christs death on the cross. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
128COL216cii9ἐν βρώσει, καὶ ἐν πόσει1in food or in drinkThe law of Moses included what one can eat and drink. “for what you eat or what you drink”
129COL216b4kdἐν μέρει ἑορτῆς, ἢ νουμηνίας, ἢ Σαββάτων1in regard to a festival, or a new moon, or Sabbath daysThe law of Moses specified the days to celebrate, to worship, and to offer sacrifice. “for the way you celebrate feast days or new moons or the Sabbath”
130COL217ip3afigs-metaphorἅ ἐστιν σκιὰ τῶν μελλόντων, τὸ δὲ σῶμα τοῦ Χριστοῦ1which are a shadow of the things that are coming, but the body is of ChristA **shadow** shows the shape of an object, but it is not the object itself. In a similar way, the festivals, celebrations, and Sabbath show us something about how God would save people, but those things do not save people. The savior is **Christ**. Alternate translation: “which are like a shadow of what would happen, but the reality is Christ” or “which are like a shadow of the savior who would come, but the savior is Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
131COL218zv2tfigs-metaphorμηδεὶς ὑμᾶς καταβραβευέτω1Let no one … deprive you of your prizeHere Paul refers to false teachers as if they were corrupt judges at an athletic contest who would unjustly disqualify the believers from winning the **prize** they deserve, and he speaks of Christ saving a person as if Christ were giving a prize to the winner of such a contest. Alternate translation: “Let no one…disqualify you from winning a prize” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
132COL218b5cefigs-metonymyθέλων ἐν ταπεινοφροσύνῃ1delighting in false humilityThe word **humility** is a metonym for actions one does to make others think that one is humble. Alternate translation: “who wants you to do things to show that you are humble” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
133COL218kn5dfigs-metaphorἃ ἑόρακεν ἐμβατεύων1standing on things he has seenHere Paul speaks about people who claim to have dreams and visions from God and who talk proudly about them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
134COL218p7q4figs-activepassiveεἰκῇ φυσιούμενος ὑπὸ τοῦ νοὸς τῆς σαρκὸς αὐτοῦ1becoming puffed up without cause by the mind of his fleshHere Paul says that sinful ways of thinking make a person arrogant. Alternate translation: “puffing himself up by means of his fleshly thinking” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
135COL218wp42figs-metaphorφυσιούμενος1becoming puffed upHere a person who boasts is spoken of as if he were an object into which someone had blown air to make it larger than it should be. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
136COL218if94figs-metaphorτοῦ νοὸς τῆς σαρκὸς αὐτοῦ1the mind of his fleshHere the idea of **flesh** stands for the sinful human nature. “the sinful thoughts he naturally thinks” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
137COL219m2dzfigs-metaphorοὐ κρατῶν τὴν κεφαλήν1not holding on to the headA person not trusting in Christ is spoken of has if they do not hold firmly to the **head**. Christ is spoken of as if he were the **head** of a body. Alternate translation: “not firmly grasping Christ, who is like the head of a body” or “not clinging to Christ, who is like the head of a body” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
138COL219r4cafigs-metaphorἐξ οὗ πᾶν τὸ σῶμα διὰ τῶν ἁφῶν καὶ συνδέσμων ἐπιχορηγούμενον καὶ συμβιβαζόμενον1from which the whole body throughout the joints and ligaments is being supplied and held togetherPaul speaks of the church, which is ruled and empowered by Christ, as if it were a human **body**. Alternate translation: “from which God supplies the whole body throughout its joints and ligaments and holds it together” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
139COL220yg7hfigs-metaphorεἰ ἀπεθάνετε σὺν Χριστῷ ἀπὸ τῶν στοιχείων τοῦ κόσμου1If you died with Christ from the elemental principles of the worldWith this metaphor, Paul speaks of a believer as a person who is spiritually united with Christ: as **Christ** **died**, so the believer has spiritually died; as Christ has come back to life, so the believer has come back to spiritual life, that is, to responsiveness to God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
140COL220uu77ὡς ζῶντες ἐν κόσμῳ δογματίζεσθε1as living in the world, are you being subjected to its decrees“do you think you must obey the desires of the world”
141COL220fe1kfigs-metonymyτοῦ κόσμου1of the worldthe thoughts, desires, and assumptions of the sinful majority of the worlds people (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
142COL221v9e70Connecting Statement:The rhetorical question that begins with the words “why do you live as obligated to the world” in verse 20 ends here.
143COL221b392μὴ ἅψῃ! μηδὲ γεύσῃ! μηδὲ θίγῃς!1You may not handle, nor taste, nor touch!Paul is quoting what other people have been telling the Colossians.
144COL223y2dcἅτινά…λόγον μὲν ἔχοντα σοφίας ἐν ἐθελοθρησκείᾳ καὶ ταπεινοφροσύνῃ, ἀφειδίᾳ σώματος1These, having indeed a word of wisdom in self-made religion and false humility and severity of the body“These rules that seem wise to unbelieving people because they allow those who follow them to appear humble because they hurt their own bodies”
145COL223e7p5ἐστιν…οὐκ ἐν τιμῇ τινι πρὸς πλησμονὴν τῆς σαρκός1are not of any value against the indulgence of the flesh“do not help you stop following your human desires”
146COL3introqtl20# Colossians 03 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>The second part of this chapter parallels Ephesians 5 and 6.<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Old and new self<br><br>The old and new self mean the same as the old and new man. The term “old man” probably refers to the sinful nature with which a person is born. The “new man” is the new nature or new life that God gives a person after they come to believe in Christ. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]])<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### Character<br><br>Many of the things Paul encourages his readers to pursue or avoid are not actions but character qualities. Because of this, they may be difficult to translate. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])<br><br>### “The things above”<br><br>Where God dwells is often pictured as being located “above.” Paul says to “seek the things above” and to “think about the things above.” He is implying Christians should seek and think about heavenly and godly things.
147COL31ya970Connecting Statement:Paul warns the believers that because they are one with Christ, they ought not do certain things.
148COL31r5yhfigs-idiomεἰ οὖν1If, thereforeThis is an idiom that means “Because.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
149COL31t1jvfigs-idiomσυνηγέρθητε τῷ Χριστῷ1you have been raised with ChristHere to be **raised** is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. This could mean: (1) because God has caused Christ to come alive again, God has already given the believers in Colossae new spiritual life. Alternate translation: “God has given you new life because you belong to Christ” or (2) because God has caused Christ to come alive again, the believers in Colossae can know that after they die they will live with Christ. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
150COL31qmzvfigs-pastforfutureσυνηγέρθητε τῷ Χριστῷ1you have been raised with ChristBecause the believers in Colossae can know that after they die they will live with Christ, Paul can speak of the believers living again as if it has already happened. Alternate translation: “you can be sure that God will give you life as he has caused Christ to come alive again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture]])
151COL31p3fwτὰ ἄνω1the things above“the things in heaven”
152COL33l9ykfigs-metaphorἀπεθάνετε γάρ1For you diedAs Christ actually died, so God counts the Colossian believers as having **died** with Christ. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
153COL33gkz6figs-metaphorἡ ζωὴ ὑμῶν κέκρυπται σὺν τῷ Χριστῷ ἐν τῷ Θεῷ1your life has been hidden with Christ in GodPaul speaks of peoples lives as if they were objects that can be hidden in containers and speaks of God as if he were a container. Alternate translation: This could mean: (1) “it is as though God has taken your life and concealed it with Christ in Gods presence” or (2) “only God knows what your true life really is, and he will reveal it when he reveals Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
154COL33xetcfigs-activepassiveἡ ζωὴ ὑμῶν κέκρυπται σὺν τῷ Χριστῷ ἐν τῷ Θεῷ1your life has been hidden with Christ in GodThis can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God has taken your life and concealed it with Christ in Gods presence” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
155COL34n4njfigs-metonymyἡ ζωὴ ὑμῶν1your lifeChrist is the one who gives spiritual **life** to the believer. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
156COL35p9w9ἀκαθαρσίαν1uncleannessimpure behavior
157COL35e65kπάθος1passionstrong, lustful desire
158COL35h5v4τὴν πλεονεξίαν, ἥτις ἐστὶν εἰδωλολατρία1envy, which is idolatry“covetousness, which is the same thing as idolatry” or “do not desire what other people have because that is the same as worshiping idols”
159COL36s9lmἡ ὀργὴ τοῦ Θεοῦ1the wrath of GodGods anger against those who do evil as shown by what he does to punish them.
160COL37p4q8figs-metaphorἐν οἷς καὶ ὑμεῖς περιεπατήσατέ ποτε1In these things you also formerly walkedPaul speaks of the way a person behaves as if it were a road or path a person walks on. Alternate translation: “These are the things you used to do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
161COL37s824figs-metaphorὅτε ἐζῆτε ἐν τούτοις1when you were living in themThis could mean: (1) “when you practiced these things” or (2) “when you lived among the people who disobey God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
162COL38d3wrκακίαν1evil desire“desire to do wicked deeds”
163COL38lgz1βλασφημίαν1slanderspeech used to hurt others
164COL38f59zαἰσχρολογίαν1and obscene speechwords that do not belong in polite conversation
165COL38n23cfigs-metonymyἐκ τοῦ στόματος ὑμῶν1from your mouthHere, **mouth** is a metonym for talk. Alternate translation: “in your talk” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
166COL39c6tk0Connecting Statement:Paul continues to tell the believers how to live and reminds them that Christians should treat everyone according to the same standard.
167COL39vsd8figs-metaphorἀπεκδυσάμενοι τὸν παλαιὸν ἄνθρωπον σὺν ταῖς πράξεσιν αὐτοῦ1having taken off the old man with its practicesHere Paul is speaking of a Christians rejecting his old sinful life as if it were an old garment that he takes off in order to put on a new garment. It was very common for Israelites such as Paul to speak of moral qualities as if they were pieces of clothing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
168COL310brx6figs-metaphorκαὶ ἐνδυσάμενοι τὸν νέον1and having put on the new manHere Paul is speaking of a Christians rejecting his old sinful life as if it were an old garment that he takes off (verse 9) in order to put on a new garment. It was very common for Israelites such as Paul to speak of moral qualities as if they were pieces of clothing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
169COL310d15vfigs-metonymyεἰκόνα1the imageThis refers to Jesus Christ. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
170COL311t2w2figs-metonymyοὐκ ἔνι Ἕλλην καὶ Ἰουδαῖος, περιτομὴ καὶ ἀκροβυστία, βάρβαρος, Σκύθης, δοῦλος, ἐλεύθερος1there is no Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave, freemanThese terms are examples of the categories of people that Paul says do not matter for God. God sees every person alike, not by race, religion, nationality, or social status. Alternate translation: “race, religion, culture, and social status do not matter” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
171COL311vt4tβάρβαρος1barbariana foreigner who does not know local customs
172COL311n7byΣκύθης1ScythianThis is someone from the land of Scythia, which was outside the Roman Empire. Greeks and Romans used this word for someone who grew up in a place where everyone did wicked things all the time.
173COL311i964figs-explicitἀλλὰ πάντα καὶ ἐν πᾶσιν Χριστός1but Christ is all, and in allNothing is excluded or left out of the rule of Christ. Alternate translation: “but Christ is all important and lives in all his people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
174COL312b5tifigs-activepassiveὡς ἐκλεκτοὶ τοῦ Θεοῦ ἅγιοι καὶ ἠγαπημένοι1as chosen ones of God, holy and belovedThis can be made active. Alternate translation: “as those whom God has chosen for himself, whom he desires to see live for him alone, and whom he loves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
175COL312d217figs-metaphorἐνδύσασθε…σπλάγχνα οἰκτιρμοῦ, χρηστότητα, ταπεινοφροσύνην, πραΰτητα, μακροθυμίαν1put on inward parts of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patienceThe ** inward parts** is a metaphor for feelings and attitudes. Here it is spoken of as if it has certain feelings and attitudes, and as if it were clothing to wear. Alternate translation: “have a merciful, kind, humble, gentle, and patient heart” or “be merciful, kind, humble, gentle, and patient” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
176COL313r8iyἀνεχόμενοι ἀλλήλων1bearing with one another“being patient with one another” or “accepting each other even when you disappoint each other”
177COL313rts1χαριζόμενοι ἑαυτοῖς1being gracious to each other“treating each other better than they deserve for you to treat them”
178COL313p474figs-abstractnounsπρός…ἔχῃ μομφήν1hay have a complaint againstThe abstract noun **complaint** can be stated as “complain.” Alternate translation: “might have a reason to complain against” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
179COL314x5g8figs-metaphorτὴν ἀγάπην, ὅ ἐστιν σύνδεσμος τῆς τελειότητος1put on love, which is the bond of perfectionHere, **bond of perfection** is a metaphor for something that causes perfect unity among people. Alternate translation: “love one another because it will unite you perfectly together” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
180COL315hdg5figs-metonymyἡ εἰρήνη τοῦ Χριστοῦ βραβευέτω ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ὑμῶν1let the peace of Christ rule in your heartsPaul speaks of the **peace** that **Christ** gives as if it were a ruler. This could mean: (1) “Do everything so that you can have peaceful relationships with each other” or (2) “Allow God to give you peace in your heart” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
181COL315i9hgfigs-metonymyἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ὑμῶν1in your heartsHere, **hearts** is a metonym for a peoples minds or inner being. Alternate translation: “in your minds” or “inside of you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
182COL316w9dvfigs-metaphorὁ λόγος τοῦ Χριστοῦ ἐνοικείτω ἐν ὑμῖν1Let the word of Christ dwell in youPaul speaks of the **word of Christ** as if it were a person capable of living inside other people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
183COL316g0h5figs-metonymyὁ λόγος τοῦ Χριστοῦ ἐνοικείτω ἐν ὑμῖν1Let the word of Christ dwell in youHere the **word of Christ** here is a metonym for the teachings of Christ. Alternate translation: “Be obedient to the instructions of Christ” or “Always trust Christs promises” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
184COL316h5k9νουθετοῦντες ἑαυτοὺς1admonishing one another“cautioning and encouraging one another”
185COL316ubi5ψαλμοῖς, ὕμνοις, ᾠδαῖς πνευματικαῖς1with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs“with all sorts of songs to praise God”
186COL316cnj1figs-metonymyἐν τῇ χάριτι, ᾄδοντες ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ὑμῶν1singing with thankfulness in your heartsHere, **hearts** is a metonym for peoples minds or inner being. Alternate translation: “singing with thankfulness in your minds” or “singing and being thankful” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
187COL317g8p8ἐν λόγῳ ἢ ἐν ἔργῳ1in word or in deed“in speaking or in acting”
188COL317uix9figs-metonymyἐν ὀνόματι Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ1in the name of the Lord JesusActing in the **name** of a person here is a metonym for acting to help other people think well of that person. Alternate translation: “to honor the Lord Jesus” or “so that others will know you belong to the Lord Jesus and think well of him” or “as if the Lord Jesus himself were doing it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
189COL317bv84figs-metaphorδι’ αὐτοῦ1through himThis could mean: (1) because he has done great deeds or (2) because he has made it possible for people to speak to God and so give him thanks. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
190COL318flu90Connecting Statement:Paul then gives some special instructions to wives, husbands, children, fathers, slaves, and masters.
191COL318tt9uαἱ γυναῖκες, ὑποτάσσεσθε τοῖς ἀνδράσιν1Wives, submit to your husbands“Wives, obey your own husbands”
192COL318b2y3ἀνῆκεν1is fitting“is proper” or “is right”
193COL319lc4aμὴ πικραίνεσθε πρὸς1do not be bitter against“do not be harsh with” or “do not be angry toward”
194COL321bvi3μὴ ἐρεθίζετε τὰ τέκνα ὑμῶν1do not provoke your children“do not needlessly make your children angry”
195COL322cx6aὑπακούετε…τοῖς κατὰ σάρκα κυρίοις1obey your masters according to the flesh“obey your human masters”
196COL322iy1nπάντα…μὴ ἐν ὀφθαλμοδουλεία, ὡς ἀνθρωπάρεσκοι1all things, not with eyeservice as people pleasers“all things. Do not obey only when your master is watching, as though you need only to please people”
197COL322r22mfigs-metonymyἐν ἁπλότητι καρδίας1with sincerity of heartHere, **heart** is a metonym for a persons thoughts or intentions. Alternate translation: “with all honest intentions” or “with sincerity” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
198COL323arw4ὡς τῷ Κυρίῳ1as to the Lord“as you would work for the Lord”
199COL324f3edτὴν ἀνταπόδοσιν τῆς κληρονομίας1the reward of the inheritance“the inheritance as your reward”
200COL324p3pwfigs-metaphorτῆς κληρονομίας1of the inheritanceReceiving what God has promised believers is spoken of as if it were inheriting property and wealth from a family member. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
201COL325u5lxὁ…ἀδικῶν, κομιεῖται ὃ ἠδίκησεν1the one who does unrighteousness will receive what he did unrighteouslyThe phrase **receive the what he did unrighteously** means to be punished for bad actions. Alternate translation: “anyone who does unrighteousness will be punished for those things” or “God will punish anyone who does what is unrighteous”
202COL325ak8jἀδικῶν1who does unrighteousnesswho actively does wrong of any kind
203COL325c9fxfigs-abstractnounsοὐκ ἔστιν προσωπολημψία1there is no favoritismThe abstract noun **favoritism** can be expressed with the verb “favor.” To favor some people is to judge them by different standards so the result is better for them than for others who do the same actions. Alternate translation: “God does not favor anyone” or “God judges everyone by the same standard” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
204COL4intronm3y0# Colossians 04 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>[Colossians 4:1](../../col/04/01.md) appears to belong with the topics of Chapter 3 instead of Chapter 4.<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### “In my own hand”<br><br>It was common in the ancient Near East for the author to speak and someone else to write down the words. Many of the New Testament letters were written this way. Paul wrote the final greeting himself.<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### Secret truth<br><br>Paul refers to a “secret truth” in this chapter. The role of the church in the plans of God was once unknown. But God has now revealed it. Part of this involves the Gentiles having equal standing with the Jews in the plans of God. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/reveal]])
205COL41qhd20Connecting Statement:After speaking to masters, Paul ends his special instructions to the different kinds of believers in the church at Colossae.
206COL41ae3yfigs-doubletτὸ δίκαιον καὶ τὴν ἰσότητα1what is right and fairThese words mean almost the same thing and are used to emphasize the things that are morally correct. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
207COL41t9wyκαὶ ὑμεῖς ἔχετε Κύριον ἐν οὐρανῷ1you also have a master in heavenGod wants the relationship between an earthly master and his slave to be loving the way God, the heavenly **master**, loves his earthly servants, including the earthly slaves masters.
208COL42sct4figs-exclusive0General Information:Here the word **us** refers to Paul and Timothy but not the Colossians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
209COL42wx860Connecting Statement:Paul continues to give instructions to believers on how to live and speak.
210COL42pp1cτῇ προσευχῇ προσκαρτερεῖτε1Continue steadfastly in prayer“Keep praying faithfully” or “Keep praying consistently”
211COL43ub1ifigs-metaphorὁ Θεὸς ἀνοίξῃ…θύραν1God may open a doorTo **open a door** for someone is a metaphor for giving that person the opportunity to do something. Alternate translation: “God would provide opportunities” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
212COL43lj4fἀνοίξῃ ἡμῖν θύραν τοῦ λόγου1may open a door to us for the word“may make an opportunity for us tp preach his message”
213COL43ce37τὸ μυστήριον τοῦ Χριστοῦ1the mystery of ChristThis refers to the gospel of Jesus Christ, which was not understood before Christ came.
214COL43q4jxfigs-metonymyδι’ ὃ καὶ δέδεμαι1on account of which also I have been boundHere, **bound** is a metonym for being in prison. Alternate translation: “It is for proclaiming the message of Jesus Christ that I am now in prison” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
215COL44hm5wἵνα φανερώσω αὐτὸ1in order that I may make it clear“that I might be able to speak the message of Jesus Christ clearly”
216COL45z3axfigs-metaphorἐν σοφίᾳ περιπατεῖτε πρὸς τοὺς ἔξω1Walk in wisdom toward those outsideThe idea of walking is often used for the idea of conducting ones life. Alternate translation: “Live in such a way that those who are not believers will see that you are wise” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
217COL45b525figs-metaphorτὸν καιρὸν ἐξαγοραζόμενοι1redeeming the timeTo redeem something means to restore it to its rightful owner. Here, **time** is spoken of as something that can be restored and used to serve God. Alternate translation: “doing the best things you can with your time” or “putting the time to its best use” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
218COL46fuv5figs-metaphorὁ λόγος ὑμῶν πάντοτε ἐν χάριτι, ἅλατι ἠρτυμένος1your words always with grace, seasoned with saltFood with **salt** is a metaphor for words that teach others and that others enjoy hearing. Alternate translation: “your conversation always gracious and attractive” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
219COL46c1w4εἰδέναι πῶς δεῖ ὑμᾶς…ἀποκρίνεσθαι1to know how it is necessary for you to answer“so that you may know how to answer questions from anyone about Jesus Christ” or “so that you may be able to treat every person well”
220COL47vtb10General Information:Onesimus was a slave of Philemon in Colossae. He had stolen money from Philemon and run away to Rome where he became a Christian through the ministry of Paul. Now Tychicus and Onesimus are the ones bringing Pauls letter to Colossae.
221COL47ut910Connecting Statement:Paul closes with special instructions about certain people as well as greetings to and from individual believers.
222COL47xzz4τὰ κατ’ ἐμὲ1the things concerning me“everything that has been happening to me”
223COL47p7c1σύνδουλος1fellow slave“fellow servant.” Though Paul is a free man, he sees himself as a slave of Christ and sees Tychicus as a fellow slave.
224COL48vyq5figs-exclusiveτὰ περὶ ἡμῶν1the things concerning usThese words do not include the Colossians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
225COL48fr1zfigs-metaphorπαρακαλέσῃ τὰς καρδίας ὑμῶν1he may encourage your heartsThe heart was thought to be the center of many emotions. Alternate translation: “he may encourage you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
226COL49yqh9τῷ πιστῷ καὶ ἀγαπητῷ ἀδελφῷ1the faithful and beloved brotherPaul calls Onesimus a fellow Christian and servant of Christ.
227COL49n15dὑμῖν γνωρίσουσιν1they will make known to you“Tychicus and Onesimus will tell you”
228COL49vb7jπάντα…τὰ ὧδε1all the things hereThey will tell the Colossian believers all that is taking place where Paul is currently living. Tradition says Paul was in Rome under house arrest or in prison at this time.
229COL410wmf4Ἀρίσταρχος1AristarchusHe was in prison with Paul in Ephesus when Paul wrote this letter to the Colossians.
230COL410cg3aἐὰν ἔλθῃ1if he comes“if Mark comes”
231COL411bm6sἸησοῦς, ὁ λεγόμενος Ἰοῦστος1Jesus who is called JustusThis is a man who also worked with Paul.
232COL411ci74figs-metonymyοἱ ὄντες ἐκ περιτομῆς οὗτοι, μόνοι συνεργοὶ εἰς τὴν Βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ1These are the only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are from the circumcisionPaul uses **circumcision** here to refer to Jews because, under the Old Testament law, all male Jews had to be circumcised. Alternate translation: “These three men are the only Jewish believers working with me to proclaim God as king through Christ Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
233COL411p8e9οὗτοι1These are“These men—Aristarchus, Mark, and Justus—are”
234COL412et2g0General Information:Laodicea and Hierapolis were towns close to Colossae.
235COL412gg86Ἐπαφρᾶς1EpaphrasEpaphras was the man who had preached the good news to the people in Colossae ([Colossians 1:7](../01/07.md)).
236COL412rq61ὁ ἐξ ὑμῶν1He is from among you“He is from your city” or “He is your fellow townsman”
237COL412ek51δοῦλος Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ1a servant of Christ Jesus“a committed disciple of Christ Jesus”
238COL412p8ffπάντοτε ἀγωνιζόμενος ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν ἐν ταῖς προσευχαῖς1always striving on behalf of you in prayers“always earnestly praying for you”
239COL412nuh9σταθῆτε τέλειοι καὶ πεπληροφορημένοι1you may stand complete and fully assured“you may stand mature and confident”
240COL413k8vvμαρτυρῶ…αὐτῷ, ὅτι ἔχει πολὺν πόνον ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν1I testify for him, that he has much pain on behalf of you“I have observed and can report that he has suffered much on your behalf”
241COL414hq1kΔημᾶς1DemasThis is another co-worker with Paul.
242COL415sc5gτοὺς…ἀδελφοὺς1the brothersHere this means fellow Christians, including both men and women.
243COL415zkp3ἐν Λαοδικίᾳ1in Laodiceaa city very close to Colossae where there was also a church
244COL415wyk3Νύμφαν, καὶ τὴν κατ’ οἶκον αὐτῆς ἐκκλησίαν1Nympha, and the church that is in her houseA woman named **Nympha** hosted a **house** **church**. Alternate translation: “Nympha and the group of believers that meets in her house”
245COL417d39xfigs-youεἴπατε Ἀρχίππῳ, βλέπε τὴν διακονίαν ἣν παρέλαβες ἐν Κυρίῳ, ἵνα αὐτὴν πληροῖς.1say to Archippus, “Look to the ministry that you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.”Paul reminds Archippus of the task God had given him and that he, Archippus, was under obligation to the Lord to fulfill it. The words **Look**, **you have received**, and **you may fulfill** all refer to Archippus and should be singular. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
246COL418an7s0Connecting Statement:Paul closes his letter with a greeting written in his own handwriting.
247COL418h3kxfigs-metonymyμνημονεύετέ μου τῶν δεσμῶν1Remember my chainsPaul speaks of **chains** when he means his imprisonment. Alternate translation: “Remember me and pray for me while I am in prison” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
248COL418w2vmfigs-metonymyἡ χάρις μεθ’ ὑμῶν1Grace be with youHere, **Grace** stands for God, who shows grace or acts kindly to believers. Alternate translation: “I pray that our Lord Jesus Christ would continue to act graciously toward you all” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])