Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Colossians 3:11

"where there cannot be Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bondman, freeman; but Christ is all, and in all." — Colossians 3:11 (ASV)

The various groups mentioned reflect distinctions of national privilege (“Greek or Jew”), legal or ceremonial standing (“circumcised or uncircumcised”), culture (“barbarian, Scythian”), and social caste (“slave or free”). In the realm of the new self, where the image of God is truly reflected, these distinctions have no real significance (cf. Galatians 3:28). Differences, to be sure, remain in the Christian community, but not in such a way as to be barriers to fellowship. To the extent that Christians do permit them to be barriers, they are acting out of character.

“Christ is all, and is in all” suggests that Christ is the great principle of unity.

In him all differences merge, all distinctions are done away. Loyalty to Christ takes precedence over all earthly ties.