Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Colossians 3:15

"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to the which also ye were called in one body; and be ye thankful." — Colossians 3:15 (ASV)

Those who see this verse as a continuation of the appeal for loving concern (v.14) among Christians are inclined to interpret “peace” to mean peace among the members of the Christian community. Those who understand it as introducing a new idea interpret “peace” as inward “heart” peace in the midst of life’s adversities. Perhaps we should not limit the word but should understand it as denoting peace in the broadest sense. It is the peace “of Christ” because it is the peace he gives—peace that comes by way of obedience to him (cf. Jn 14:27).

The word for “rule” (GK 1093), an expressive term used only here in the NT, originally meant “to act as umpire.” Scholars are not agreed whether in Paul’s time the word retained the connotation of a contest or simply had the general sense of administering, ruling, or deciding (cf. also 2:18, where Paul used another form of it). Here it means that in all inner conflicts as well as in all disputes and differences among Christians, Christ’s peace must give the final decision. We are to do nothing that would violate that peace.

The idea of being “thankful” (GK 2375) is added not as an afterthought but because gratitude is intimately associated with peace. The main idea here is being grateful for the peace Christ bestows on us. Thankfulness for this peace becomes an incentive for preserving it. Perhaps the injunction should be taken in its broadest sense: Be thankful—both to God and to others. Such gratitude surely promotes peace and harmony within a fellowship.