Matthew Henry Commentary Colossians 3

As Christians are freed from the ceremonial law, they must walk more closely with God in gospel obedience. As heaven and earth are contrary to each other, both cannot be followed together; and affection to the one will weaken and diminish affection to the other. Those who are born again are dead to sin, because its dominion is broken, its power gradually subdued by the operation of grace, and it will finally 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 heavenly things. 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 will 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?

It is our duty to mortify our members that incline to the things of the world. Mortify them, kill them, suppress them, as weeds or vermin that spread and destroy everything around them.

Continual opposition must be made to all corrupt impulses, 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 both the higher and lower faculties of the soul, and supports the rule of right reason and conscience, over appetite and passion.

There is now no distinction based on nationality, or on conditions and circumstances of life. It is everyone's duty to be holy, because Christ is a Christian's All, his only Lord and Saviour, and all his hope and happiness.

We must not only do no harm to anyone, but do what good we can to all. Those who are the elect of God, holy and beloved, ought to be humble 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 His work in all who belong to Him. Thanksgiving to God helps to make us agreeable to all people.

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 by what we sing. Whatever we do, let us do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, and in believing dependence on Him.

Those who do all in Christ's name will never lack reason for thanksgiving to God, the Father.

The epistles most concerned with displaying the glory of Divine grace and magnifying the Lord Jesus are also the most particular in emphasizing the duties of the Christian life. We must never separate the privileges and duties of the gospel. Submission is the duty of wives. However, it is submission not to a severe lord or stern tyrant, but to her own husband, who is committed to affectionate duty.

And husbands must love their wives with tender and faithful affection. Dutiful children are the most likely to prosper. Parents must be tender, and children obedient. Servants are to do their duty and obey their masters' commands in all things consistent with their 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 even when not under their master's eye, because they know they are under the eye of God. They do all with diligence, not idly or slothfully, and cheerfully, not discontented with the providence of God that placed them in that relation. And to encourage servants, 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 does wrong will receive for the wrong which he has done.

God will punish the unjust as well as reward the faithful servant; and the same is true if masters wrong their servants. For the righteous Judge of the earth will deal justly between master and servant. Both will stand on a level at His tribunal.

How happy true religion would make the world if it prevailed everywhere, influenced every state of things, and every relation of life! But the profession of those persons who are neglectful of duties, and give just cause for complaint to those they are connected with, deceives themselves and also brings reproach upon the gospel.