Colossians 3 - 10

Put On the New Self

1 b If then you have been raised with Christ, seek c the things that are above, where Christ is, d seated at the right hand of God. 2 e Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For f you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ g who is your 1 life h appears, then you also will appear with him i in glory.

5 j Put to death therefore k what is earthly in you: 2 l sexual immorality, impurity, m passion, evil desire, and covetousness, n which is idolatry. 6 o On account of these the wrath of God is coming. 3 7 p In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. 8 But now q you must put them all away: r anger, wrath, malice, s slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. 9 t Do not lie to one another, seeing that u you have put off v the old self 4 with its practices 10 and w have put on x the new self, y which is being renewed in knowledge z after the image of a its creator. 11 b Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, 5 free; but Christ is c all, and in all.

12 d Put on then, as e God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, f compassionate hearts, g kindness, h humility, meekness, and patience, 13 h bearing with one another and, i if one has a complaint against another, g forgiving each other; g as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on j love, which k binds everything together in l perfect harmony. 15 And let m the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called n in one body. And o be thankful. 16 Let p the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, q singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, r with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And s whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, t giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Rules for Christian Households

18 u Wives, submit to your husbands, as v is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives, and w do not be harsh with them. 20 Children, obey your parents x in everything, for this pleases the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. 22 Slaves, 6 obey x in everything those who are your earthly masters, 7 not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. 23 y Whatever you do, work heartily, z as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord a you will receive the inheritance as your reward. b You are serving the Lord Christ. 25 For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.

Colossians 4

1 Masters, treat your slaves 8 justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.

Further Instructions

2 c Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it d with thanksgiving. 3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may e open to us a door for the word, f to declare the mystery of Christ, g on account of which I am in prison - 4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.

5 h Walk in wisdom toward i outsiders, making the best use of the time. 6 Let your speech always j be gracious, k seasoned with salt, l so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

Final Greetings

7 Tychicus will tell you m all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant 9 in the Lord. 8 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts, 9 and with him n Onesimus, our faithful and o beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here.

10 p Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark q the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions - r if he comes to you, welcome him), 11 and Jesus who is called s Justus. t These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and u they have been a comfort to me. 12 v Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always w struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand x mature and fully assured in all the will of God. 13 For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis. 14 y Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does z Demas. 15 Give my greetings to the brothers 10 at Laodicea, and to Nympha and a the church in her house. 16 And when b this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea. 17 And say to c Archippus, "See that you fulfill d the ministry that you have received in the Lord."

18 I, Paul, e write this greeting with my own hand. f Remember g my chains. h Grace be with you.

  1. Cross References
    Colossians 2:12
    Having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.
  2. Cross References
    Philippians 3:14
    I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
  3. Cross References
    Ephesians 1:20
    That he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places.
  4. Cross References
    Matthew 16:23
    But he turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.
  5. Cross References
    Colossians 2:20
    If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations -
    Romans 6:2
    By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?
  6. Cross References
    John 11:25
    Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.
  7. Cross References
    Philippians 3:21
    Who will transform our lowly body to be like hi...
    1 Peter 1:1
    Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who...
    1 Peter 1:7
    So that the tested genuineness of your faith - ...
    1 Peter 1:13
    Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and...
    1 John 2:28
    And now, little children, abide in him, so that...
    1 John 3:2
    Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we...
  8. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 15:43
    It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power.
  9. Cross References
    Romans 8:13
    For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
    Galatians 5:24
    And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
  10. Cross References
    Romans 6:13
    Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness.
  11. Cross References
    Ephesians 5:3
    But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.
    Ephesians 5:5
    For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous ( that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.
  12. Cross References
    Romans 1:26
    For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature.
  13. Cross References
    Job 31:25 - 26
    If I have rejoiced because my wealth was abundant or because my hand had found much.
  14. Cross References
    Ephesians 5:6
    Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.
  15. Cross References
    Ephesians 2:2
    In which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience -
    Ephesians 2:11
    Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called "the uncircumcision" by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands -
  16. Cross References
    Ephesians 4:22
    To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires.
  17. Cross References
    Ephesians 4:31
    Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.
  18. Cross References
    Ephesians 4:29
    Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
  19. Cross References
    Leviticus 19:11
    You shall not steal; you shall not deal falsely; you shall not lie to one another.
    Ephesians 4:25
    Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.
  20. Cross References
    Colossians 2:11
    In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ.
  21. Cross References
    Romans 6:6
    We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.
    Ephesians 4:22
    To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires.
  22. Cross References
    Ephesians 4:24
    And to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
  23. Cross References
    Romans 6:4
    We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
  24. Cross References
    Romans 12:2
    Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
  25. Cross References
    Romans 8:29
    For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
  26. Cross References
    Ephesians 2:10
    For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
  27. Cross References
    Romans 10:12
    For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him.
    1 Corinthians 12:13
    For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body - Jews or Greeks, slaves or free - and all were made to drink of one Spirit.
    Galatians 5:6
    For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.
  28. Cross References
    Ephesians 1:23
    Which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
  29. Cross References
    Colossians 3:10
    And have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.
  30. Cross References
    Romans 8:33
    Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies.
  31. Cross References
    Philippians 2:1
    So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy.
  32. Cross References
    Ephesians 4:32
    Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
  33. Cross References
    Ephesians 4:2
    With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love.
  34. Cross References
    Colossians 3:12
    Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.
  35. Cross References
    Mark 11:25
    And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
  36. Cross References
    Colossians 3:12
    Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.
  37. Cross References
    Colossians 3:12
    Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.
  38. Cross References
    1 Thessalonians 5:8
    But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation.
    Ephesians 5:2
    And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
  39. Cross References
    Ephesians 4:3
    Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
  40. Cross References
    Hebrews 6:1
    Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God.
    John 17:23
    I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.
  41. Cross References
    Philippians 4:7
    And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
  42. Cross References
    Ephesians 2:16
    And might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.
  43. Cross References
    Colossians 3:17
    And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
  44. Cross References
    John 15:3
    Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you.
  45. Cross References
    Ephesians 5:19
    Addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart.
  46. Cross References
    Colossians 4:6
    Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
  47. Cross References
    Colossians 3:23
    Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.
    1 Corinthians 10:31
    So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
  48. Cross References
    Colossians 1:12
    Giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.
    Colossians 4:2
    Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.
    Ephesians 5:20
    Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
  49. Cross References
    Colossians 3:18 - 4:1
    Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
    Ephesians 5:22 - 6:9
    Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.
  50. Cross References
    Ephesians 5:4
    Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.
    Philemon 1:8
    Accordingly, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do what is required.
  51. Cross References
    Ephesians 4:31
    Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.
  52. Cross References
    Ephesians 5:24
    Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.
    Titus 2:9
    Slaves are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative.
  53. Cross References
    Colossians 3:20
    Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
  54. Cross References
    Colossians 3:17
    And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
  55. Cross References
    Philemon 1:16
    No longer as a slave but more than a slave, as a beloved brother - especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.
  56. Cross References
    Ephesians 6:8
    Knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free.
  57. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 7:22
    For he who was called in the Lord as a slave is a freedman of the Lord. Likewise he who was free when called is a slave of Christ.
  58. Cross References
    Colossians 4:2 - 4
    Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.
    Ephesians 6:18 - 20
    Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.
  59. Cross References
    Colossians 2:7
    Rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.
  60. Cross References
    Acts 14:27
    And when they arrived and gathered the church together, they declared all that God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles.
  61. Cross References
    Romans 16:25
    Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages
  62. Cross References
    Colossians 4:18
    I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.
    Ephesians 6:20
    For which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
    Philippians 1:7
    It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.
  63. Cross References
    Ephesians 5:15 - 17
    Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise.
  64. Cross References
    Mark 4:11
    And he said to them, "To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside everything is in parables.
  65. Cross References
    Colossians 3:16
    Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
  66. Cross References
    Mark 9:50
    Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.
  67. Cross References
    1 Peter 3:15
    But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.
  68. Cross References
    Colossians 4:7 - 9
    Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord.
    Ephesians 6:21 - 22
    So that you also may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord will tell you everything.
  69. Cross References
    Philemon 1:10
    I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I became in my imprisonment.
  70. Cross References
    Philemon 1:16
    No longer as a slave but more than a slave, as a beloved brother - especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.
  71. Cross References
    Acts 19:29
    So the city was filled with the confusion, and they rushed together into the theater, dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians who were Paul's companions in travel.
    Acts 20:4
    Sopater the Berean, son of Pyrrhus, accompanied him; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy; and the Asians, Tychicus and Trophimus.
    Acts 27:2
    And embarking in a ship of Adramyttium, which was about to sail to the ports along the coast of Asia, we put to sea, accompanied by Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica.
    Philemon 1:24
    And so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers.
    Romans 16:7
    Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners. They are well known to the apostles, and they were in Christ before me.
  72. Cross References
    Acts 15:37
    Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark.
    Acts 15:39
    And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus.
  73. Cross References
    2 Timothy 4:11
    Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry.
  74. Cross References
    Acts 1:23
    And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias.
    Acts 18:7
    And he left there and went to the house of a man named Titius Justus, a worshiper of God. His house was next door to the synagogue.
  75. Cross References
    Acts 11:2
    So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcision party criticized him, saying.
  76. Cross References
    Philemon 1:7
    For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.
  77. Cross References
    Colossians 1:7
    Just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf
    Philemon 1:23
    Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends greetings to you.
  78. Cross References
    Romans 15:30
    I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf.
  79. Cross References
    Matthew 5:48
    You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
  80. Cross References
    2 Timothy 4:11
    Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry.
    Acts 16:10
    And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
  81. Cross References
    2 Timothy 4:10
    For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.
    Philemon 1:24
    And so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers.
  82. Cross References
    Romans 16:5
    Greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in Asia.
  83. Cross References
    1 Thessalonians 5:27
    I put you under oath before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers.
  84. Cross References
    Philemon 1:2
    And Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier, and the church in your house:
  85. Cross References
    2 Timothy 4:5
    As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
  86. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 16:21
    I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand.
  87. Cross References
    Hebrews 13:3
    Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.
  88. Cross References
    Colossians 4:3
    At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison -
    Philippians 1:7
    It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.
  89. Cross References
    1 Timothy 6:21
    For by professing it some have swerved from the faith. Grace be with you.
    2 Timothy 4:22
    The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.
    Titus 3:15
    All who are with me send greetings to you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all.
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.