What does Colossians 3:7 mean?

Explanation

The verse Colossians 3:7 reads: "In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them." This verse speaks to the Colossian Christians, reminding them of their former lifestyle before they turned to faith in Christ.

The word "walked" is commonly used in the New Testament to refer to one's way of life or conduct.

The phrases "some time" and "when ye lived in them" emphasize that this was their past behavior and not their present, highlighting a distinction between the believers' lives before and after their conversion.

This verse is a continuation of the previous verses where Paul lists various sins and tells the Colossians to put them away because they are now united with Christ.

Historical Context

Colossians is a letter written by the Apostle Paul, likely between A.D. 60-62, during his imprisonment in Rome.

The letter was sent to the church in Colossae, a city that was located in what is now modern-day Turkey.

The culture of the time was heavily influenced by pagan beliefs and practices that often involved immorality and idolatry.

These practices would have been the norm for many before converting to Christianity.

Paul's exhortation to the Colossians was to not only avoid these past sinful practices but to also set their minds on things above, as detailed in the preceding verses of Colossians 3.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse underscores the doctrine of sanctification, the process by which believers are set apart and made holy through a life that increasingly reflects the character of Jesus Christ.

In reminding the Colossian Christians of their past ways, Paul is emphasizing God's transformative work in them.

From a Calvinist perspective, this verse illustrates the "perseverance of the saints," indicating that true believers will continue in their faith and not return to their former ways.

An Arminian viewpoint might use this reminder as a call to continued vigilance and willful participation in one's sanctification, emphasizing human free will in cooperation with divine grace.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse serves as a reminder to believers that their lives should display a marked change from their pre-Christian past. It invites self-reflection on one's personal growth and encourages the abandonment of any remains of the former sinful lifestyle.

The verse is also a call to community accountability among Christians, to walk alongside each other in pursuing holiness and to gently remind each other of what they have left behind for the sake of Christ.

Cross-References

• Ephesians 2:2 - "Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:"
• Romans 6:21 - "What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death."
• 1 Peter 4:3 - "For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:"

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek language of this verse provide depth to its meaning:

• "Walked" (περιεπατήσατε, periepatēsate): This is a past tense verb that indicates a customary way of living or personal conduct.
• "Lived" (ἐζήσατε, ezēsate): Also in the past tense, this verb is about the act of living or existing within a certain condition or manner of life.

Both verbs are in the past tense, which highlights the change that has occurred in the lives of the believers.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The notion of a transformational life journey is not exclusive to Christianity.

Many ancient myths and religious narratives around the world include themes of death and rebirth, transformation, and the idea of an old life being left behind for a new one.

For instance, the concept of Buddhist enlightenment entails a shedding of ignorance and suffering to achieve a state of nirvana, which can be seen as parallel in some ways to the Christian concept of forsaking a life of sin to attain a state of righteousness through faith in Christ.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, behavioral changes and lifestyle shifts are often discussed in terms of psychology and sociology, which explore how beliefs and values influence actions.

While science does not speak directly to the spiritual transformation mentioned in this verse, psychology could explain the change in behavior of believers through the impact of new beliefs and community norms on personal and group conduct.

Additionally, neuroscience might study how these new patterns of thoughts and behaviors can actually lead to changes in neural pathways over time, known as neuroplasticity.

Commentaries

Various Bible commentaries offer insights into this verse.

Matthew Henry’s commentary suggests that the mention of the former life in sin serves to magnify the grace of God in the lives of the believers.

John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible emphasizes that believers once universally walked in these sins without restraint, but through the grace of Christ, they have been delivered from them.

The Pulpit Commentary notes that the historical tense indicates "a definite break, a conscious and radical change" in the life of the Colossians.

These and other commentaries reflect on the grace and power of transformation offered to believers through life in Christ.