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<center><h1>Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary
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on the Whole Bible</h1>
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[<A HREF="MHC00000.HTM">Table of Contents</A>]<BR>
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Matthew Henry<BR><I>Commentary on the Whole Bible</I> (1721)
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<!-- (Begin Body) -->
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<CENTER>
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<BR><FONT SIZE=+3><B>C O L O S S I A N S.</B></FONT>
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<BR>
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<BR><FONT SIZE=+2>CHAP. III.</FONT>
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<HR SIZE=1 WIDTH=50>
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</CENTER>
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<FONT SIZE=-1>
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<P>
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I. The apostle exhorts us to set our hearts upon heaven and take them
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off from this world,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Col+3:1-4">ver. 1-4</A>.
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II. He exhorts to the mortification of sin, in the various instances of
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it,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Col+3:5-11">ver. 5-11</A>.
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III. He earnestly presses to mutual love and compassion,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Col+3:12-17">ver. 12-17</A>.
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And concludes with exhortations to relative duties, of wives and
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husbands, parents and children, masters and servants,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Col+3:18-25">ver. 18-25</A>.</P>
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</FONT>
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<A NAME="Col3_1"> </A>
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<A NAME="Col3_2"> </A>
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<A NAME="Col3_3"> </A>
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<A NAME="Col3_4"> </A>
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<A NAME="Sec1"> </A>
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<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
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<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>The Spiritual Life.</I></FONT></TD>
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<TD ALIGN=RIGHT VALIGN=BOTTOM><FONT SIZE=-1>A. D.</FONT> 62.</TD></TR>
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<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
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</TABLE>
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<P>
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<FONT SIZE=+1>1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are
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above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
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2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the
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earth.
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3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
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4 When Christ, <I>who is</I> our life, shall appear, then shall ye
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also appear with him in glory.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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The apostle, having described our privileges by Christ in the former
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part of the epistle, and our discharge from the yoke of the ceremonial
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law, comes here to press upon us our duty as inferred thence. Though we
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are made free from the obligation of the ceremonial law, it does not
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therefore follow that we may live as we list. We must walk the more
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closely with God in all the instances of evangelical obedience. He
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begins with exhorting them to set their hearts on heaven, and take them
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off from this world: <I>If you then have risen with Christ.</I> It is
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our privilege that we have risen with Christ; that is, have benefit by
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the resurrection of Christ, and by virtue of our union and communion
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with him are justified and sanctified, and shall be glorified. Hence
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he infers that we must <I>seek those things which are above.</I> We
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must mind the concerns of another world more than the concerns of this.
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We must make heaven our scope and aim, seek the favour of God above,
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keep up our communion with the upper world by faith, and hope, and holy
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love, and make it our constant care and business to secure our title to
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and qualifications for the heavenly bliss. And the reason is because
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<I>Christ sits at the right hand of God.</I> He who is our best friend
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and our head is advanced to the highest dignity and honour in heaven,
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and has gone before to secure to us the heavenly happiness; and
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therefore we should seek and secure what he has purchased at so vast an
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expense, and is taking so much care about. We must live such a life as
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Christ lived here on earth and lives now in heaven, according to our
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capacities.</P>
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<P>
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I. He explains this duty
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Col+3:2"><I>v.</I> 2</A>):
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<I>Set your affections on things above, not on things on the earth.</I>
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Observe, To seek heavenly things is to set our affections upon them, to
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love them and let our desires be towards them. Upon the wings of
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affection the heart soars upwards, and is carried forth towards
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spiritual and divine objects. We must acquaint ourselves with them,
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esteem them above all other things, and lay out ourselves in
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preparation for the enjoyment of them. David gave this proof of his
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<I>loving the house of God,</I> that he diligently sought after it, and
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prepared for it,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+27:4">Ps. xxvii. 4</A>.
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This is to be spiritually minded
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+8:6">Rom. viii. 6</A>),
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and to <I>seek and desire a better country, that is, a heavenly,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+11:14,16">Heb. xi. 14, 16</A>.
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<I>Things on earth</I> are here set in opposition to <I>things
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above.</I> We must not dote upon them, nor expect too much from them,
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that we may set our affections on heaven; for heaven and earth are
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contrary one to the other, and a supreme regard to both is
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inconsistent; and the prevalence of our affection to one will
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proportionably weaken and abate our affection to the other.</P>
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<P>
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II. He assigns three reasons for this,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Col+3:3,4"><I>v.</I> 3, 4</A>.</P>
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<P>
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1. That we are dead; that is, to present things, and as our portion. We
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are so in profession and obligation; for we are <I>buried with Christ,
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and planted into the likeness of his death.</I> Every Christian is
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<I>crucified unto the world,</I> and <I>the world is crucified unto
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him,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ga+6:14">Gal. vi. 14</A>.
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And if we are dead to the earth, and have renounced it as our
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happiness, it is absurd for us to <I>set our affections</I> upon it,
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and <I>seek</I> it. We should be like a dead thing to it, unmoved and
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unaffected towards it.</P>
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<P>
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2. Our true life lies in the other world: <I>You are dead, and your
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life is hid with Christ in God,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Col+3:3"><I>v.</I> 3</A>.
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The new man has its livelihood thence. It is born and nourished from
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above; and the perfection of its life is reserved for that state. It is
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<I>hid with Christ;</I> not hid from us only, in point of secrecy, but
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hid for us, denoting security. The life of a Christian <I>is hid with
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Christ. Because I live you shall live also,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+14:19">John xiv. 19</A>.
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Christ is at present a hidden Christ, or one <I>whom we have not
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seen;</I> but this is our comfort, that our <I>life is hid with
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him,</I> and laid up safely with him. As we have reason to <I>love him
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whom we have not seen</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Pe+1:8">1 Pet. i. 8</A>),
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so we may take the comfort of a happiness out of sight, and <I>reserved
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in heaven for us.</I></P>
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<P>
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3. Because at the second coming of Christ we hope for the perfection of
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our happiness. If we live a life of Christian purity and devotion now,
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<I>when Christ, who is our life, shall appear, we shall also appear
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with him in glory,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Col+3:4"><I>v.</I> 4</A>.
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Observe,
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(1.) Christ is a believer's life. <I>I live, yet not I, but Christ
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lives in me,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ga+2:20">Gal. ii. 20</A>.
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He is the principle and end of the Christian's life. He lives <I>in</I>
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us by his Spirit, and we live to him in all we do. <I>To me to live is
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Christ,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Php+1:21">Phil. i. 21</A>.
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(2.) Christ will appear again. He is now <I>hid;</I> and the <I>heavens
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must contain</I> him; but he will appear in all the pomp of the upper
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world, with his <I>holy angels,</I> and in <I>his own glory and his
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Father's glory,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+8:38,Lu+9:26">Mark viii. 38; Luke ix. 26</A>.
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(3.) We shall then appear with him in glory. It will be his glory to
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have his redeemed with him; he will come to be glorified in his saints
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Th+1:10">2 Thess. i. 10</A>);
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and it will be their glory to come with him, and be with him for ever.
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At the second coming of Christ there will be a general meeting of all
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the saints; and those whose life is now <I>hid with Christ</I> shall
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then appear with Christ in that glory which he himself enjoys,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+17:24">John xvii. 24</A>.
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Do we look for such a happiness, and should we not set our affections
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upon that world, and live above this? What is there here to make us
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fond of it? What is there not there to draw our hearts to it? Our head
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is there, our home is there, our treasure is there, and we hope to be
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there for ever.</P>
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<A NAME="Col3_5"> </A>
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<A NAME="Col3_6"> </A>
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<A NAME="Col3_7"> </A>
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<A NAME="Sec2"> </A>
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<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
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<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Necessity of Mortifying Sin.</I></FONT></TD>
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<TD ALIGN=RIGHT VALIGN=BOTTOM><FONT SIZE=-1>A. D.</FONT> 62.</TD></TR>
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<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
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</TABLE>
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<P>
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<FONT SIZE=+1>5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth;
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fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil
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concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
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6 For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the
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children of disobedience:
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7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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The apostle exhorts the Colossians to the mortification of sin, the
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great hindrance to seeking the things which are above. Since it is our
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duty to set our affections upon heavenly things, it is our duty to
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mortify our <I>members which are upon the earth,</I> and which
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naturally incline us to the things of the world: "Mortify them, that
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is, subdue the vicious habits of mind which prevailed in your Gentile
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state. Kill them, suppress them, as you do weeds or vermin which spread
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and destroy all about them, or as you kill an enemy who fights against
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you and wounds you."--<I>Your members which are upon the earth;</I>
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either the members of the body, which are the earthly part of us, and
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were <I>curiously wrought in the lower parts of the earth</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+139:15">Ps. cxxxix. 15</A>),
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or the corrupt affections of the mind, which lead us to earthly things,
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the members of the body of death,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+7:24">Rom. vii. 24</A>.
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He specifies,</P>
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<P>
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I. The lusts of the flesh, for which they were before so very
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remarkable: <I>Fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil
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concupiscence</I>--the various workings of the carnal appetites and
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fleshly impurities, which they indulged in their former course of life,
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and which were so contrary to the Christian state and the heavenly
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hope.</P>
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<P>
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II. The love of the world: <I>And covetousness, which is idolatry;</I>
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that is, an inordinate love of present good and outward enjoyments,
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which proceeds from too high a value in the mind, puts upon too eager a
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pursuit, hinders the proper use and enjoyment of them, and creates
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anxious fear and immoderate sorrow for the loss of them. Observe,
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Covetousness is spiritual idolatry: it is the giving of that love and
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regard to worldly wealth which are due to God only, and carries a
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greater degree of malignity in it, and is more highly provoking to God,
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than is commonly thought. And it is very observable that among all the
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instances of sin which good men are recorded in the scripture to have
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fallen into (and there is scarcely any but some or other, in one or
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other part of their life, have fallen into) there is no instance in all
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the scripture of any good man charged with covetousness. He proceeds to
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show how necessary it is to mortify sins,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Col+3:6,7"><I>v.</I> 6, 7</A>.
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1. Because, if we do not kill them, they will kill us: <I>For which
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things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of
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disobedience,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Col+3:6"><I>v.</I> 6</A>.
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See what we are all by nature more or less: we are <I>children of
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disobedience:</I> not only disobedient children, but under the power of
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sin and naturally prone to disobey. The <I>wicked are estranged from
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the womb; they go astray as soon as they are born, speaking lies,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+58:3">Ps. lviii. 3</A>.
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And, being children of disobedience, we are <I>children of
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wrath,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+2:3">Eph. ii. 3</A>.
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The wrath of God comes upon all the children of disobedience. Those
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who do not obey the precepts of the law incur the penalties of it. The
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sins he mentions were their sins in their heathen and idolatrous state,
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and they were then especially the children of disobedience; and yet
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these sins brought judgments upon them, and exposed them to the wrath
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of God.
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2. We should mortify these sins because they have lived in us: <I>In
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which you also walked some time, when you lived in them,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Col+3:7"><I>v.</I> 7</A>.
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Observe, The consideration that we have formerly lived in sin is a good
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argument why we should now forsake it. We have walked in by-paths,
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therefore let us walk in them no more. <I>If I have done iniquity, I
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will do no more,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Job+34:32">Job xxxiv. 32</A>.
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The time past our lives may suffice us to have wrought the will of the
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Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Pe+4:3">1 Pet. iv. 3</A>.--
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<I>When you lived among those who did such things</I> (so some
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understand it), then you walked in those evil practices. It is a hard
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thing to live among those who do the works of darkness and not have
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fellowship with them, as it is to walk in the mire and contract no
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soil. Let us keep out of the way of evil-doers.</P>
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<A NAME="Col3_8"> </A>
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<A NAME="Col3_9"> </A>
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<A NAME="Col3_10"> </A>
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<A NAME="Col3_11"> </A>
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<A NAME="Sec3"> </A>
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<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
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<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Necessity of Mortifying Sin.</I></FONT></TD>
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<TD ALIGN=RIGHT VALIGN=BOTTOM><FONT SIZE=-1>A. D.</FONT> 62.</TD></TR>
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<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
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</TABLE>
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<P>
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<FONT SIZE=+1>8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice,
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blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
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9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old
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man with his deeds;
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10 And have put on the new <I>man,</I> which is renewed in knowledge
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after the image of him that created him:
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11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor
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uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond <I>nor</I> free: but Christ
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<I>is</I> all, and in all.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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As we are to mortify inordinate appetites, so we are to mortify
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inordinate passions
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Col+3:8"><I>v.</I> 8</A>):
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<I>But now you also put off all these, anger wrath, malice;</I> for
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these are contrary to the design of the gospel, as well as grosser
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impurities; and, though they are more spiritual wickedness, have not
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less malignity in them. The gospel religion introduces a change of the
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higher as well as the lower powers of the soul, and supports the
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dominion of right reason and conscience over appetite and passion.
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Anger and wrath are bad, but malice is worse, because it is more rooted
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and deliberate; it is anger heightened and settled. And, as the corrupt
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principles in the heart must be cut off, so the product of them in the
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tongue; as <I>blasphemy,</I> which seems there to mean, not so much
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speaking ill of God as speaking ill of men, giving ill language to
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them, or raising ill reports of them, and injuring their good name by
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any evil arts,--<I>filthy communication,</I> that is, all lewd and
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wanton discourse, which comes from a polluted mind in the speaker and
|
|
propagates the same defilements in the hearers,--and lying: <I>Lie not
|
|
one to another</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Col+3:9"><I>v.</I> 9</A>),
|
|
|
|
for it is contrary both to the law of truth and the law of love, it is
|
|
both unjust and unkind, and naturally tends to destroy all faith and
|
|
friendship among mankind. Lying makes us like the devil (who is the
|
|
<I>father of lies</I>), and is a prime part of the devil's image upon
|
|
our souls; and therefore we are cautioned against this sin by this
|
|
general reason: Seeing <I>you have put off the old man with his deeds,
|
|
and have put on the new man,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Col+3:10"><I>v.</I> 10</A>.
|
|
|
|
The consideration that we have by profession put away sin and espoused
|
|
the cause and interest of Christ, that we have renounced all sin and
|
|
stand engaged to Christ, should fortify us against this sin of lying.
|
|
Those who have put off the old man have put it off with its deeds; and
|
|
those who have put on the new man must put on all its deeds--not only
|
|
espouse good principles but act them in a good conversation. The new
|
|
man is said to be <I>renewed in knowledge,</I> because an ignorant soul
|
|
cannot be a good soul. Without knowledge the heart cannot be good,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+19:2">Prov. xix. 2</A>.
|
|
|
|
The grace of God works upon the will and affections by renewing the
|
|
understanding. Light is the first thing in the new creation, as it was
|
|
in the first: <I>after the image of him who created him.</I> It was the
|
|
honour of man in innocence that he was made after the image of God; but
|
|
that image was defaced and lost by sin, and is renewed by sanctifying
|
|
grace: so that a renewed soul is something like what Adam was in the
|
|
day he was created. In the privilege and duty of sanctification
|
|
<I>there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision,
|
|
Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Col+3:11"><I>v.</I> 11</A>.
|
|
|
|
There is now no difference arising from different country or different
|
|
condition and circumstance of life: it is as much the duty of the one
|
|
as of the other to be holy, and as much the privilege of the one as of
|
|
the other to receive from God the grace to be so. Christ came to take
|
|
down all partition-walls, that all might stand on the same level before
|
|
God, both in duty and privilege. And for this reason, because
|
|
<I>Christ is all in all.</I> Christ is a Christian's all, his only Lord
|
|
and Saviour, and all his hope and happiness. And to those who are
|
|
sanctified, one as well as another and whatever they are in other
|
|
respects, he is <I>all in all,</I> the <I>Alpha</I> and <I>Omega,</I>
|
|
the <I>beginning and the end:</I> he is all in all things to them.</P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Col3_12"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Col3_13"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Col3_14"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Col3_15"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Col3_16"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Col3_17"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec4"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Love Recommended.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TD ALIGN=RIGHT VALIGN=BOTTOM><FONT SIZE=-1>A. D.</FONT> 62.</TD></TR>
|
|
<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved,
|
|
bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness,
|
|
longsuffering;
|
|
13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any
|
|
man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so
|
|
also <I>do</I> ye.
|
|
14 And above all these things <I>put on</I> charity, which is the
|
|
bond of perfectness.
|
|
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which
|
|
also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
|
|
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom;
|
|
teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and
|
|
spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
|
|
17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, <I>do</I> all in the name
|
|
of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
The apostle proceeds to exhort to mutual love and compassion: <I>Put on
|
|
therefore bowels of mercy,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Col+3:12"><I>v.</I> 12</A>.
|
|
|
|
We must not only put off anger and wrath (as
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Col+3:8"><I>v.</I> 8</A>),
|
|
|
|
but we must put on compassion and kindness; not only cease to do evil,
|
|
but learn to do well; not only not do hurt to any, but do what good we
|
|
can to all.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
I. The argument here used to enforce the exhortation is very affecting:
|
|
<I>Put on, as the elect of God, holy and beloved.</I> Observe,
|
|
|
|
1. Those who are holy are the elect of God; and those who are the elect
|
|
of God, and holy, are beloved--beloved of God, and ought to be so of
|
|
all men.
|
|
|
|
2. Those who are the elect of God, holy and beloved, ought to conduct
|
|
themselves in every thing as becomes them, and so as not to lose the
|
|
credit of their holiness, nor the comfort of their being chosen and
|
|
beloved. It becomes those who are holy towards God to be lowly and
|
|
loving towards all men. Observe, What we must put on in particular.
|
|
|
|
(1.) Compassion towards the miserable: <I>Bowels of mercy,</I> the
|
|
tenderest mercies. Those who owe so much to mercy ought to be merciful
|
|
to all who are proper objects of mercy. <I>Be you merciful, as your
|
|
Father is merciful,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+6:36">Luke vi. 36</A>.
|
|
|
|
(2.) <I>Kindness</I> towards our friends, and those who love us. A
|
|
courteous disposition becomes the elect of God; for the design of the
|
|
gospel is not only to soften the minds of men, but to sweeten them, and
|
|
to promote friendship among men as well as reconciliation with God.
|
|
|
|
(3.) <I>Humbleness of mind,</I> in submission to those above us, and
|
|
condescension to those below us. There must not only be a humble
|
|
demeanour, but a humble mind. <I>Learn of me, for I am meek and lowly
|
|
in heart,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+11:29">Matt. xi. 29</A>.
|
|
|
|
(4.) <I>Meekness</I> towards those who have provoked us, or been any
|
|
way injurious to us. We must not be transported into any indecency by
|
|
our resentment of indignities and neglects: but must prudently bridle
|
|
our own anger, and patiently bear the anger of others.
|
|
|
|
(5.) <I>Long-suffering</I> towards those who continue to provoke us.
|
|
<I>Charity suffereth long,</I> as well <I>as is kind,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+13:4">1 Cor. xiii. 4</A>.
|
|
|
|
Many can bear a short provocation who are weary of bearing when it
|
|
grows long. But we must suffer long both the injuries of men and the
|
|
rebukes of divine Providence. If God is long-suffering to us, under all
|
|
our provocations of him, we should exercise long-suffering to others in
|
|
like cases.
|
|
|
|
(6.) Mutual forbearance, in consideration of the infirmities and
|
|
deficiencies under which we all labour: <I>Forbearing one another.</I>
|
|
We have all of us something which needs to be borne with, and this is a
|
|
good reason why we should bear with others in what is disagreeable to
|
|
us. We need the same good turn from others which we are bound to show
|
|
them.
|
|
|
|
(7.) A readiness to forgive injuries: <I>Forgiving one another, if any
|
|
man have a quarrel against any.</I> While we are in this world, where
|
|
there is so much corruption in our hearts, and so much occasion of
|
|
difference and contention, quarrels will sometimes happen, even among
|
|
the elect of God, who are holy and beloved, as Paul and Barnabas had a
|
|
<I>sharp contention, which parted them asunder one from the other</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+15:39">Acts xv. 39</A>),
|
|
|
|
and Paul and Peter,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ga+2:14">Gal. ii. 14</A>.
|
|
|
|
But it is our duty to forgive one another in such cases; not to bear
|
|
any grudge, but put up with the affront and pass it by. And the reason
|
|
is: <I>Even as Christ forgave you, so also do you.</I> The
|
|
consideration that we are forgiven by Christ so many offences is a good
|
|
reason why we should forgive others. It is an argument of the divinity
|
|
of Christ that he had <I>power on earth to forgive sins;</I> and it is
|
|
a branch of his example which we are obliged to follow, if we ourselves
|
|
would be forgiven. <I>Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those
|
|
who trespass against us,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+6:12">Matt. vi. 12</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. In order to all this, we are exhorted here to several things:--
|
|
|
|
1. To clothe ourselves with love
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Col+3:14"><I>v.</I> 14</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>Above all things put on charity:</I> <B><I>epi pasi de
|
|
toutois</I></B>--<I>over all things.</I> Let this be the upper garment,
|
|
the robe, the livery, the mark of our dignity and distinction. Or, Let
|
|
this be principal and chief, as the whole sum and abstract of the
|
|
second table. <I>Add to faith virtue, and to brotherly-kindness
|
|
charity,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Pe+1:5-7">2 Pet. i. 5-7</A>.
|
|
|
|
He lays the foundation in faith, and the top-stone in charity, <I>which
|
|
is the bond of perfectness,</I> the cement and centre of all happy
|
|
society. Christian unity consists of unanimity and mutual love.
|
|
|
|
2. To submit ourselves to the government of the <I>peace of God</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Col+3:15"><I>v.</I> 15</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>Let the peace of God rule in your hearts,</I> that is, God's being
|
|
at peace with you, and the comfortable sense of his acceptance and
|
|
favour: or, a disposition to peace among yourselves, a peaceable
|
|
spirit, that keeps the peace, and makes peace. This is called the
|
|
<I>peace of God,</I> because it is of his working in all who are his.
|
|
The <I>kingdom of God is righteousness and peace,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+14:17">Rom. xiv. 17</A>.
|
|
|
|
"Let this peace <I>rule in your heart</I>--prevail and govern there, or
|
|
as an umpire decide all matters of difference among you."--<I>To which
|
|
you are called in one body.</I> We are called to this peace, to peace
|
|
with God as our privilege and peace with our brethren as our duty.
|
|
Being united in one body, we are called to be at peace one with
|
|
another, as the members of the natural body; for <I>we are the body of
|
|
Christ, and members in particular,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+12:27">1 Cor. xii. 27</A>.
|
|
|
|
To preserve in us this peaceable disposition, we must be thankful. The
|
|
work of thanksgiving to God is such a sweet and pleasant work that it
|
|
will help to make us sweet and pleasant towards all men. "Instead of
|
|
envying one another upon account of any particular favours and
|
|
excellence, be thankful for his mercies, which are common to all of
|
|
you."
|
|
|
|
3. To let the <I>word of Christ dwell in us richly,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Col+3:16"><I>v.</I> 16</A>.
|
|
|
|
The gospel is the word of Christ, which has come to us; but that is not
|
|
enough, it must dwell in us, or <I>keep
|
|
house</I>--<B><I>enoikeito,</I></B> not as a servant in a family, who
|
|
is under another's control, but as a master, who has a right to
|
|
prescribe to and direct all under his roof. We must take our
|
|
instructions and directions from it, and our portion of meat and
|
|
strength, of grace and comfort, in due season, as from the <I>master of
|
|
the household.</I> It must dwell in us; that is, be always ready and at
|
|
hand to us in every thing, and have its due influence and use. We must
|
|
be familiarly acquainted with it, and <I>know it for our good,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Job+5:27">Job v. 27</A>.
|
|
|
|
It must dwell in us richly: not only keep house in our hearts, but keep
|
|
a good house. Many have the word of Christ dwelling in them, but it
|
|
dwells in them but poorly; it has no mighty force and influence upon
|
|
them. Then the soul prospers when the word of God <I>dwells in us
|
|
richly,</I> when we have abundance of it in us, and are full of the
|
|
scriptures and of the grace of Christ. And this in all wisdom. The
|
|
proper office of wisdom is to apply what we know to ourselves, for our
|
|
own direction. The word of Christ must dwell in us, not in all notion
|
|
and speculation, to make us doctors, but in all wisdom, to make us good
|
|
Christians, and enable us to conduct ourselves in every thing as
|
|
becomes Wisdom's children.
|
|
|
|
4. To teach and admonish one another. This would contribute very much
|
|
to our furtherance in all grace; for we sharpen ourselves by quickening
|
|
others, and improve our knowledge by communicating it for their
|
|
edification. We must <I>admonish one another in psalms and hymns.</I>
|
|
Observe, Singing of psalms is a gospel ordinance: <B><I>psalmois kai
|
|
hymnois kai odais</I></B>--the Psalms of David, and spiritual hymns and
|
|
odes, collected out of the scripture, and suited to special occasions,
|
|
instead of their lewd and profane songs in their idolatrous worship.
|
|
Religious poesy seems countenanced by these expressions and is capable
|
|
of great edification. But, when we sing psalms, we make no melody
|
|
unless we sing with grace in our hearts, unless we are suitably
|
|
affected with what we sing and go along in it with true devotion and
|
|
understanding. Singing of psalms is a teaching ordinance as well as a
|
|
praising ordinance; and we are not only to quicken and encourage
|
|
ourselves, but to <I>teach and admonish one another,</I> mutually
|
|
excite our affections, and convey instructions.
|
|
|
|
5. All must be done in the name of Christ
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Col+3:17"><I>v.</I> 17</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>And whatsoever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the
|
|
Lord Jesus,</I> according to his command and in compliance with his
|
|
authority, by strength derived from him, with an eye to his glory, and
|
|
depending upon his merit for the acceptance of what is good and the
|
|
pardon of what is amiss, <I>Giving thanks to God and the Father by
|
|
him.</I> Observe,
|
|
|
|
(1.) We must give thanks in all things; whatsoever we do, we must still
|
|
give thanks,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+5:20">Eph. v. 20</A>,
|
|
|
|
<I>Giving thanks always for all things.</I>
|
|
|
|
(2.) The Lord Jesus must be the Mediator of our praises as well as of
|
|
our prayers. <I>We give thanks to God and the Father in the name of the
|
|
Lord Jesus Christ,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+5:20">Eph. v. 20</A>.
|
|
|
|
Those who do all things in Christ's name will never want matter of
|
|
thanksgiving to God, even the Father.</P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Col3_18"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Col3_19"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Col3_20"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Col3_21"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Col3_22"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Col3_23"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Col3_24"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Col3_25"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec5"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Relative Duties.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TD ALIGN=RIGHT VALIGN=BOTTOM><FONT SIZE=-1>A. D.</FONT> 62.</TD></TR>
|
|
<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>18 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is
|
|
fit in the Lord.
|
|
19 Husbands, love <I>your</I> wives, and be not bitter against them.
|
|
20 Children, obey <I>your</I> parents in all things: for this is
|
|
well pleasing unto the Lord.
|
|
21 Fathers, provoke not your children <I>to anger,</I> lest they be
|
|
discouraged.
|
|
22 Servants, obey in all things <I>your</I> masters according to the
|
|
flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of
|
|
heart, fearing God:
|
|
23 And whatsoever ye do, do <I>it</I> heartily, as to the Lord, and
|
|
not unto men;
|
|
24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the
|
|
inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
|
|
25 But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he
|
|
hath done: and there is no respect of persons.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
The apostle concludes the chapter with exhortations to relative duties,
|
|
as before in the epistle to the Ephesians. The epistles which are most
|
|
taken up in displaying the glory of divine grace, and magnifying the
|
|
Lord Jesus, are the most particular and distinct in pressing the duties
|
|
of the several relations. We must never separate the privileges and
|
|
duties of the gospel religion.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
I. He begins with the duties of wives and husbands
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Col+3:18"><I>v.</I> 18</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the
|
|
Lord.</I> Submission is the duty of wives, <B><I>hypotassesthe.</I></B>
|
|
It is the same word which is used to express our duty to magistrates
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+13:1">Rom. xiii. 1</A>,
|
|
|
|
<I>Let every soul be</I> subject <I>to the higher powers</I>), and is
|
|
expressed by subjection and reverence,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+5:24,33">Eph. v. 24, 33</A>.
|
|
|
|
The reason is that <I>Adam was first formed, then Eve: and Adam was not
|
|
deceived, but the woman, being deceived, was in the transgression,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ti+2:13,14">1 Tim. ii. 13, 14</A>.
|
|
|
|
He was first in the creation and last in the transgression. The <I>head
|
|
of the woman is the man;</I> and the <I>man is not of the woman, but
|
|
the woman of the man; neither was the man created for the woman, but
|
|
the woman for the man,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+11:3,8,9">1 Cor. xi. 3, 8, 9</A>.
|
|
|
|
It is agreeable to the order of nature and the reason of things, as
|
|
well as the appointment and will of God. But then it is submission, not
|
|
to a rigorous lord or absolute tyrant, who may do his will and is
|
|
without restraints, but to a husband, and to her own husband, who
|
|
stands in the nearest relation, and is under strict engagements to
|
|
proper duty too. And <I>this is fit in the Lord,</I> it is becoming
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the relation, and what they are bound in duty to do, as an instance of
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obedience to the authority and law of Christ. On the other hand,
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<I>husbands must love their wives, and not be bitter against them,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Col+3:19"><I>v.</I> 19</A>.
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They must love them with tender and faithful affection, as Christ loved
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the church, and as their own bodies, and even as themselves
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+5:25,28,33">Eph. v. 25, 28, 33</A>),
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with a love peculiar to the nearest relation and the greatest comfort
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and blessing of life. And they must not be bitter against them, not use
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them unkindly, with harsh language or severe treatment, but be kind and
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obliging to them in all things; for the <I>woman was made for the man,
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neither is the man without the woman,</I> and the <I>man also is by the
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woman,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+11:9,11,12">1 Cor. xi. 9, 11, 12</A>.</P>
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<P>
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II. The duties of children and parents: <I>Children, obey your parents
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in all things, for this is well-pleasing unto the Lord,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Col+3:20"><I>v.</I> 20</A>.
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They must be willing to do all their lawful commands, and be at their
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direction and disposal; as those who have a natural right and are
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|
fitter to direct them than themselves. The apostle
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+6:2">Eph. vi. 2</A>)
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requires them to honour as well as obey their parents; they must esteem
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|
them and think honourably of them, as the obedience of their lives must
|
|
proceed from the esteem and opinion of their minds. And this is
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<I>well-pleasing to God,</I> or acceptable to him; for it is the
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<I>first commandment with promise</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+6:2">Eph. vi. 2</A>),
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with an explicit promise annexed to it, namely, <I>That it shall be
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|
well with them, and they shall live long on the earth.</I> Dutiful
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children are the most likely to prosper in the world and enjoy long
|
|
life. And parents must be tender, as well as children obedient
|
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|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Col+3:21"><I>v.</I> 21</A>):
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"<I>Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be
|
|
discouraged.</I> Let not your authority over them be exercised with
|
|
rigour and severity, but with kindness and gentleness, lest you raise
|
|
their passions and discourage them in their duty, and by holding the
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|
reins too tight make them fly out with greater fierceness." The bad
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|
temper and example of imprudent parents often prove a great hindrance
|
|
to their children and a stumbling-block in their way; see
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|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+6:4">Eph. vi. 4</A>.
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|
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|
And it is by the tenderness of parents, and dutifulness of children,
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|
that God ordinarily furnishes his church with a seed to serve him, and
|
|
propagates religion from age to age.</P>
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|
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<P>
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III. Servants and masters: <I>Servants, obey your masters in all things
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|
according to the flesh,</I>
|
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|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Col+3:22"><I>v.</I> 22</A>.
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|
Servants must do the duty of the relation in which they stand, and obey
|
|
their master's commands in <I>all things</I> which are consistent with
|
|
their duty to God their heavenly Master. <I>Not with eye-service, as
|
|
men-pleasers</I>--not only when their master's eye is upon them, but
|
|
when they are from under their master's eye. They must be both just and
|
|
diligent. <I>In singleness of heart, fearing God</I>--without selfish
|
|
designs, or hypocrisy and disguise, as those who fear God and stand in
|
|
awe of him. Observe, The fear of God ruling in the heart will make
|
|
people good in every relation. Servants who fear God will be just and
|
|
faithful when they are from under their master's eye, because they know
|
|
they are under the eye of God. See
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|
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|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+20:11">Gen. xx. 11</A>,
|
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|
<I>Because I thought, Surely the fear of God is not in this place.</I>
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|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ne+5:15">Neh. v. 15</A>,
|
|
|
|
<I>But so did not I, because of the fear of God.</I> "And <I>whatsoever
|
|
you do, do it heartily</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Col+3:23"><I>v.</I> 23</A>),
|
|
|
|
with diligence, not idly and slothfully:" or, "Do it cheerfully, not
|
|
discontented at the providence of God which put you in that
|
|
relation."--<I>As to the Lord, and not as to men.</I> It sanctifies a
|
|
servant's work when it is done as unto God--with an eye to his glory
|
|
and in obedience to his command, and not merely as unto men, or with
|
|
regard to them only. Observe, We are really doing our duty to God when
|
|
we are faithful in our duty to men. And, for servants' encouragement,
|
|
let them know that a good and faithful servant is never the further
|
|
from heaven for his being a servant: "<I>Knowing that of the Lord you
|
|
shall receive the reward of the inheritance, for you serve the Lord
|
|
Christ,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Col+3:24"><I>v.</I> 24</A>.
|
|
|
|
Serving your masters according to the command of Christ, you serve
|
|
Christ, and he will be your paymaster: you will have a glorious reward
|
|
at last. Though you are now servants, you will receive the inheritance
|
|
of sons. But, on the other hand, <I>He who does wrong will receive for
|
|
the wrong which he has done,</I>"
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Col+3:25"><I>v.</I> 25</A>.
|
|
|
|
There is a righteous God, who, if servants wrong their masters, will
|
|
reckon with them for it, though they may conceal it from their master's
|
|
notice. And he will be sure to punish the unjust as well as reward the
|
|
faithful servant: and so if masters wrong their servants.--<I>And there
|
|
is no respect of persons with him.</I> The righteous Judge of the earth
|
|
will be impartial, and carry it with an equal hand towards the master
|
|
and servant; not swayed by any regard to men's outward circumstances
|
|
and condition of life. The one and the other will stand upon a level at
|
|
his tribunal.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
It is probable that the apostle has a particular respect, in all these
|
|
instances of duty, to the case mentioned
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+7:1-40">1 Cor. vii.</A>
|
|
|
|
of relations of a different religion, as a Christian and heathen, a
|
|
Jewish convert and an uncircumcised Gentile, where there was room to
|
|
doubt whether they were bound to fulfil the proper duties of their
|
|
several relations to such persons. And, if it hold in such cases, it is
|
|
much stronger upon Christians one towards another, and where both are
|
|
of the same religion. And how happy would the gospel religion make the
|
|
world, if it every where prevailed; and how much would it influence
|
|
every state of things and every relation of life!</P>
|
|
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|
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