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Notes For Verse 12
a [the elect of God] All classes, races, colors, sexes, and types of of people
in Christ make the elect, not just the Jews. Anyone chosen of God -- an
individual or nation -- is the elect of God (note, Lk. 18:7).
b [holy and beloved] All true Christians are:
1. Holy (Greek: hagios (GSN-<G40>), Rom. 11:16; 12:1; 2Cor. 3:17; Eph. 1:4;
2:21; 3:5; 5:27; Col. 1:22; 3:12; 1Th. 5:27; 1Tim. 2:8; Tit. 1:8; Heb. 3:1;
1Pet. 1:15-16; 2:5,9; 3:5; 2Pet. 1:21; 3:2; Rev. 22:11)
2. Beloved of God (Greek: agapao (GSN-<G25>), Rom. 1:7; 2Cor. 7:1; Col. 3:12;
1Th. 1:4; 2Th. 2:13; 1Jn. 3:2; 4:1,7,11)
The word “therefore” refers to what has just been said. Because we are supposed
to operate from the spirit—where divisions like race, gender, and slavery do not
exist—and not the flesh, we should therefore extend love, mercy, kindness,
humility, meekness, and longsuffering toward those who are different from us in
the physical. This also goes back to Colossians 3:10, which speaks of putting on
the new man. The things listed here are characteristics of the new, born-again
nature. Compare with Galatians 5:22-23.
Note 5
In Colossians 3:5-9, Paul listed the actions that the Colossian believers were
to “put off” (Colossians 3:5). Beginning with this verse, he
stated the things that they must “put on.”
Note 6
“Put on” was translated from the Greek verb ENDUO, meaning “to sink into
(clothing)” (Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon, Ephesians 4:24).
Note 7
The word “therefore” is linking Paul’s instruction about these things that we
are to “put on” to his previous statements. In Colossians 3:11, he explained
that all the things that divide us, such as race and religion, have been done
away with in Christ. Therefore, or for that reason, we should walk in mercy,
kindness, and so forth toward our fellow believers.
Note 8
Paul pointed out that we are elect, holy, and beloved. His purpose in doing this
was to remind us that we certainly aren’t any of those things through our own
goodness. They are all gifts of God’s grace. Therefore, we should treat others
with the same grace that we’ve been given.
Note 9
In this verse, Paul mentioned the new identity every believer has in Christ.
That new identity should result in the fruit of the Spirit expressed through
godly behavior. This is not perfection but rather a new heart that leads to a
new way of life.
As Christians, we are the elect of God, holy and beloved. God’s “election” (Romans 9:11) was not because of our own good works but according to
His own purpose (plan) and grace (2 Timothy 1:9). Through “election,” believers
are “holy” (set apart) and “beloved” (the object of God’s love).
Note 10
The qualities with which we are to clothe the
“new man” are the following:
1) We are to put on the “bowels of mercies.” The Hebrews considered the “bowels”
as the seat of tender affections, especially kindness, benevolence, and
compassion (2 Corinthians 6:12). “Mercy” is the “compassionate
treatment” of an enemy, the “disposition to be kind and forgiving” (American
Heritage Dictionary). The first characteristic of the “new man” in Christ is
compassion.
2) “Kindness” is closely related to “bowels of mercies.” It is showing sympathy,
concern, and understanding, and it is characterized by concern for others (1 Corinthians 13:4).
3) “Humbleness of mind” is the antidote for pride, which is the source of all
our grief. This humbleness was one of the dominant characteristics of Jesus
(Matthew 11:29), and it is the most cherished Christian virtue (Ephesians 4:2,
Philippians 2:3, and 1 Peter 5:5).
4) “Meekness” is not weakness (Matthew 5:5) but rather gentleness.
It is a fruit of the Holy Spirit and should be manifest in our lives (Galatians
5:22-23).
5) “Longsuffering” was translated from the Greek noun MAKROTHUMIA, and this
Greek word means “patience, endurance, constancy, steadfastness, perseverance”
(Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon) (1 Corinthians 13:4 Colossians 1:11).
6) “Forbearing” (Colossians 3:13) was translated from the Greek verb ANECHOMAI,
and ANECHOMAI means “to hold up...sustain...bear with, endure” (Thayer’s
Greek-English Lexicon).
7) “Forgiving one another” (Colossians 3:13) should be the mark of all
Christians. Its foundation is Christ’s forgiveness of us.
Note 11
This is the same point that Paul made in his letter to the Ephesians when he
said in Ephesians 4:1-3, “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you
that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness
and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring
to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”