The theme of Colossians 3:12-17 encourages believers to "clothe" themselves with virtues such as compassion, kindness, humility, and love. This ties beautifully into the purpose of the entire letter. Paul wrote to the Colossian church to address confusion caused by false teachings, urging them to stay focused on Christ as their proper foundation (Dunn). Just as Paul instructed the Colossians to live out their faith through these Christlike qualities actively, Wesleyan theology also emphasizes that faith is more than just belief—it must be lived out daily through actions shaped by grace (Maddox). For both Paul and John Wesley, living out these virtues isn’t just an option, it’s essential to the Christian life.
Paul’s imagery of "clothing" yourself with virtues like humility and patience resonates with John Wesley’s teachings on practical holiness. Wesley believed Christians should actively grow in love, compassion, and humility as part of their spiritual journey (Collins). When Paul talks about putting on love, which binds everything together in perfect unity (Col. 3:14), Wesley would have seen this as the heart of Christian perfection—being made perfect in love toward God and neighbor (Wesley). It’s not just about following rules or checking off a list of good deeds. It’s about letting love drive everything we do, making our faith real and visible to others.
Paul’s focus on community and mutual support in Colossians 3:15-16 is also deeply rooted in Wesleyan tradition. Wesley believed that Christians grow best when they walk together, encouraging one another in small groups where they could hold each other accountable and learn together (Collins). Paul’s call to let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts and to always give thanks (Col. 3:15, 17) fits perfectly with Wesley’s idea that peace and gratitude should be the natural outflow of a life shaped by grace. When we live in the peace of Christ and share that peace with others, we create a community that reflects the love and unity that Paul and Wesley both envisioned (Maddox).
The New Testament letter of Colossians was written to the early Christians living in Colossae, a culturally rich town located in modern-day Turkey. Although not as well-known as cities like Ephesus or Corinth, Colossae was significant due to its location along important trade routes, which made it a hub for various religious and philosophical ideas. The letter is named after the people living in Colossae to whom it was addressed (Dunn).
Traditionally, the Apostle Paul is believed to have written this letter, along with Timothy, a close companion (Col. 1:1). Paul likely wrote Colossians while he was under house arrest in Rome (around AD 60-62), during a time when he could still preach and correspond with the churches he helped plant (Wright 24). Although some scholars question whether Paul actually wrote it due to its distinct style, many still believe it reflects Paul's thoughts and teachings, even if an associate may have helped compose it.
Assuming Paul did write it, Colossians was likely penned around AD 60-62 during his Roman imprisonment. The letter was delivered by Tychicus, one of Paul's trusted messengers (Col. 4:7-9). The Colossian church itself was a mix of Jewish and Gentile Christians, surrounded by various religious influences—pagan beliefs, mysticism, and Jewish traditions—all of which had started to seep into their faith community (Moo).
Paul wrote this letter primarily to address some troubling teachings that were circulating in the Colossian church. Some members were being misled by ideas that downplayed the importance of Jesus, possibly involving practices like worshiping angels or following strict, legalistic rules (Col. 2:18). In response, Paul wanted to remind the Colossians of Christ’s central and all-encompassing role in creation and salvation (O’Brien).
Key themes in Colossians include:
The structure of Colossians is straightforward:
Colossians is a rich theological letter that continues to speak to Christians today. Its exalted vision of Christ as Lord over all creation (Col. 1:15-20) is one of the Bible's clearest expressions of Jesus' divine nature. Paul's letter encourages believers to keep Christ at the center of their faith and daily lives, no matter what cultural pressures or spiritual trends they face. It is a reminder that, in Christ, we are complete and lack nothing (O’Brien).
Verse 12:
Paul begins by reminding the Colossians of their identity
as God’s "chosen people." The terms "holy" and "dearly
loved" emphasize that their new status is not based on their own efforts
but on God’s grace. This identity is central to their behavior. The metaphor of
clothing ("clothe yourselves") suggests that these
virtues—compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience—must be
consciously and actively put on like garments (Dunn). These qualities reflect
the character of Christ and are essential for building a strong Christian
community. Paul stresses that the transformation of believers should be visible
in their relationships with others.
Verse 13:
Here, Paul focuses on forgiveness as an essential virtue
for maintaining unity. "Bear with each other" implies mutual patience
and tolerance, acknowledging that conflicts and grievances will inevitably
arise in any community. However, the basis for forgiveness is not personal
merit but the example of Christ: "forgive as the Lord forgave you."
This strongly emphasizes grace, reflecting Jesus’ teaching that believers
should extend the same forgiveness they have received from God (cf. Matt.
6:14-15) (Brown).
Verse 14:
Paul places love at the pinnacle of the Christian virtues.
Love, he argues, "binds them all together" and creates "perfect
unity." In Paul’s theology, love is the supreme virtue, without which the
others lose their power (cf. 1 Cor. 13:1-3). Love is the glue that holds the
community together and ensures that compassion, kindness, humility, and
patience are not just external behaviors but expressions of a deep commitment
to one another in Christ (Dunn). This love mirrors Christ’s sacrificial love
for the church.
Verse 15:
The "peace of Christ" refers to the inner
tranquility that comes from knowing Christ and living in harmony with others.
Paul calls for this peace to "rule" in their hearts, using a term
that suggests it should act as a judge or decision-maker. This is not only
personal peace but communal—"as members of one body"—emphasizing that
the church is called to peace within its relationships (Brown). Gratitude
("and be thankful") is a recurring theme in Paul’s letters and is
here linked to the peace that Christ gives. Gratitude, like peace, should
permeate the life of the believer and the community.
Verse 16:
The "message of Christ" likely refers to the
gospel message—the teachings and life of Christ that should be central to the
church’s life and ministry (Dunn). Paul encourages them to let this message
"dwell richly," meaning it should fill and shape all aspects of their
communal life. Teaching and admonishing one another are communal activities reflecting
mutual faith accountability. Worship plays a key role in this process, with
"psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit" acting as vehicles for
teaching, encouragement, and thanksgiving. Gratitude, again, is emphasized as
the proper response to God’s grace.
Verse 17:
Paul concludes this section by urging the Colossians to
center every aspect of their lives—both words and actions—around Christ.
"In the name of the Lord Jesus" means that their actions should
reflect Jesus’ character and will, acknowledging His lordship over all things.
The final note of "giving thanks" ties back to the recurring theme of
gratitude throughout the passage (Brown). Gratitude is not just a feeling but a
way of life, shaping their behavior as they live out their faith.
The book of Colossians resonates deeply with
Wesleyan and Methodist theology, especially in its focus on Christ’s supremacy,
God’s grace, and the call to live holy, transformed lives. These themes align
with the Methodist understanding of salvation, Christian perfection, and practical
holiness—cornerstones of John Wesley’s teachings.
Christ’s Supremacy and the Image of
God
One of the central themes in Colossians is the
supremacy of Christ, as highlighted in Colossians 1:15-20. Here, Paul presents
Christ as the "image of the invisible God," who holds authority over
all creation. For Wesleyan theology, this description of Christ connects
directly to the idea that Jesus reveals God’s nature and shows humanity the
path to being restored into God’s image. Wesley believed that through Christ,
the brokenness caused by sin can be healed, and humans can begin the process of
being renewed in God's likeness (Maddox). This cosmic view of Christ as the
center of creation affirms that He is also at the heart of human redemption.
Grace and the New Life in Christ
Wesleyans hold a robust view of grace, encompassing
prevenient (the grace that comes before), justifying (the grace that brings
forgiveness), and sanctifying grace (the grace that transforms). In Colossians 2:13-15, Paul emphasizes that through Christ, God forgave our sins and canceled
the "record of debt" that condemned us. This reflects the Methodist
understanding of justifying grace, where believers are set free from the guilt
of sin by God’s mercy (Outler).
Further, in Colossians 3:1-17, Paul describes the
new life in Christ, urging believers to "put on the new self." This
echoes Wesley’s belief in sanctifying grace, where the Holy Spirit empowers
Christians to grow in holiness and be perfected in love. Wesley taught that
while we are initially justified by faith, sanctification is an ongoing process
in which believers become more Christlike. Paul reinforces this concept by
encouraging the Colossians to adopt virtues like compassion, kindness,
humility, and love (Collins).
Christian Perfection and Holiness
The call to holiness is fundamental in Wesleyan theology,
especially the idea of Christian perfection. For Wesley, this didn’t mean being
flawless but being made "perfect in love" with God and neighbor.
Paul’s words in Colossians 3:2-5, where he tells believers to set their
hearts on things above and put to death their earthly desires, align closely
with this concept. Wesleyans interpret this as a call to live holy lives, where
God’s grace enables believers to overcome sin and live out Christlike love and
purity (Wesley). The "new self" Paul encourages Christians to adopt
represents this journey toward holiness, where the believer is progressively
transformed by grace.
The Role of Community in Spiritual
Growth
John Wesley emphasized community and accountability in the
pursuit of holiness, and Colossians reflects this communal focus. In
Colossians 3:11-15, Paul stresses unity within the body of Christ, urging
believers to "bear with each other" and "forgive one
another." This mirrors Wesley’s belief that Christian growth happens best
in community. Wesleyan traditions, such as class meetings or small groups, were
designed to foster spiritual growth and mutual support, much like Paul’s vision
for the Colossian church as a unified, loving community (Collins). For Wesley,
holiness was not a solitary endeavor but something nurtured within the
fellowship of believers.
Ethical Living and Practical Holiness
In Colossians 3:18-4:1, Paul provides instructions
for household relationships, which reflect his belief that faith should
influence every part of life. This matches Wesley’s concept of practical
holiness, where the love of God is shown through everyday actions and relationships.
Wesley believed that holiness was not abstract but practical, impacting how
people treated one another—whether in family roles, work relationships, or
society at large (Maddox). Paul’s call for love, respect, and justice within
these relationships resonates with the Methodist commitment to living out one’s
faith in concrete ways.
In Colossians 3:12-17, Paul instructs believers to live out
their new identity in Christ by embodying virtues that reflect the character of
Jesus. From a Wesleyan/Methodist perspective, this passage exemplifies the
heart of John Wesley’s teachings on holiness, sanctification, and Christian
community. Wesley emphasized that salvation is not only about being saved from
sin but also about being transformed into the likeness of Christ, a process
known as sanctification (Maddox). This passage reflects that call to holiness
and practical divinity—faith lived out in love and service.
"Clothe Yourselves" with
Christlike Virtues (Colossians 3:12)
Paul encourages believers to "clothe yourselves with
compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience" (Col. 3:12,
NIV). These virtues are the outward expression of the inward change that
happens when a person is renewed in Christ. Wesley taught that holiness is not
just an abstract concept but is demonstrated through practical love and good
works. He believed that as Christians grow in grace, their lives increasingly
reflect Christ’s character, seen in virtues like those Paul lists here (Collins).
In Wesleyan theology, the Christian life is a journey
toward "Christian perfection," where believers are made perfect in
love—both love for God and love for others. Therefore, Compassion and kindness
are not optional traits but integral to the sanctified life. Wesley often
referred to these virtues as fruits of the Spirit, evidence that God’s grace is
transforming the believer from the inside out (Maddox).
Forgiveness and Unity (Colossians
3:13-14)
Paul calls the Colossians to "bear with each other and
forgive one another" (Col. 3:13). Wesley deeply valued forgiveness as a
central Christian virtue, viewing it as essential to maintaining unity in the
body of Christ. He preached that just as God forgives us, we must forgive
others—a theme Paul echoes when he says, "Forgive as the Lord forgave
you" (Wesley).
Moreover, Wesley saw Christian love as the bond that holds
the church together, in line with Paul’s declaration that "love… binds
them all together in perfect unity" (Col. 3:14). For Wesley, love was the
essence of Christian perfection. He believed that the goal of the Christian
life was to be "perfect in love," not in the sense of being flawless,
but in being wholly devoted to loving God and neighbor. This kind of love
fosters unity in the church, making it the visible body of Christ in the world
(Collins).
The Peace of Christ and Thankfulness
(Colossians 3:15)
Paul’s exhortation to "let the peace of Christ rule in
your hearts" (Col. 3:15) is significant in Wesleyan theology, as Wesley
viewed peace not just as the absence of conflict but as a deep, abiding sense
of God’s presence and assurance. According to Wesley, this peace comes
through a heart fully surrendered to God, resulting in a life free from the
fear of judgment and filled with trust in God’s providence (Outler). Wesley
would encourage believers to seek this peace through continual prayer and
submission to God’s will, as it is a sign of a mature and sanctified life.
Paul also emphasizes thankfulness in this passage, a theme
Wesley frequently addressed. Gratitude, for Wesley, was not just a response to
good circumstances but an ongoing posture of the heart. He saw it as a
spiritual discipline that keeps believers mindful of God’s grace and blessings,
fostering contentment and joy even in difficult situations (Maddox).
The Word of Christ and Mutual Teaching
(Colossians 3:16)
Paul calls for the "word of Christ" to
"dwell richly" among the Colossians, encouraging them to teach and
admonish one another (Col. 3:16). Wesley placed great importance on the role of
Scripture in the life of the believer. He often spoke of the need for the
"means of grace"—practices like Bible reading, prayer, and communal
worship—as channels through which believers grow in faith and holiness (Outler).
In Wesleyan thought, Scripture is a primary means by which God’s grace works in
the heart, and it must dwell richly in the life of both the individual and the
community.
Paul’s emphasis on mutual teaching and admonition resonates
with Wesley’s method of organizing Christians into small groups (class
meetings) for accountability and spiritual growth. These groups were places
where believers could encourage one another, just as Paul instructs, helping
each other live out the teachings of Christ (Collins). Wesley believed that
Christian growth happens best in community, where believers are accountable to
one another and committed to shared learning and discipleship.
Worship and Gratitude (Colossians
3:16-17)
Paul concludes by urging the Colossians to "sing
psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God"
(Col. 3:16) and to do everything "in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving
thanks to God the Father through him" (Col. 3:17). Worship, for Wesley,
was an essential expression of a sanctified life. He believed true holiness naturally
leads to joyful worship, where believers offer gratitude and praise for
God’s grace (Outler). The act of singing hymns, as Paul suggests, was central
to Wesley’s ministry. Charles Wesley’s hymns were a crucial part of Methodist
worship, serving as a means of teaching theology and stirring the hearts of
believers toward deeper devotion.
Wesley’s holistic view of worship aligns with Paul’s call
to live all of life—whether in word or deed—in the name of Christ. For Wesley,
there was no separation between sacred and secular; every action, whether work
or worship, was to be done for the glory of God (Collins). This echoes Paul’s
instruction that everything should be done "in the name of the Lord
Jesus."
