Exposition and Application of Colossians 3:17
Exposition of Colossians 3:17
Colossians 3:17 states, "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" (ESV) [2]. This verse is part of a larger passage that exhorts believers to live a life worthy of their calling in Christ.
Literary Context
Colossians 3:17 is situated within a section that begins with an exhortation to seek the things that are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God (Col 3:1-2). The apostle Paul encourages the Colossians to focus on their heavenly identity and to live accordingly. The surrounding verses (Col 3:12-16) describe the characteristics of the new life in Christ, including compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and love. The passage concludes with the instruction to let the peace of Christ rule in their hearts and to be thankful (Col 3:15-16).
Historical Setting
The letter to the Colossians was written by Paul during his imprisonment in Rome around 61-63 AD [1]. The Colossian church was likely founded by Epaphras, a disciple of Paul (Col 1:7). The letter addresses various issues, including the threat of false teachings and the need for believers to live a life that reflects their faith in Christ.
Key Terms
The phrase "in the name of the Lord Jesus" is crucial to understanding Colossians 3:17. The term "name" represents the person and authority of Jesus Christ. To act "in the name of the Lord Jesus" means to do so under His authority and in harmony with His identity [1]. The expression is reminiscent of other New Testament passages, such as 1 Corinthians 10:31, which instructs believers to do everything for the glory of God.
Major Exegetical Decisions
One key interpretive decision revolves around the scope of "whatever you do." The phrase encompasses both words and deeds, as indicated by the phrase "in word or deed" [2]. This comprehensive approach to Christian living emphasizes that all aspects of a believer's life should be lived under the lordship of Christ.
Range of Interpretations
Commentators have understood Colossians 3:17 in various ways. According to Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, the verse implies that believers should seek Jesus' guidance and help in all their actions and words, desiring to act in a way that gains His approval [2]. Calvin interprets the verse as an exhortation to do everything with a sincere and willing heart, as if done directly to the Lord Jesus [3]. The Tyndale House commentary notes that acting "in the name of the Lord Jesus" involves representing Him and acting under His authority [1].
Application in Tradition
Colossians 3:17 has been influential in shaping Christian practice and theology. The verse has been cited in discussions about the nature of Christian living and the importance of doing everything for the glory of God. In liturgical contexts, the verse has informed the practice of invoking the name of Jesus in prayer and worship. The verse has also been used to encourage believers to cultivate a sense of accountability to Christ in all aspects of their lives.
The instruction to give thanks to God the Father through Christ (Col 3:17) reflects a broader New Testament emphasis on the importance of gratitude in the Christian life (1 Thessalonians 5:18; Ephesians 5:20). This thanksgiving is not limited to specific acts of worship but is an integral part of the believer's daily life, as they recognize the grace and mercy of God in Christ.
Sources
- Colossians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Colossians 3:17: 3:17 as a representative of the Lord Jesus (literally in the name of the Lord Jesus): In the Bible, a person’s name represents that person. To do something in the name of the Lord Jesus is therefore to act in a way that is in harmony with his identity and under his authority.”
- Colossians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Colossians 3:17: Literally, "And everything whatsoever ye do . . . do all," &c.; this includes words as well as deeds. in the name of the Lord Jesus--as disciples called by His name as His, seeking His guidance and help, and desiring to act so as to gain His approval (Rom 14:8; Co1 10:31; Co2 5:15; Pe1 4:11). Compare "in the Lord," Col 3:18, and "Christ is all," Col 3:11. God and the Father--The oldest manuscripts omit "and," which seems to have crept in from Eph 5:20. by him--Greek, "through Him" as the channel of His grace to us, and of our thanksgiving to ”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Philippians, Colossians, 1-2 Thessalonians, section 85.1: Index of Scripture Commentary Philippians 1 1:1 1:3 1:4 1:5 1:6 1:7 1:8 1:9 1:10 1:11 1:12 1:13 1:14 1:15 1:16 1:17 1:18 1:19 1:20 1:21 1:22 1:23 1:25 1:26 1:27 1:28 1:29 1:30 2 2:1 2:2 2:3 2:5 2:6 2:7 2:8 2:9 2:10 2:11 2:12 2:13 2:14 2:15 2:16 2:17 2:18 2:19 2:20 2:21 2:22 2:23 2:25 2:26 2:27 2:28 2:29 2:30 3 3:1 3:3 3:4 3:5 3:6 3:7 3:8 3:9 3:10 3:12 3:13 3:15 3:16 3:17 3:18 3:19 3:20 3:21 4 4:1 4:2 4:3 4:4 4:5 4:6 4:7 4:8 4:9 4:10 4:11 4:12 4:13 4:14 4:15 4:17 4:18 4:19 4:20 4:22 Colossians 1 1:1 1:3 1:4 1:5 1:6 ”