[NTC - Colossians 1:2]
The saints— A specific class, who have taken two steps of grace: justification from Adamic sin and death, and full consecration "even unto death." R2479:2
[NTC - Colossians 1:6]
In all the world— Evidently not fulfilled at that time, else the end of the Gospel age should have come at that time. R2518:5
[NTC - Colossians 1:7]
A faithful minister— Used as endorsement for travelling speakers in 1894. R1721:4
[NTC - Colossians 1:9]
Might be filled— The truth on every subject necessary for us will be given as the Lord is pleased to reveal it. R5570:4
With the knowledge— So we will know how to form character and bring forth spiritual fruits; and our spiritual might, received from God, will be the power to bring about our spiritual works. R4093:5* The treasures of wisdom and knowledge divine which are hidden in Christ and intended for those who come unto the Father through him. NS506:4
In all wisdom— Christ, "who of God is made unto us wisdom." (1 Cor. 1:30) R2263:2 The acceptance by these (the meek, the poor in spirit) of Christ as their wisdom makes them really wiser than others, not only in spiritual matters, but in respect to the most ordinary affairs of life. R2263:3
Spiritual— Greek, pneumatikos, understanding—of all matters connected with your new spiritual relationship to God and his plan. E313
Understanding— The Bible yields its treasures to the consecrated, the studious. R654:4*
[NTC - Colossians 1:10]
Might walk worthy— Such rightly feel that to serve so good a King is an inestimable privilege: and hence, to them his Word is law, and it becomes their very meat and drink to do his will. R2020:1
[NTC - Colossians 1:11]
Patience— Greek, makrothunia, long-suffering. R2790:6
[NTC - Colossians 1:12]
Made us meet— Fit. R5072:5; OV201:T; NS19:2 Worthy. R942:2 By voluntary and willing endurance on account of the Lord and his Word and people.E121 These sons of God whom he is now receiving must be tested in respect to their humility—their submissiveness to the divine will. R5252:6 The call of this Gospel age is to select the Bride class and to develop them, with the proper tests, chiseling and polishing. R5097:1, 5482:1 In proportion as we learn to appreciate the Father's will and to copy the principles underlying the divine character, we are "changed" in our hearts, minds, wills, conduct. R5072:5 Whoever seeks for the heavenly things must plant, or set out in his mind, in his affections, those qualities and graces which the Lord marks out as essential to the development of character. R4828:5 Each should see that he has not received the grace of God in vain, and that this well-spring does not become choked with the rubbish of this world, its aims, hopes, ambitions, pride, desires of the flesh. R2508:6 If we submit ourselves to him, he will perfect in us his spirit of love, righteousness and holiness. R4664:4 Let us humbly and patiently seek to profit by all the discipline and teaching necessary. R1842:4 Reckoned so of God. R1340:4 If we prove our earnestness, and love and zeal for God and his truth. R1007:1 Christ is teaching us about God's character and plan for our admonition, that we might be prepared for our glorious inheritance. OV424:2 He is bringing us to that condition of heart and character which he can approve as worthy of life eternal. SM746:T By putting away the fruits of sin and darkness, and by an appreciation and stamping on our thoughts, words and deeds the characteristics of divinity. NS621:6 Let us not be surprised that we need chiseling and polishing. NS604:5 Self-sacrificing serves to develop faith, obedience, gentleness, love. NS19:2
To be partakers— A positive decision to join oneself to the Lord and become a follower of Jesus is essential to proper Christian progress and to an inheritance with the saints under the terms of the Gospel age. R5614:6 Prepared for the glory, honor, immortality and the divine nature which God has promised to his faithful, elect Church. R5252:6 Let the Lord's people edify one another, building one another up in the faith, encouraging one another, helping one another to put on the wedding garment and to be meet for the inheritance of the saints. R2707:6
Of the inheritance— Joint-heirship with Christ. R1340:2 The glorious hope set before the consecrated saints of the Gospel dispensation. R1598:2Reckoned as having passed from death unto life, to which they will be actually received in the first resurrection. SM166:T
[NTC - Colossians 1:13]
The power of darkness— Original. R875:6* With something of earthly loss as a consequence. D620 We who were at one time in darkness are now enlightened by the Lord. R2712:2 The power of Satan is the power of ignorance, superstition, sin and death. R1340:1, 1233:3 Under which is the rest of the world. SM242:T
Translated us— Lifted over, by faith. R1340:1 During this life by enduring trial and temptation. R1149:2* Men may be translated or changed from one condition to another. R167:4*
Into the kingdom— In its embryonic state. F594 All who will have a share in the Kingdom must be copies of God's dear Son. R4198:6"Pre-Millennialists" believe the majority of mankind will not be benefitted by it. R3074:5 Those who heartily submit to the authority of Christ are said to have been translated into the Kingdom. R32:3* It should constitute the very center and essence of our expressions of faith and hope and trust. NS268:6
His dear Son— "The only begotten of the Father." (John 1:14) R944:4*
[NTC - Colossians 1:14]
In whom— We are baptized into Christ. HG251:4* God honored his Son by making him his instrument or agent for the accomplishment of all his grand designs. HG297:2
We have redemption— Greek, apolutrosis, deliverance. E434, 436 Not through his example, but "through his blood." R1810:4* The ransom.R687:5
Through his blood— Redemptive blood. Also explained by Matt. 20:28. R1336:2 In shedding of blood Christ made atonement for the sins of the world. R1299:1 Which became the basis for the forgiveness of our sins, made peace for us, opened the way of reconciliation, and transferred us back to the family of God. R1230:3 Basis of our reconciliation. R1058:6 "Being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him." (Rom. 5:8,9) Compare also Eph. 1:7. R866:4 Could only be justly accomplished by a ransom—therefore, Jesus' blood. R324:5 The doctrine, forgiveness of sins through his blood, is the one on which all our faith and hopes as Christians is built. R94:4
Forgiveness of sins— All his grace is extended to us through our Lord Jesus' sacrifice; we are "justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." (Rom. 3:24) E461 Through faith in his blood. R1231:2 If we are not forgiven, we cannot approach God as "our Father." R94:4 The death of Jesus cleanseth us from all sin. (1 John 1:17) R93:6 Evidence of the complete forgiveness of all those who are truly repentant and who draw nigh to God through Christ. Q832:4
[NTC - Colossians 1:15]
Who is the image— Leader and chief of the other stars of the morning. R1686:2 We see the Bride "made like him." (1 John 3:2) R1210:6 He only asked to be restored to what he was before; but the Father "highly exalted him" far beyond that previous glory. R1161:5 The express image of the invisible God. R361:6"As we have borne the image of the earthly, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly." (1 Cor. 15:49) R41:3* To us. R1340:5
Invisible God— The Heavenly Father had no beginning, but is from everlasting to everlasting the same. R1514:6 Clearly implying that as soon as creatures are born of the Spirit, they, too, become invisible. R237:1*
Firstborn— The only direct creation of the Father. R5992:6, 4107:2, 1599:1, 1278:3 As the Logos, "the beginning of the creation of God." (Rev. 3:14) F18; R5972:3, 1642:1, 1609:3, 1247:2, 1125:3; SM659:T The "Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last," of the Father's direct creation. (Rev. 22:13) R5748:1, 4098:1, 1599:1 The very beginning of the divine operation was the Logos. R5351:3 After God created the One Great Being, he rested. All his power has since been exercised through the Lord Jesus. R5239:1 He did all the great work of creation; but he himself was the first of all God's direct creation. R4964:3 Jesus was simply what he claimed to be, the Son, the sent of God, the only begotten of the Father, the firstborn of all creation. R2773:3 Literally, "First brought forth of all creation." R1904:5 That our Lord Jesus existed prior to his incarnation, in a more exalted nature and condition, is clearly stated in the Scriptures. R1673:3 The great Messiah was with the Father before the beginning of creation. R1583:1; SM483:2 He was not only the first of God's creation, but the last. R1514:6; HG297:1 The one who had known God's character longer, more fully, and more intimately than any other being. R1125:3 Born before all creation. R1060:4, 446:5 Chief. R803:1 Does not support Trinitarian dogma. R560:3* The Unitarians deny that he had an existence before the conception in Mary. R505:2* Who afterward became the man, Jesus. R421:3, 338:2 Jesus in his pre-human condition. PD54/67 The Psalmist refers to him as Jehovah's "firstborn, higher than the kings of earth." (Psalm 89:27) SM491:3 Jesus was the one first created. HG292:3 This agrees with John 1:1-3, that his career dates from the beginning. NS257:1; Q374:6 The Only Begotten appears not to have thought particularly of the promised glory. NS438:6 Not in accord with the theory that Jesus began his existence as the Son of Joseph. OV328:8 He precedes all things. Q746:3
Of every creature— Of all creation. E86; R1063:5 "Every," from a Greek word meaning "all." R838:3
[NTC - Colossians 1:16]
By him— All things are the Church's, for they are Christ's and Christ is God's, who created all things by and for his well-beloved Son. R1617:4 His agent in the creation of all things. R1266:1 This great being, Jehovah's Prime Minister and next to himself in dignity, the Almighty entrusted with the work of redeeming and restoring mankind. R1125:3The plan and all things were formed not only by him, but for him. R21:4
All things created— The first and only begotten Son of Jehovah was given an exclusive place, so that "all things were made by him, and without him was not anything made that was made." (John 1:3) R5351:6, 2985:2 Thus highly did the Father honor him as his agent in all the creative work, both as respects angels, cherubim and men. R5351:6
Invisible— To us. R1063:4* Principalities, or powers—Jehovah is the head of Christ, but he has honored him by making him head of all principalities and powers. R1550:1
Created by him— These words are not in accord with the theory that Jesus began his existence the same as others. R5767:6 Our Lord was the honored agent of Jehovah in all his mighty works.R1247:2 The only begotten. R2431:3
[NTC - Colossians 1:17]
And by him— Agrees with John 1:1. R2985:2 By him were all things created that are in heaven or that are in earth. (John 1:3) R2431:3, 1247:2; HG297:1 As Jehovah's agent. R490:2
[NTC - Colossians 1:18]
And— He is also the first to partake of the divine nature. R446:5*
He is the head— The new creation is represented as a man of full stature. F362 Our Redeemer was raised up first to be Head. R4354:4Christ (Head and Body) is the Mediator of the New Covenant. R2709:2 The first; the principal one. R2479:2 He is the first to partake of the divine nature. R446:5 Jesus never gave this office to any one, but claims it himself; and any others who claim it are usurpers. R320:4 The only controlling authority for those who are members of that Body is the will of Christ Jesus the Head. R132:3 He opens the way and himself is our Leader. R89:4 Jesus is the Head over the seed that will bruise Satan. R11:3 As man is head of the woman. HG99:3 Jesus alone would have been a grand antitype of Moses without the association of any of his faithful ones, but it pleased the Father to have it otherwise. NS142:1 The Body and Head must cooperate, are intended to cooperate, must be together in every respect. NS341:3
Of the body— "Our inglorious body," as viewed by the world. R827:6 At great cost, Paul sought membership in that Body; he was anxious to be "found in him." (Phil. 3:9) R827:6 If we have been baptized into Christ, it is that we may be members of his Body, the Church; it follows that the only controlling authority for us it the will of Jesus Christ the Head. R132:3
The church— Prepared for joint-heirship with him in his Kingdom. R2479:2
Who is the beginning— Of the new creation. R5580:4
The firstborn— Greek, gennao, born (also begotten), relates to the entire process of bringing forth (spirit-begotten, then spirit birth). R5580:1 As our Lord was born from the dead a spirit being, he must have been previously begotten of the spirit, as birth is always preceded by begetting. R5580:4 Jesus was begotten of the spirit at consecration, and three and a half years later, in his resurrection, he was born of the spirit. R4544:2 Since then the members are being raised up from the world, separated from the world to the Lord and the Millennial work. R4354:4 "The firstborn amongst many brethren." (Rom. 8:29) R3912:2, 3793:3, 2618:5, 2573:1, 2422:2 Jesus was the first to be raised completely out of death's power (resurrected), to perfection of life, of being, on any plane of existence. R3912:2, 3563:4; HG136:2; NS284:3 Therefore Moses and Elias could not have literally been on the Mount of Transfiguration; it was a vision. R3793:3 Our birth will be in the first resurrection. R2630:1 Resurrection is a birth. R2618:5, 2573:1; HG63:1 "The first-fruits." (1 Cor. 15:20) R2467:3, 2461:3, 2288:6 At his resurrection. R2422:2 The first one fully and perfectly released from death. R810:4 It was his birth to a new nature. CR401:4 If we are faithful and become members of his Body, in the resurrection we shall reach the glorious condition of birth. HG132:5, 229:4; NS101:3
From the dead— The birth of the new creature is in the resurrection. A197 As the resurrection of our Lord was his birth from the dead to the full perfection of spiritual being, so the resurrection of the Church is here and elsewhere referred to as a birth. B134 Lazarus and others who were raised to a measure of life only, did not experience a resurrection; it is never so called in Scripture. R413:3 Christ, at his resurrection, entered on the higher life and work of the second Adam, as the life-giving spirit. R42:2*
The preeminence— "God hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be head over all things to the Church, which is his body." (Eph. 1:22) A82 He had already had preeminence and having used it faithfully, he was first in order of advancement to whatever higher honors and dignities the Father had to give. F64 The honor of being the first that should rise from the dead. F676 Not preeminence over the Father, but above all others. R5418:4 Lord of all; the first place. R4964:3Christ is to be enthroned in our hearts preeminent over all things. R2986:3 In all of Jehovah's creative work on every plane, the Logos had preference. R2408:3 In his life, death, resurrection, the process of development from the lower to the higher, from the natural to the spiritual, he is the Forerunner of his saints; the Head. R89:4
[NTC - Colossians 1:19]
In him— In Christ the Spirit of God dwelt richly and without measure. R2064:2 All that God does is through Christ, as Mediator, and all that Christ does is by the power of the Father given him. R27:2* He is the word, the truth, the personal embodiment of all that is good and true, and emphatically the revelation of God. R9:3*
Should all fulness dwell— In the sense that he should have complete authority—not merely over man, but over all things—both heavenly and earthly. R4665:1 Fullness here means unlimited or complete power. R1063:6*
[NTC - Colossians 1:20]
Having made peace— Propitiation—satisfaction. R1680:4 The death of Christ was necessary as the payment of the penalty before any could be pardoned, granted liberty to become sons, or be resurrected. R1392:4
Through the blood of his cross— It was necessary for proving our Lord's faithfulness unto death, whereby he was demonstrated to be the right one to accomplish all these things. R4665:4Redemptive blood—death. R1336:2 So it was by his death on the cross, in the shedding of his precious blood, that Christ made atonement for the sins of the world, and through it men obtain forgiveness and salvation. R1299:1 His blood became the basis for the forgiveness of our sins, made peace for us, opened up the way to reconciliation, and transferred us from the domain of sentenced culprits, back to sonship in the family of God. R1230:3 It was because the penalty of our sin was death that "he became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross," that we might be forgiven. (Phil. 2:8) R94:1
To reconcile all things unto himself— Jehovah has entrusted all to Christ to set right, as if to say, "Now you attend to this whole matter, putting down all insurrection wherever it is; see that no rebellion is left; bring everything into subjection, so that there will be peace and order throughout my entire domain." R4665:4 Jesus is appointed to establish peace and righteousness throughout the universe. NS823:3
Things in earth— Earthly transgressors. E424; HG729:2
Things in heaven— Fallen angels. E424; HG729:2 We do not understand this passage to intimate, in any sense of the word, that "the blood of the cross" had anything to do with the salvation of the angels. R4665:1
[NTC - Colossians 1:21]
You— Have been reconciled by Jesus' death. R37:1
Sometime alienated— It is reasonable that God's friends, adopted into his family as children, should be blessed, while others, aliens, strangers, foreigners, are not. R2760:3
Enemies— By reason of ignorance and the fall, they were violators of the divine law. R4516:5 Some who had become saints had been liars and abominable persons. R4341:3 Many of the children of Adam today have attained marked characteristics of goat nature (enemies of God through wicked works), because they have been deceived by Satan. R2707:2
Wicked works— A former condition of alienation; under condemnation of death. R5431:3
Reconciled— God was not reconciled by permitting his mercy to overrule his justice, thus excusing sin, but by providing Christ as the sinner's substitute. R37:2 Atonement. R37:2
[NTC - Colossians 1:22]
Body of his flesh— Human nature. R611:2 Christ, the Priest, sacrificed the flesh. R106:5* No one can stand in his own strength. R90:1
Through death— The reconciliation is complete, from God's standpoint, ever since Christ made reconciliation for iniquity in his death. The alienation of man has yet to be removed. R37:2
To present you— The Church will need Christ continually as their Advocate, down to the very last, when he shall present them blameless and unreproveable before the Father in love. R5120:4If they would maintain Christ as their Advocate, all who are of his Church must also be advocating his cause amongst men, not ashamed of him, his doctrine or his words. R5120:4 They will not be fully and actually presented until the Son shall have cleansed and perfected them. R1713:5 Yet in the fullest sense God will not recognize us as sons until our Lord shall present us actually perfect before the Father in the end of the Gospel age. R916:4
Unreproveable in his sight— In the image of God's Son. E395 Before the Father in love; at the end of the Gospel age. R5120:4 As long as our hopes, aims, objects of life are centered in heavenly things, we need not fear; the Lord will keep us from falling. R2480:2 After all willful sinners have been destroyed, all the remainder will Jesus present before the Father, perfect and unreproveable. R1601:5
[NTC - Colossians 1:23]
Continue in the faith— The faith of the Church should not stand in the wisdom (the vain philosophies) of men, but in the power of God. R1719:6
Settled— Settled convictions of truth, so rooted and grounded in God's Word that we cannot be moved therefrom—a condition of uncertainty is not a condition of faith. R1218:4
Not moved away— And so pander the popular craving for something new. R1719:6 The Apostle guards the Church against the Adversary's beguilements, by which he would have them "move away" their faith-building from the true foundation. R652:1
Hope of the gospel— Not man-made substitutes for it. R2692:2 It is not some general hope, but this particular hope—the one comprising the specified elements. R1435:2*
Which was preached to every creature— The expectation that the world was to be converted by missionary effort, before the Lord's second advent, was a mistake. R2872:1 There is no longer any restriction of it to the Jews. R5101:1, 2518:6 Whoever has an ear to hear. Q287:2
[NTC - Colossians 1:24]
Who now rejoice— St. Paul counted it all joy to have tribulation, knowing that it would work out the fruits of the holy Spirit in his character, and thus prepare him for the Kingdom. R5951:5Instead of Paul saying to himself or others, "I am doing more than my share of the gospel work; some of you should come and help me," he took another view. He declared himself anxious to fill up as much as possible that which was behind of the afflictions of Christ. R5951:5
In my sufferings— "Joint-heirs, if so be that we suffer with him." (Rom. 8:17) E146; F632; R5079:4, 2787:2, 2511:1 We, his "brethren" are privileged to fill up a measure of his sufferings, as "members of his Body." T42 Paul desired to be a participator with the Lord in the present sufferings in order that he might also be a participator with him in the coming glories. R5951:5 Ignorance and blindness of heart and mind are at the bottom of all the sufferings of Christ until the Body has filled up that which is behind of the sufferings of their Head. R5872:2 "If we suffer, we shall also reign with him." (2 Tim. 2:12) R5392:1, 5192:6, 5079:3, 2787:2 The suffering which we bring on ourselves through faithfulness to our covenant. These experiences are not for Adam's sake. R5117:4 Remembering Christ's headship, caring and interest in even the weak and humble, we would improve the opportunity to suffer with him and the fellow members of the Body, assisting in bearing their burdens. R2824:2 Give thanks that we are counted worthy to suffer some of the reproaches of Christ. R2782:1 The glory shall follow the completion of the sufferings. R2373:5 Jesus' act of handing the cup to the disciples, and asking them to drink of it, was an invitation to them to become partakers of his sufferings. R2272:2, 1637:2 While the Church is still in the flesh, the sufferings of Christ in the flesh are still in progress, and will not be finished until the last member has been glorified. R2201:2 Surely the Bible gives no suggestion that the Body will be free from like sufferings with the Head. R2000:3 When all the sufferings of Christ (Head and Body) are ended, then will flow forth streams of water of life, and whosoever will may drink freely and live forever. R334:4 The Gospel age is an age of suffering, beginning with the personal sufferings of Christ and not being complete until we, as members of his Body, have filled up what is behind. R157:2
For you— Christ's sufferings and self-denials were not for his own sins, but for the sins of others, and so it is with the members of his Body. E234
And fill up— We tender ourselves to the Lord, and he, as God's High Priest, offers us up as a part of his own sacrifice. Ev It is part of our covenant. F466; NS78:5 We are privileged to enter the same covenant of sacrifice which Jesus entered. R5690:5, 218:4 An invitation offered to the Church who are now qualifying to be members of the Royal Priesthood in the work of blessing and uplifting mankind. R5079:4 Christ's parousia had begun, even though this is not finished. R4543:3 God foreknew the share he had provided for the Church. R4495:6 When the last member of the Body of Christ shall have suffered with the Lord, the Gospel age will close and the antitypical Atonement Day will end. R4397:3Laying down our lives in his service, for the brethren. R3526:5 By presenting their bodies living sacrifices. (Rom.12:1) R3318:6; NS475:1 Ye shall die like Prince Jesus, in sacrifice. (Psalm 82:6,7) R3175:3 Christ must needs suffer and enter into his glory as the Melchizedek Priest; and his faithful followers must walk in his steps. R3115:5; SM144:T The world must wait to be benefitted by Christ's death until this is finished. R3088:6 As representatives of Christ in the flesh. R2924:2 By being obedient "even unto death." R2778:1 As a member of the Body of Christ; a new creature. R2908:4, 2434:5, 2373:5 The members of the Body of Christ must finish their course and lay down their lives, before the great work of this Atonement Day, the Gospel age, will be accomplished. R2511:1 There is a part of the sin-offering that is waiting to be finished for the Church to fill up. R2474:6 As with Christ, so with the members of the Body, it is part of the divine plan that it must needs be that offenses come. R2469:4 It is our blessed privilege to comfort one another, in the trials incident to our "filling up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ." R2448:6 This has been in progress throughout the Gospel age; Jesus was crucified by the forces of evil, yielding himself up a sin-offering; and the members of his Body are suffering with him. R2434:5 This is our mission. R2415:4 While our sacrifice is not part of the ransom price, it is on behalf of the dead and dying world. R1987:1 Sharing now the reproaches of them that reproached him. R1911:3 Thus, now, the consecrated, espoused ones while in the flesh represent Christ in the flesh; and in their daily sacrifices they are filling up that which is behind. R1387:1 To share with Jesus in making the sacrifice for sins, being first ourselves justified through his sacrifice. R648:6 Jesus' asking the disciples to drink of his cup was an invitation to become partakers of his sufferings. R540:4, 467:1 Effect of Satan's reign on the saints. R492:3 We eat of our Lamb with the bitter trials and afflictions of evil in the present age. R467:4 The reason the Gospel age intervenes between the death of Jesus and the blessing of the world. R283:2 Completing the work of the head "for the people"—the world. R150:2 As the sacrifice of the goat filled up the sacrifice of atonement and sin-offering in the type, so our Head, having suffered, left some little (compared to his) suffering to be shared by us as his Body. R80:4 Though at times it might be grievous. R28:1* Whatever Christ suffered for was what Paul wanted to share; Jesus died as a sin-offering.Q676:3 One of the invitations offered to the Church who are now qualifying to be members of the Royal Priesthood. Q376:3 If the Church clearly kept before her mind in the present life the glorious things which God hath in reservation, how she would rejoice to share in his sacrifice. CR39:3 The agreement is that if we suffer with him, not differently, or something else, we shall reign with him. CR49:4 The experiences of the consecrated have been their communion, their fellowship in the blood of Christ. NS298:2 The great High Priest accepts us as members of his Body, and counts our suffering for righteousness sake as part of his own sufferings. NS421:4 Reasonable service. NS501:1 By sacrificing earthly interests and rights and, being accepted of the Father, finishing his share in the sacrifice of Christ. NS698:1 Our Lord began the sacrificing and, in accepting believers as his members, it is on condition that they will be sacrificed. NS716:6 By participating with Christ in the work of sealing the New Covenant. NS289:5 Experience the baptism of his will, his heart, into death with Christ and be inducted into membership in his Church. NS53:4
That which is behind— As the goat filled up that which was behind of the sin-offering, completing the sacrifice begun by the bullock, so does the Little Flock, following after Jesus. T66;R4475:5, 1871:6, 729:6 The Church, as well as their Captain, should be made perfect as spiritual beings, by suffering in the flesh as sin-offerings. T80Paul declared himself willing and anxious to fill up as much as possible of that which was behind of the afflictions of Christ. R5951:5 Being accepted by the imputation of Christ's merit, we enter into the same covenant of sacrifice as Jesus. R5690:5 Thus, suffering with him in this present time, they will shortly be glorified with him in his Kingdom. R4832:5 The participation of the Church in the sin-offering for the world is not due to any necessity that has arisen, but owing merely to the divine arrangement. R4747:6 Where the sufferings of Christ, the Head, ended, the sufferings of the "Body of Christ" began. R4710:5 This shows the participation of all the members in the Body of Christ in the suffering of our Head. R4475:4Jesus is now imputing of his merit to a small class, so that they may be acceptable to the Father, and have the privilege of participating in his sufferings. R4747:2 Whatever was the divine program for the Master is the divine program for his members. R4398:5 From this standpoint the first advent of Christ—in the flesh—has been a gradual one, covering a period of nearly nineteen centuries. R3192:6 In the daily sacrifices of the espoused ones who, in the flesh, represent Christ. R1387:1 The work will progress among the people of the world after all the members of the "Body" have filled up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ. R1364:2 To be "saved" is to have all the desires of the flesh (proper as well as sinful) under subjection, and laid daily on God's altar, that we may fill up that which is behind in the sufferings of Christ. R1151:4* Most clearly shown in the Day of Atonement sacrifices of Leviticus 9 and 16. R514:1 With Christ, the Bride bears a cross here, and when every member of that Body is made "a living sacrifice," then the atonement sacrifice will be finished. R252:6 As the goat followed the bullock in the sacrifice, does not the Church follow her Head? R245:3 Adam and Eve were one in the transgression; Jesus Christ and his Bride are one in the redemption of the world. R150:2 Soon the Body will have finished its work. R147:3 As the sacrifice of the goat filled up the sacrifice of the atonement and sin-offering in the type, so our Head, having suffered, left some little to be shared by his Body. R80:4 If we suffer with him, we shall also reign with him. (Rom. 8:17; Col. 3:4) SM783:1 The flesh of the consecrated having been counted as the flesh of Jesus, has been suffering all down the age. SM360:3
Of the afflictions— Self-sacrifice, self-denial, cross-bearing. R4434:3 The Church shares not only her Lord's sufferings for righteousness, but is also promised a share in all the glories of her Lord. (1 Pet. 5:9) E42 One must have experienced baptism of will and heart into death with Christ and thus been inducted into membership in his Church, which is "filling up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ." F446 If we desire this privilege, we must present our bodies living sacrifices, as he presented his. R5392:1 The privilege of sharing the Lord's cup is not for the world; all opportunity to share in his sufferings and glory will have ended when the Church is glorified. R5342:3, 2201:2 Since our Lord adopts the flesh of his followers as his, the Church is said to be filling up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ. R5173:4 With those who are to be exalted to the divine nature and glory, it is necessary that they make special manifestations of loyalty, of self-abasement and of self-sacrifice. R5147:4 Since he must suffer, the just for the unjust, so his members, being justified through faith, must similarly suffer, the just for the unjust. R4352:6 When all of those afflictions shall have been filled up, the glorious work of the Millennial age will follow. R4310:2 When the sufferings of Christ are ended, the glory will follow. R3683:3, 2373:5, 1364:2 Those antitypical sufferings occupy the entire Gospel age. R3318:6 Very shortly now, under the sounding of the Seventh Trumpet, the atonement for the sins of the world shall be proclaimed with a full emancipation proclamation to all people. R3115:4 When persecutions come in the line of duty, we are to esteem them as part of the cup, giving thanks to be counted worthy to suffer. R2782:1 The Body as well as the Head must be subjected to the discipline of suffering and thereby be proved worthy to reign with him. R1988:2 The sufferings of Christ, to a share in which all believers cleansed by his blood were invited during the Gospel age, will soon be filled up or completed. R1231:4By sharing the communion of the blood and body of Christ. R611:6 Sharers in sufferings of Christ and not in any other kind of suffering; laying down our lives in showing our loyalty for the brethren. Q10:2 Whoever gets a large share of the afflictions and sufferings of Christ is going to have a large share in the glory that shall follow. CR172:5 The Head or Chief Priest and the underpriests delight to so do. NS625:2
Of Christ— Because God has accepted you through Christ, your sufferings are counted as a part of his sufferings. Q678:T We must present our bodies living sacrifices as he presented his.R5392:1 Our physical infirmities which are of heredity are not the sufferings of Christ. Rather we should speak of the sufferings of Christ as being voluntary and not involuntary. R5117:4 "Buried with him by baptism into death." (Rom. 6:4) F446 "Dead with Christ." (Rom. 6:8) "Made conformable to his death." (Phil. 3:10) C239 The Church with their Head is the "one loaf" being broken during the Gospel age. R5192:5 Because God has accepted you through Christ, your sufferings are counted as part of his sufferings. Q678:T We fall like one of the princes—like the second Adam, as members of the Body of Christ. C239
In my flesh— Our Lord adopts the flesh of his followers as his. Ev; R5173:4 As the consecrating of the antitypical priesthood requires the Gospel age to complete, so also the sin-offering: it commenced with the Head, and the members of his Body fill up the measure of the sufferings left behind. (2 Cor. 1:7) T50
For his body's sake— "We ought also to lay down our lives for the brethren." (1 John 3:16) F633; R4492:2, 4128:5, 2824:2; NS254:4 The Heavenly Father purposed not to have Jesus alone, but that he should be the Head of the Church, the Body. R5391:6 The measure of our love for the Lord will be indicated by our love for the fellow-members of his Body. F468 The High Priest, after offering his own sacrifice was to "offer the
offering of the people [the goat], and make an atonement for them [all Israel] as Jehovah commanded." T80 For the Body of Christ; we are serving the Church, not the world. R3586:3; Q11:T Who have taken up their cross to follow in the footprints of the crucified One—the Body of Christ. R1964:3 Legitimate children of God can be identified by their sacrificing for all who love and serve the truth. R985:4 Note Paul's anxiety to be "found in him" (Phil. 3:9), and at what cost he sought membership in that "Body," and the superior or chief resurrection it will enjoy. R827:6 To the Church, Jesus is called the Head. The Head suffered first, then the Body follows—"considers him" and his example. R218:4 All united to him through faith and consecration. NS210:5 Evidence that we pass from death unto life is that we love the brethren. NS79:4
Which is the church— Jesus was the Head and Forerunner of the Christian Church, which is his Body, consequently none preceded him as members of the Church. B202 Whose names are written, not on earthly scrolls, but in heaven. R1309:2 Which represents him. R1171:6 Jesus did not lay down his life day by day in the service of the world, but in the service of God's peculiar people, Israel, and especially of those who were Israelites indeed. R4492:3; Q676:3 Jesus applied his earthly life rights on behalf of the Church. They will then pass through the Church to Israel and through them to the world. Q676:4 Jesus laid down his life for the Church. Q677:TThere is but one true Church; other organizations called churches are not so recognized by God. R1102:6 In the most restricted sense, it is those who fulfill their covenant and accomplish the sacrifice.R581:5
[NTC - Colossians 1:25]
According to the dispensation of God— Pushed to the front as the Lord's mouthpiece to the Gentiles, St. Paul's mind grasped more quickly than did the minds of the other apostles the things pertaining to the new dispensation. R5941:6
Given to me for you— Paul perceived that the Gentiles were to be fellow-heirs with the Jews in the Kingdom privileges. R5941:6
[NTC - Colossians 1:26]
Even the mystery— Who the Deliverer of mankind should be. A77 That the Messiah was to be, not an individual, but a company under one Head. A82; R5549:2; HG275:1, 274:6; SM246 God's plan a secret until the due time for revealing it should come. R5391:3 The Church is not a supplemental and additional part of the divine plan. R5054:6 That God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself. R4841:3 During this Gospel age, a saintly Little Flock would be selected from amongst men to be Messiah's Bride and joint-heir with him in his Messianic reign. R4715:2; CR460:4 Revealed only to the saints and hidden from all others. R4452:5, 4053:6; CR46:1 That the Gentiles also were to be fellow-heirs with the Jews in these special blessings of Messiah. R4366:6 The Church, selected from both Jews and Gentiles to be the Body of Christ, are joint-heirs with him in the Abrahamic Covenant and in his entire inheritance. R4310:1 Participation with Christ in his sufferings, and by and by in his glory. R3152:6 An exceedingly precious favor not before made known. R875:5 It will not be finished until the end of this Gospel age, under the sounding of the Seventh Trumpet. R368:3 We have a society in which nobody can give away its secrets—the mystery of God. CR52:3 Neither Abraham, nor any for four thousand years, knew anything about a spiritual seed. CR98:6 Messiah would first make use of his "restitution" authority for the gathering of a special class of people, "a holy nation, a peculiar people, a Royal Priesthood." OV251:2 It is the divine purpose to have two Israels—both of them specified in the promise to Abraham. OV71:4 The divine program included a Christ of many members. OV28:13 That Jesus should be the Head or High Priest and that God would draw out and sanctify, through Jesus' sacrifice, an under-priesthood. NS625:2 Comparatively few who have named the name of Christ have any knowledge of it. NS624:5
Hid from ages— As God covered the type and hid its beauty under curtains and rough, unsightly skins, so the glories and beauties of spiritual things are seen only by those who enter the "Royal Priesthood." T127 The arrangement for our having part in the sacrifice of atonement was a part of our Father's command or original plan. T80 When God had through the prophets spoken of Messiah as a King upon his throne, he had declared that which would be mysterious to the people—would not be easily understood. R5391:3 The due time for revealing to the Church the divine plan respecting its participation with Christ in the blessing of all the families of the earth having come. R2490:2 To be made clearly known. R2070:1, 368:2 God has kept his plans covered and hidden from the world and has revealed them only gradually to his Church. R368:3
From generations— From all previous ages, and is still hidden from all except a special class. A81 Greek, genea, people living contemporaneously, as in "This generation shall not pass." (Matt. 24:34) D603 Dispensations. R5549:2, 4715:1, 4334:3, 4310:1, 4053:6, 4034:5, 2490:2
But now— The due time for revealing to the Church the divine plan. R5391:3, 2490:2 Since Pentecost. R368:2, 179:4 In this "good-news" age. R179:4*
Is made manifest— Began to be clearly revealed after the resurrection of Christ. A77 The time for the holy Spirit to reveal to the Church what had previously been a mystery. R5391:3 The Gospel age is to be seen as a parenthesis. R4646:3 Revealed. R4492:1, 4310:1, 368:3 The Gospel invitation was entirely a new proposition. CR98:6
To his saints— Us. R4841:3 His Church, the holy ones taught of God. R4452:5 And none others; and if the saintliness be lost, the understanding of the mystery undoubtedly goes with it. R4334:3 To his Church. R368:3 In proportion as they are saintly. OV5:2 His people, but not for the world nor for the merely nominal Christian. CR10:4 It is proper that the saints should know this, for now the strength of this knowledge will be of special value to them in the special trials and difficulties immediately before them. SM246
[NTC - Colossians 1:27]
Would make known— When the Body of Christ is complete, the mystery will be finished in both senses; the secret features of God's plan will be made known, and the Church will be complete. A87 God had purposely kept his plan a secret until the due time for revealing it should come. R5391:3 God during this period will finish the mystery by letting his saints come to a full appreciation of his glorious plans. R368:6
This mystery— The secret. R5391:3,6 That the Gospel age has been devoted to the development of the Mediator. R5300:5 Share with him in present sufferings and future glories. R4495:5, 4415:3, 3152:6 That the Lord is now seeking for and electing a special class to be joint-heirs with his Son—joint-sufferers with him in his sacrifice and joint-sharers in his Kingdom glory. R4398:2 Those accepted by the Lord are sacrificed by him as parts or members of himself; and their blood (death) is counted in as a part of the blood of Christ. R4397:6 The call of the Body of Christ to another plane of being as the associates of the great Messiah. R4388:5 To the nominal Christian. R4334:4That Christ is the elect class; Jesus, the Head and the Church, his Body. R4034:6; OV77:4; CR460:3 Until its fulfillment began. R902:6* Began in our Head—Jesus—and is being added to by every true member of the vine or Body whose names are written in heaven. R368:6 The Lord's saints constitute the most exclusive and most secret society on earth. CR11:4 This election or selection of the saints of this Gospel age as the spiritual seed of Abraham. OV77:4
Among the Gentiles— Paul perceived that the Gentiles were to be fellow-heirs with the Jew in the Kingdom privileges. R5941:6
Christ in you— The word "Christ" signifies "anointed." "The anointing which we have received abideth in us." (1 John 2:27) "Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ and hath anointed us is God." (2 Cor. 1:21) A81; R4841:6 The spirit of God in Christ, and the spirit of Christ in us—God manifested in the flesh. A87The anointing which we have received. R5229:4, 368:6 Christ signifies anointed. All members of the Royal Priesthood will be anointed collectively. R5227:3,368:6 The Church. R4647:5 You are his "members," and this is the only ground for your hope. R4535:5, 1273:3 By the begetting of the holy Spirit. R4415:3 The "hidden mystery" is "Christ in you, the hope of glory." (Col. 1:27) R4334:3 The overcomers of the Church. R3916:3All the members of Christ are counted as one. R3710:4 Is Christ formed in you so fully that no one else can, however much they grieve you, affect your spiritual life? R3251:1 Not that Christ personally comes into the consecrated soul and uses that soul simply as a machine. R3251:1 The new nature. R237:2* If Christ be not formed in you, then indeed is your hope vain, no matter how much truth or how many advantages you may possess. R1273:3 The spirit of truth manifested in the Church is Christ's representative. R160:2* The blessings and favors thus conferred upon us no man can take from us, and they shall continue to have fellowship in this mystery. NS400:3 God's plan includes first of all the selection of the Church. NS295:6
The hope of glory— "We know that when he shall appear, we shall be like him." (1 John 3:2) A211 Honor, dignity, brightness, shining. R5229:1Above that of angels, principalities and powers, next to that of the Lord. R5229:4 To this Christ, God has promised glory, honor and immortality, the divine nature. R4841:6 Your membership in the Body of Christ. R4495:5 It is not some general hope, but this particular one—the hope comprising the specified elements. R1435:2* The only hope of success. R160:2*
[NTC - Colossians 1:28]
Warning every man— To take heed not to accept any theory that does not prove itself from God's Word. R1223:1 To be very certain that his heart is entirely emptied of self-will. R1223:1 While hoping and believing the number of willing rejectors will be small. R883:4
Every man perfect— Whose names are written, not on earthly scrolls, but in heaven. R1309:2
[NTC - Colossians 2:1]
At Laodicea— Colossians 2:1-8 forms an appropriate message for the Laodiceans—the Lord's children still in the "spewed out" nominal church. R494:5
[NTC - Colossians 2:2]
Hearts might be comforted— By the mystery or secret of the Lord, intended for his people, but not for the world, nor for the merely nominal Christian. CR10:4; NS398:5
Knit together in love— Members of the Body cheerfully contribute that which would be for the growth and perfection of the whole. R449:2*
The mystery of God— The Church. R5928:1 Not only is the message itself called a mystery, but the Church class, the Little Flock, now being selected from the world, is Scripturally designated "the mystery of God." CR11:3
[NTC - Colossians 2:3]
In whom— Christ as God's Anointed. R5557:3 We must come into Christ, as members of his Body by sacrifice, before finding any of the hidden treasures. R2762:5
Treasures— Yea, I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of (the treasure hid in) Christ. (Phil. 3:8) R1756:6
Wisdom and knowledge— Knowledge of divine good things in reservation, and the fellowship with God which permits us to enjoy those blessings in a measure now. R2762:5
[NTC - Colossians 2:6]
As ye have therefore received— It is important to receive his message in our minds, and to appreciate his love and what he has done for us. CR99:3
Christ Jesus the Lord— With the understanding that Jesus is Christ's representative as the Redeemer of the race of Adam and the Deliverer of mankind from the power of sin and death. R5557:3The robe of Christ's righteousness. R1008:2
So walk ye in him— Make a full and definite consecration to him. CR99:3 The path that leads to glory, honor and immortality. R5557:3 Continue in Jesus. Do not combine earthly philosophy with the heavenly message. R5557:3 The great test of our Lord Jesus was his loyalty to the Father's will. The various tests permitted to come upon the Church of God will be tests of heart loyalty. R4647:1 Obedience to the Lord in thought as well as in deed means overcoming selfish propensities. The fight is against the old nature with its perverted tastes, appetites, and will. R4647:1
[NTC - Colossians 2:7]
Rooted and built up in him— Roots of faith push down deep into the knowledge of the divine plan, while the tree of character grows higher, developing and maturing rich fruits of the holy Spirit. R5557:6 The rooting process is unseen and can only be judged by its outward manifestations. And so the spiritual life of the child of God will manifest itself by the fruitage that is borne. R5558:3 Paul urged all to examine and prove themselves, whether they were in the faith, grounded and settled, and not moved away from the hope of the Gospel. (Col. 1:23) R1719:6 Trees also need sunshine and rain to develop fruits of holy Spirit. R5558:2 Any endeavor to incorporate theories of men with God's plan will result in spiritual death. R5558:1A tree that is well rooted is hard to uproot; it has a wonderful strength. R5557:6
Stablished in the faith— So established in the promises of God, that no wind of doctrine could overturn his faith. R5557:6 Present truth. R1536:4
As ye have been taught— By us, the apostles. R3215:3
[NTC - Colossians 2:8]
Beware— The divinely inspired words of warning are very explicit, instructing us all to be ever on the watch that we be not caught in any snare of the Adversary. R1661:6*
Any man— The wisdom of men as compared with the wisdom of God. SM19:1
Through philosophy— The Lord would have us cautious, careful and watchful of all the deceptions and dangers that beset our day. R1670:6 Wisdom of earthly science. HG470:5 Greek philosophy and science falsely so called. R2611:3 Not to waste valuable time in investigating "the errors of the wicked." (2 Peter 3:17) R3215:3
The tradition of men— Which have come down to us from the Dark Ages. NS368:6 Errors, the doctrines of demons. NS301:3 Plato taught the theory of human immortality. SM19:1 Not only was Jesus displeased with the observance of the traditions of men, but the Apostle to the Gentiles strongly warned his converts to beware of the same, among other injurious things. R1011:5*
[NTC - Colossians 2:9]
In him— Christ. R249:1 All that God does is through Christ, as Mediator, and all that Christ does is by the power of the Father given him. R27:2*He is the word, the truth, the personal embodiment of all that is good and true, and emphatically the revelation of God. R9:3*
Dwelleth all the fulness— He represents to us the very fullness of every divine provision for our eternal welfare. R5927:6; HG593:1 The Spirit of God dwelt richly and without measure. R2064:3 Dwelleth all the completeness of the divine nature in a body. R249:1
Godhead— A meaningless word, and merely a bad translation. It should be rendered divinity or deity. R1515:4; E71 Fullness of the divine nature (Rotherham); so that the new seed was sown in a natural body (earthen vessel); and raised in a spiritual body. (1 Cor. 15:44) R340:6*
[NTC - Colossians 2:10]
Ye— Believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, and thus accepted with the Father through the Beloved One. R2671:5 Invited to become under-priests, sharers both of the sufferings, and also later on, if faithful sharers of the glories of Jesus, the Chief Priest of this order. R2671:5
Complete in him— "Not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing." (Eph. 5:27) R2587:6 Christ's merit gives us association and cooperation with him; gives us weight and influence and power for God and his cause. "Accepted in the Beloved." (Eph. 1:6) HG387:3; R3149:4 "Without me ye can do nothing." (John 15:5) R5902:2
The head of all principality and power— A statement of the glory of our Lord Jesus' Kingdom given him by the Father. E79:2 Although Jehovah is the Head of Christ, he delights to honor his Son, making him, in turn, Head. R1550:1
[NTC - Colossians 2:12]
Buried with him— With Christ. HG248:2*; NS326:3 Death to self will, earthly hopes, aims and prospects. R5063:5 Thus baptism is placed in contrast with the ceremonies of the Law. R1540:3 Our earthly nature has been given up, deprived of life, and is taken without the camp to be destroyed, while our new nature is within the first veil as members of the High Priest's Body. R154:3
Baptism— We Christians apply to ourselves the baptism of Rom. 6:3-5. R1542:2 Not only does the Greek word signify to bury, immerse, or cover, but the connected Scripture narrative of itself, without the particular strictness of the Greek word used, would imply that the baptism was one of immersion and not of sprinkling. R1541:2 Baptism was not a feature of the Law Covenant; hence it was not at all a part of that which our Lord ended and cancelled at the cross. R1540:1
Wherein— Even if Jews formerly under the Law Covenant. R1540:2
Risen with him— We are counted as new creatures the moment of consecration, and the new creature arises from the old dead creature, so that the resurrection or raising up begins, and progresses in proportion as the new creature grows.Q588:3
Through the faith of the operation of God— God does not count Christians in the flesh, but in the spirit through faith. R237:1*
Who hath raised him— Hence no agency of man, nor even of the angel Gabriel, was permitted in the work of our Lord's resurrection. No agencies great or small were employed. R1005:4 God the Father raised him. (Gal.1:1; Acts. 2:24, 32; 3:15; 4:10; 10:40; 13:30, 34; 17:31; Rom. 4:24; 8:11; 1 Cor. 6:14; 15:15; 2 Cor. 4:14; Eph. 1:20; 1 Thess. 1:10; Heb. 13:20; 1 Pet. 1:21) R2795:2
[NTC - Colossians 2:13]
Quickened— Made alive, resurrected. NS326:3 The flesh is not the new creature, but the old, which is reckoned dead, and is also reckoned alive as revived or quickened. R5197:4 We are begotten of the holy Spirit at the time we give our all to the Lord. By and by comes the next step, namely, quickening, which means to make alive. The begetting is the beginning of life, but the quickening comes a little later when there has been some development. CR2:1 After you had presented your body a living sacrifice, and God had accepted that sacrifice, and given you the holy Spirit, then came the time, perhaps longer for some and shorter for others, when you began to be active; you were quickened, you were energized. CR2:1 The energy that you manifest on behalf of righteousness and truth, on behalf of the service of the Lord, and the service of the brethren, is part of the quickening. CR2:2 Our quickened flesh, by the grace of God, is represented as pure, desirable in his sight, and in proper condition for the marriage, the union with Christ. R5197:4 When that quickening comes in, you will not only see it, but your neighbors will see it and your friends will see it; it will manifest itself. CR2:3 If you are never quickened, if you are never energized, if you never come to the moment where you have such a desire to serve the Lord as will lead you to do with your might what you have opportunity to do—if you do not reach that point, you will be "still born"; it will be an abortion. CR2:2
Having forgiven you all trespasses— Those believers who had been Gentiles were pardoned fully and freely from all condemnation. R1734:6, 975:1
[NTC - Colossians 2:14]
Blotting out— Christ blotted out the written Law. R1734:6
Handwriting of ordinances— Or decrees of the Jewish Law. R1527:3 Originally written dogmas of the Law. R974:4 Still over the Jews, and they are still obligatory. Q176:2 Baptism is not one of the ordinances. R1540:1,2
Against us— Condemning us to death. R1205:5 Which was found to be only unto death. (Rom. 7:10) R1527:3 Unfavorable, disadvantageous to the Jew.R1540:1 Against all Israel. R5047:2, 4505:4, 1767:3, 1734:6, 1729:6, 975:1
To us— Those who have accepted Christ. Q176:2 To those in Christ there is no law on the subject of the Sabbath except that of love. R543:4
Took it out of the way— Admitting Gentiles to favor. R4341:2 The covenant the Jews could not keep was fulfilled by our Lord and passed away. R1231:2All these typical Law Sabbaths ceased, at or before the death of Jesus, who made an end of the Law which commanded the types. R314:6 Christ blotted out the written Law. R975:1 By the vicarious sacrifice of Christ Jesus. R1527:2 This signifies, not that the Law Covenant was abrogated or done away, but that so far as the Jews who had accepted Christ were concerned, the demands of all of the Law's ordinances were fully met for them by the Lord Jesus when he was nailed to the cross. R4505:4
Nailing it to his cross— The Law Covenant did not pass away until Christ "nailed it to his cross." R4013:3, 3831:4, 3752:6, 2121:5, 314:6; B85; NS362:1; Q135:2 The Mosaic Law ceased when Christ died. R3843:2, 1454:1 But not the divine law of the Universe, forbidding sin. That law has been over men and angels and all others of God's intelligent creatures since they came into existence, and it will never cease. R1724:6 The Ten Commandments were not nailed to the cross. Q134:1
[NTC - Colossians 2:15]
Spoiled principalities— Having stripped away from the original Law all obscurities. R1734:6
And powers— The Law's authorities. R1734:6
Made a shew of them openly— This spoiling of principalities he openly showed in his resurrection. R669:2 Made a public illustration of them (the Law and its authorities) in his life of obedience to them. R1734:6, 975:1
Triumphing over them in it— In obedience unto death, even the death of the cross. R1734:6, 975:1
[NTC - Colossians 2:16]
Let no man— Because our Lord has made both you Gentiles and us Jews free. R1734:6
Therefore— Many Christians seem to be mixing the Jewish Covenant with the Christian. Many feel a heart-condemnation with respect to Sunday as the sabbath because they rarely live up to the requirements of the Law for that day. R2119:3 The new creation is not under the Law, but under grace. F382 We are to appreciate and guard our liberty in Christ. R974:4 The Mosaic Law Covenant, with all its forms and ceremonies has passed away: no one is longer under its dominion. R1499:2
Judge you— All who are in Christ have liberty with respect to the festivals, new moons and sabbaths of the Law. R975:1 If anyone presumes to judge another in these matters, he is violating a direct command of the Lord. Q824:T
An holyday— The Law's sacred days, its times and seasons. R598:6 Typical of spiritual truths belonging to the Gospel age. F228 The Apostle was not anxious to use his liberty except as between the Lord and himself. R2118:6 New moons and Sabbaths surely would prove no hindrance to Christians in any physical flight in winter. (Contrasting Matt. 24:20-22) D579
Sabbath— The Christian, free from the Law, esteemed every day alike. R1557:3 The fourth commandment in the Law given by Moses was that this day of rest shall be kept holy unto the Lord. R1499:4 This term "sabbath" signified rest. R1499:4 We observe this day as a law of the land, and with rejoicing and thankfulness for so favorable a time for worship and study. But we do not keep it for a Jewish Sabbath. R812:1* The spiritual Israelite, while he is free from the Law, nevertheless rejoices in and should avail himself of any arrangements favorable to his spiritual resting, Sabbath-keeping. R2534:5 Cannot mean some of those yearly occasions also called sabbaths, for Paul had already included these under the words, "holy days." HG582:1*
[NTC - Colossians 2:17]
A shadow— Or picture. Q746:1 Or reflection of the things future as the moon's light is the reflection of the rays of the sun. R5420:2 The Jewish holy days and sabbaths were merely shadows. R404:2, 310:3 The Jewish sabbath is typical of some higher blessing. R1499:4 The Tabernacle, as well as the whole nation of Israel, its laws, its religious services and ceremonies. T11
Things to come— The antitypes will be laden with blessings for mankind. B173 The substance, or antitypes, of which appertain to the anointed. R1734:6
Body— Substance. F382
Of Christ— Head and Body. R1734:6
[NTC - Colossians 2:18]
Of your reward— The prize. R4547:2
In a voluntary humility— Without reason submitting to. R4547:2 Many think it is a mark of humility to discard reason and blindly follow others. R496:6*
Worshipping of angels— Reverencing as messengers of truth those who thus far have given no evidence of teaching ability, in that God never sent you any message through them. R4547:2 The temptation to man-worshipping will come insidiously, craftily, and not by brazen demands for reverence. R2080:1
Vainly puffed up— They fail to hold the headship of the Lord and the membership of the Church as his Body. R4547:2
[NTC - Colossians 2:19]
Not holding the Head— By quietly submitting to and doing reverence to those who usurp the Lord's place in his Body. R3613:2 By exalting ourselves, usurping our Lord's place in the Church, ignoring his words and arrangements, and being puffed up as his servants. R3613:2 Such who lose sight of their personal unworthiness and seem to see something wonderful in their own little self-denials. C278 The poorest, weakest and most insignificant of the Body is, in the Lord's estimation, better qualified to teach than one who vaunteth and puffeth up himself and affects to take in the Church the position of the Head. R3613:4 Recognition of Christ as not only the Redeemer from sin, but as the Head, representative, guide, instructor, and preserver of the Body, is essential to each member of it. F120 And render him supreme reverence and obedience. R1571:4 Acknowledge in every thought and doctrine the pre-eminence of our Redeemer. R1386:4 Jesus. R2461, 247:6 Peter, in his love for the Master, and intoxicated somewhat by the honors bestowed upon him already, undertook to be the teacher—"not holding the Head" in proper reverence. R3790:2
The body— The membership of the Church. R4547:2
Having nourishment— Eating of the living bread and drinking of the cup. R4547:2
Increase of God— In grace and knowledge. R247:6
[NTC - Colossians 2:20]
Ye— Gentile converts. R5047:2, 1729:6
Be dead with Christ— Self, with its own selfishness, or depraved desires, is reckoned dead. R1861:3 "For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him." (2 Tim. 2:11) R80:3 Thus Jesus and his Church are being presented during the Gospel age before God on the altar—the Head was laid there first, and since, all who are "dead with him." R73:2 We are not reckoned in the flesh, because we have crucified the flesh. R192:2* Self with its own selfishness, or depraved desires, should be reckoned dead. D476 Only such could possibly have right to be at the great banquet. R4525:5
[NTC - Colossians 2:21]
Touch not; taste not; handle not— The unclean thing. R127:3*
[NTC - Colossians 3:1]
If— I hope then that as you consider this text, you will say to yourself, "Where does the if come in my case?" CR3:2
Ye— A special class, a peculiar people, a Little Flock, some who have been called out of the world. CR173:1 The class begotten of the holy Spirit. CR173:2
Risen with Christ— We could not rise with Christ unless we be first dead with him. CR173:3 The resurrection of the Church begins in the present life with believers, who in their minds rise in newness of life into Christ. R5440:5, 5354:1, 3132:3 We are not risen with Christ as yet, except by faith, and shall not be until we pass beyond the veil into the antitypical Sarah's tent. R4490:4*None of us could have such a transformation of character except as we should receive the begetting of the holy Spirit, the Spirit of Christ. NS670:3 The new creature, the new will, acting in and through these mortal bodies, is declared figuratively to be risen with Christ and living for, seeking, those things which are above. F487 The Apostle is not speaking of the future resurrection. He is speaking of the figurative resurrection which the Lord's consecrated people experience in the present time. R3203:3 Many eyes of understanding have been opened, deaf ears have been unstopped, morally halt and lame have been cured, many have been raised from the dead (reckonedly). R3756:5 Our hopes, aims are linked with the resurrection of Jesus, and our endeavor is to live dead to the world's interests, alive toward the spiritual interests, heavenly promises through Jesus Christ. NS325:3 As the Apostle suggests we are risen to walk in newness of life—our resurrection is already begun. R5440:5, 3132:3 The inward man is renewed day by day. NS637:6 The Apostle is addressing the class that is buried with Christ by baptism in death—figuratively, reckonedly, their hearts given up, their wills given up. CR1:1 We are begotten of the holy Spirit at the time we give our all to the Lord. CR2:1 Ask yourself, "Am I risen with Christ? Not in the actual resurrection—am I risen now in the same sense that I am dead now? According to the will of the flesh I am dead." CR2:5 New creatures. R5325:3, 5089:2, 3132:4, 2479:5, 914:2 The risen Body of Christ is invisible to mortals. R237:1
Seek those things which are above— Seek chiefly the Kingdom of God, to make our calling and election sure to participation with our Lord in the Kingdom honors and glories to which he has already attained as a reward for his faithful sacrifice. R2479:5 To seek to have a share in them, to avail ourselves of the glorious opportunity and invitation to become sharers in his throne. CR174:4 By seeking to follow the example and precepts of their Lord. NS235:1 Not merely in prayer. R2479:5 From begetting of the holy Spirit, the Christian begins the resurrected life. His "change" to a spirit body at the second coming is dependent upon the maintenance of this resurrected life. NS637:6 Seek the higher things, the things that are not of sin. CR3:2
[NTC - Colossians 3:2]
Set— This word indicates continually setting. Q158:4 Implies a repeated setting, as though the affection might slip from the heavenly things or had already done so. NS638:6 More than ever at this time. R5062:6 For your citizenship is in heaven. NS102:1 Each who finds the spirit of worldliness growing upon him should feel that he is losing ground, should seek afresh to set his affections on things above and to grow in grace. R3203:2
Your affection— Keep setting your affections, and if they slip off a thousand times a day, set them back a thousand times, and by and by they will begin to stick to the heavenly things better. CR5:3 The word of Christ has entered into our hearts. Our minds, aims, ambitions—everything—are being transformed, are being set on heavenly things. (Rom. 12:2) OV429:4 At the opening of a New Year we afresh set our affections, expecting trials not to have the effect of discouraging us, weakening our faith, but to increase our love, trust, devotion, zeal, conformity to Jesus. NS448:2
On things above— God intends not that his people have heart-satisfaction in anyone earthly, but that loyalty to him make us realize our responsibility, that in him we may find the companionship, joy and peace all crave. R5248:6 Those who do so become correspondingly heavenly, spiritual, blessed, generous. R4567:2 The things of earth are all blemished, have lost their attractiveness to those who have a knowledge and appreciation of the better glories. They have the eye of faith to see things before not discernable. NS451:2 We are to strive to have our minds pure, to cast out everything sympathetic with sin. We are not to permit ourselves to ruminate on what is sinful. R573:1 If you have wealth, beautiful things, wonderful arrangements and comforts of an earthly kind, they draw the heart more in that direction, and it is all the more difficult to leave them. CR5:3 Would signify so loose a handling of worldly riches as would hinder the accumulation or preservation of great wealth. R4567:2 Set them on the very highest things, the high things that are spiritual. R5889:5 Even husbands and wives should not set their affections too much upon each other. R5906:2 Heaven is to be our eternal home; all the precious promises center there. R5906:6 Heavenly promises. R5859:3 Reckoned as though they were in another land. CR1:1
Not on— There should be a natural love for husband, wife, children, parents; and the Lord would have this continue, but in full subjection to the heavenly things. God should be first. R5906:6Whoever sets his affections upon earthly treasures will become sordid, selfish, earthly. R4567:2
Things on the earth— We are, so far as possible, to cut off every earthly tie. CR174:4 There are many things on this earth that are attractive, that are beautiful; but we need not set our hearts upon them. R5906: We have certain impulses of affection, certain powers that go out toward other creatures; and it is very important that we see where they are tending, otherwise they will lead to idolatry. R5906:3 We should not reckon our earthly relationships as being the highest and best of all things. R5906:3
[NTC - Colossians 3:3]
Ye— The Church of Christ. Q760:2 The new creature. Q411:1
Are dead— As a human being. R914:6 There is no you. You are out of the question. Q389 From the divine viewpoint, so far as the earthly existence is concerned, reckoned dead. Q760:2; CR1:1 These are the "dead who die in the Lord"—dying daily in the Lord's service, and in the service of the truth. (Rev. 14:13; 1 Cor. 15:31) See also Rom. 6:8; Col. 2:23. Q764:4 The only condition upon which we are accepted of the Lord is a full surrender of our wills. And this surrender of the will is reckoned as the death of the old will. Q679:3 The new will conquers; and self, with its own selfishness, or depraved desires, is reckoned dead. R1861:3 This death, this burial, is our baptism into Christ's death. F436 The old creature is counted dead, and God looks at you that way. CR454:2 It was not the new creature that died, but the old creature. R5325:3 So that we are dead to ourselves, dead to the world and all of its ambitions. To us all things have become new. CR6:4 You have died to yourself, died to the world, died to the flesh, died to sin, died to everything of the earthly kind. CR1:2 These are reckoned as though they were in another land; as though they were not living in the world; as if the new nature had already commenced. CR1:1 Speaking of our death to sin. R180:5* Deadness to earthly things. R2480:2 When the sacrifice of those who are of the consecrated class is accepted of the Lord, then it is true of this class, "Ye are dead." R4865:1 As men. R154:4 Our flesh, which is reckoned justified fully and freely through faith in Christ and consecration, is considered dead. R4656:1 The old body is dead because it has been devoted to God in connection with the sin-offering. R5101:3
Your life is hid— Our vitality, which by fellowship with Christ in sacrifice has become hid with Christ in God's design. R875:6 Not manifest to all, nor upon all occasions to any. R4829:1, 2480:1 From the time of begetting onward. R180:5* We have not the life in ourselves, nor in any sense separate and apart from our glorious Lord. NS336:2 Men can kill the body but no man can take from us the right to live. R5103:2 In divine power and promise. R3028:4 As associate members of his Body. R1264:1* They are reckoned as having risen to newness of life in Christ. CR1:1 Represented by our endeavors to follow the new will of Christ. R2480:2 So long as our hopes and aims and objects of life are centered in the heavenly things. R2480:2 Now, in God's promises. R1077:4 Bury past experiences and let them remain hidden from sight forever. Q613:4 At present, like all other New Covenant favors, the life is possessed by faith and hope only. R1179:4 This new life that you have with all its new hopes and new prospects and new ambitions, is all centered in Christ. It is a life of faith. R4829:1, 4865:1 Which the world can neither see nor appreciate. R2480:1
With Christ— The Anointed One. R914:6 It is "with Christ" in the sense that God's plan is being accomplished through Christ, who ransomed and justifies all. R666:6 Thus every suggestion of God's gift is bound up similarly in Christ; only as we become united to him, related to him, can we have this gift of God, this unspeakable gift. NS516:2 To have your life hid with Christ in God implies that you have that absolute trust in God that he has provided the Redeemer in Christ, and that all of the promises of God's Word will be fulfilled in him. CR6:3 The germ of life through which man shall be restored to being (whether of earthly or heavenly nature) is "hid with Christ in God." R666:6 As underpriests. CR407:6 It is then "Christ in you" that is the only actuating or controlling principle. R80:1
In God— It is "in God," in the sense that it is decreed in God's plan and possible through God's power. R666:6
[NTC - Colossians 3:4]
Christ, who is our life— The Scriptural testimony points in every instance to the second advent of Christ and to the resurrection as first, the hope of the Church, the new creation, and second, the hope of the world. F664 He must raise us from the dead before we can have eternal life. CR321:3 If we suffer with him, we shall also be glorified together. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. (Rom. 8:17; 2 Tim 2:11, 12; Matt. 13:43) A86 The delay of the Kingdom's coming was for the purpose of selecting a Bride for Christ. CR268:5
Shall appear— Shall be manifested. R914:6, 616:1*
Then— Then, the Church shall in reality be a glorious body, a body suitable in every way for the high position she shall fill as the Bride of Christ—the companion of the Son of God for all eternity. R1102:3 His members must be completed before he will officially take his position as the King of the world. Ciii
Ye— Overcomers. R1669:3 The Church. R5399:5 The Church, the sheep of the present age. R4784:6The Bride class. R4693:1
Also appear— The gathering of the saints to Christ must precede their coming or appearing with him. R206:6 For this glorious appearing of the divine sons and heirs of God the groaning of creation must wait. R616:2* This appearing or revealing will be to the world. R5008:2 Immanuel's epiphania, revealing, showing forth. R5523:1
In glory— We shall be glorified together if we suffer with him as his members. R4398:4 And the purpose of that glorious appearing, and that Kingdom, will be not for the injury of mankind, but for the blessing of the whole world. CR269:2 We know that Christ could not come in the glory of his Kingdom (Church) until he has first gathered it from the world. R579:5, 263:2, 19:2 Our vile body shall be made like unto his glorious body. R2064:5 It is the divine nature which our Lord has that he has been privileged to give to his followers. R4155:1 The Lord's Kingdom will not be fully manifested until the Church is with her Lord in glory. R5567:1 Is Christ to come in glory? We also shall appear with him in glory. R30:6*Note Paul's anxiety to be "found in him" (Phil. 3:7-11), and at what cost he sought membership in that "body," and the superior or chief resurrection it will enjoy. R827:6 The apostles did not expect glory at death, but at the second coming of Christ. HG334:3 The New Testament clearly locates the appearing in glory after the resurrection of the saints. R56:2* As the whole Christ has thus been manifest and has suffered in the flesh, so they shall also be "glorified together" before the world. T84 The Church will be with him in his throne. SM224:2 It should be noted that when the Lord occupies his throne, the Church reigns with him. HG336:5 At his second advent. R2958:6, 1102:3 The revelation of our Lord's glory is not another coming, but another step or development during the same coming or presence (parousia).R2303:6 As foreshadowed by the transfiguration. (Matt. 17:1-9) R32:6 It is after the sacrificing is all finished and the Church glorified that he comes forth the second time unto salvation, saving and blessing all the people. R5655:6 The epiphania or apokalupsis of the Lord in power and great glory is not to the Church nor for the Church, but to the world and for the world.R4543:6 To the world. R5399:5 "It doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is." (1 John 3:2) R1881:6, 98:5*; NS338:4; HG334:3
[NTC - Colossians 3:5]
Mortify— Deaden, kill. R5486:5, 2336:3 Put to death. R1214:6, 112:4 Surrender your human will to death, that you may have no will of your own. SM632:2 Grapple with every organ of our mortal bodies and not only to render them dead to sin, but to quicken and encourage them with the holy Spirit of the new creature. SM632:2 All our mortal members are to be dead to everything except the new mind, which is to use them in the service of God, Christ, the brethren, and the truth and, as opportunity may afford, in the service of humanity. SM632:3 Flesh insists that things are not wrong, but natural, that its rights should be conserved, and sometimes insists that the new creature would commit a crime in mortifying the flesh, with its affections, desires. R5248:3 The Lord's followers have to some extent lost the esteem of their friends and neighbors; they have been counted as the offscouring of the earth. R4767:2 The putting away of sin. R1594:3 The purity of the Church demanded that the transgressor (1 Cor. 5:5) be dealt with rigorously; and his own future depended upon whether or not the animal nature which was ruling him should be put to death. (Rom. 8:13) R1699:1,2, 1698:1
Your members— Your fleshly mind. R5486:5 Kill the old man. R4349:3 Your mental members, your depraved tendencies. R2336:6 Those members on the earth. R1214:6 These evil members must be lopped off, else they will choke the life of Christ commenced, and prevent your entrance into that everlasting life and render you a vessel fitted to destruction. R112:5
Uncleanness— Impurity. R1214:6, 914:6 It means anything that is not pure, not chaste, not holy, not clean. R2480:3
Inordinate affection— Passion and inordinate lust. R1214:6
Evil concupiscence— Evil desires. R4070:6, 1857:6, 1214:6, 914:6 In "View From the Watch Tower," ecclesiastics warn of loss of moral virtues among coming dangers. R2768:2
Covetousness— Covetousness is an inordinate desire, whether for wealth or luxuries or what-not. R2459:5, 1214:6 Greed. R4070:6, 1857:6 Covetousness and Jezebel's methods adapted to today, prevail much more generally than the majority of people suppose, and chiefly among the very rich who covet their neighbors' stocks, bonds, gold, silver, etc. R4742:1 One of the most crying evils of our day. It is causing more heartaches and trouble of every kind, perhaps, than any other sin. R4742:4 Sharp practices in business, selling commodities below cost, interfering with another's credit at the bank, slandering. R4741:6 Money loving. R914:6 The covetous person is a mammon-worshipper. R2459:5 Not applicable only to the wealthy. R2459:5 "Ye cannot serve God and mammon." (Matt. 6:24) R3047:4, 2459:5, 1836:1
Is idolatry— The Apostle designates covetousness as idolatry, which gives us the thought of false worship. R2459:5 Idol worship. R1214:6 The sin of covetousness, the worship of mammon, the idolatry of money, is the great sin of "Christendom," the antitype of fleshly Israel. R1836:1
[NTC - Colossians 3:6]
Children of disobedience— Disobedience is a cause of failure among the Great Company. R4079:4
[NTC - Colossians 3:8]
Ye— Those who have put on Christ. R2688:6
Put off— All Christians should know that the Scriptures direct that their minds should be transformed. SM336:1 Less than one percent of the millions in Christianity would make any claim to be Christians seeking to cultivate the spirit of meekness, gentleness, patience, long-suffering, brotherly kindness, love. The great majority manifest the reverse spirit. SM128:3 A Christian is no longer a slave of sin, controlled by the desires and weaknesses of his fallen flesh and its spirit of the world, bearing fruits unto unrighteousness. R2444:6 Special testings along these lines are now permitted. R4521:3 Fiery trials are now on the Church, of faith and practice. R4521:3 Put these away as you would put away a contagious thing. CR447:2
All these— These things more or less attach to you. R5756:3 Works of the flesh and of the devil. R5756:3 The Apostle has really taken into his list nearly all the weaknesses of the flesh which beset those who have become "new creatures in Christ." R4829:2 The works of unholiness, the works of the flesh and the devil. NS603:2
Anger— The Greek word used is orge, the same exactly as used in reference to the "wrath" of Jehovah, and the "anger" of Jesus. We, as imperfect in judgment, are admonished to leave it for him who cannot err. R787:4
Malice— Old leaven. R2283:4
Blasphemy— Evil-speaking, slander. R4829:2, 1214:6 Evil-speaking. It has seemed too as though some who profess relationship to Christ do even more of petty evil-speaking, slandering and busybodying than do the worldly who make no profession whatever. NS714:2 Busybodying—thinking and talking about the private affairs of others, with which we have no direct concern—leads to evil speaking and backbiting, and engenders anger, malice, hatred, strife, etc. F585
Filthy communication— Vile words. R1214:6 Impurity of language and falsehood in its every form. R4829:2 If all evil and impure language were avoided, what a wonderful world this would be! R4829:3 Put away all filthiness of the flesh and of the spirit (mind), perfecting holiness in the reverence of the Lord. (2 Cor. 7:1) R2390:5
[NTC - Colossians 3:9]
Lie not one to another— All our conduct with our fellow-men should be characterized by sincerity and truth. R1594:3 Do not speak falsely. R1214:6Neither falsely misrepresent the teachings of another nor our own. Let us be thoroughly honest, beginning with honesty in our own religion, allowing this quality of faithfulness to pervade all life. NS446:2 Not only of having good intentions in the heart, but also of expressing those good intentions truthfully one to another, without deception, without hypocrisy. R4829:3, 2481:2
Put off— We have put off the old man, the natural, fallen man, with his privileges as the successor of Adam, in the same sense that we put off the old will and have received a new mind in Christ. R5221:1 Putting out, as illustrated in Congress. One party which has been in control is to be superseded by the other party. R4894:3
Old man— Or outward man. R2231:6 The old nature. R1214:6 The old will is reckoned dead at the time of our consecration. R5103:4 The old will; he is to be dead. Q605:T The human will, which once dominated the being. R5685:3 New creatures have an old man, an outward man, that is perishing, and a new man, inward man, a hidden man of the heart, who is being renewed day by day. (2 Cor. 4:16; Eph. 4:23,24; 1 Pet. 3:4) F675 All the justified and consecrated, notwithstanding their imperfections and short-comings through inherited weaknesses, are acceptable to God through Christ, whose robe of righteousness amply covers us. R1295:6 The old defilements. R1214:3
With his deeds— With his practices. R1214:6
[NTC - Colossians 3:10]
Put on the new man— The new character. R1214:3 The new nature. R1215:1 The inward man or hidden man of the heart, who is being renewed day by day. R2231:6 The renewed mind or begotten life. R191:6 The old nature is repudiated, and is no longer to control the life of the individual. The new will is now master—a will to do God's will. R5685:3 It means the laying on the altar of our every power, every ability, strength, time, pocket book, and influence. R5686:1
Renewed in knowledge— Or refreshed, built up, made strong. R4894:6 Knowledge is the basis of faith and obedience. R5686:1 It shows us the Lord's character that we are to imitate. R5686:2 As we have come into Christ, we have an increase of knowledge, coming to a clearer knowledge of the new will in proportion as we seek to put down the old man, to be directed by the holy Spirit. R5221:4 Our knowledge is increased in proportion as we give heed to the things which God has spoken; in proportion as we set our affections on things above and not on things on the earth. R4895:1
[NTC - Colossians 3:11]
Christ is all, and in all— Those who accept Christ are all one in Christ Jesus. R3043:1
[NTC - Colossians 3:12]
Put on— This is needful if we would stand complete in the will of God. R1781:5, 1273:2 Such should put off the old estimate of things, put on a new one which would recognize members of the elect, not according to nationality nor denomination, but recognize all in Christ as being the elect. F191 Those who receive the holy Spirit feel the love of God shed abroad in their hearts producing in them love of the brethren and all the good fruits of the Spirit. R2456:1
Bowels of mercies— A heart of compassion. R3586:4 A disposition of largeness and generosity of heart toward everybody and everything. R4829:4
Kindness— Kindness toward all. R4829:4
Humbleness of mind— The reverse of boastfulness, headiness, arrogance. R4829:4 Humility. R3586:4
Meekness— Gentleness of disposition. R4829:4
Longsuffering— Greek, makrothunia, means merely long-suffering. R2790:6 Patient endurance with the faults and weaknesses of others. R4829:4
Forbearing one another— We should exercise a spirit of forbearance and of forgiveness toward the erring. R1594:3
[NTC - Colossians 3:13]
Forgiving— The Greek word karazomai signifies, to forgive freely. R1058:6
Even as Christ forgave you— And still forgives you. R5603:6
[NTC - Colossians 3:14]
Above all these things— And thus overlook much of what others do. R4984:2
Charity— Love is pictured as the "girdle" which binds and holds in place the folds of the robe of Christ's righteousness with its various graces. R4829:5, 2426:2 Jesus said love is the fulfilling of the divine Law. R1330:2 Lacking this, we would be as sounding brass and as tinkling cymbals. (1 Cor. 13:1) R1330:3
Bond of perfectness— It is the girdle which binds and fits them all close to the person. R1215:4, 3080:1 Bonds of the completeness. R1215:4The very Spirit of the Lord. R4829:5
[NTC - Colossians 3:15]
The peace of God— The peace, joy, and comfort resulting from a completeness of consecration to the Lord. R5571:6 To sway all our actions. R1594:3Many have never learned it, and do not apply it to their outward lives. R1652:3
Rule— Preside. R1215:4 "Let the peace of Christ be acting as umpire in your hearts." (Rotherham) R2358:4* Let God's will direct and rule all our course of action according to his plan. R1563:4
Rule in your hearts— The lives of God's people should in every case be "living epistles, known and read of all men" (2 Cor. 3:2), especially by their own families. R5571:6 Let our wills remain dead to self and subservient to God's will. R1563:4
Ye are called— The members are being raised up from the world, separated from the world to the Lord and the Millennial work. R4354:4
One body— There is but one prize offered by the Scriptures during this age, as there was a different one held out previously, and as there will be a still different one held out during the Millennial age. R1668:5 One corporation, one Church—the Body of Christ. R2482:1
Be ye thankful— Thankfulness will make every trial and sacrifice on our part seem small, and thus easy to be offered, and will make all of God's mercies and favors toward us proportionately grand, great and inspiring. R2723:4 Thankfulness of heart is a very sure sign of the character God is seeking—especially in matters pertaining to our great salvation. R2722:6 Thankfulness of the Christian must continue—daily, hourly; its loss even for a moment should be deplored as evidence of spiritual sickness. The afflicted should go for healing in the divine Word. R2076:3 Unthankfulness is unholiness. R2723:1
[NTC - Colossians 3:16]
Let— We should not only crucify our own wills, but fully accept of and use the Lord's will instead. R962:5
Dwell in you richly— By bearing in mind Christ's teachings and endeavoring to apply them in our daily life. R1594:6 By being filled with his Spirit. R1594:6 To have and to keep his commandments, that the abiding presence of the Father and the Son may be with us. R3251:6 Paul prayed for his converts. R653:6
Hymns and spiritual songs— All are able to unite their hearts in prayer and to lift their voices in praise, in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. R1890:3
[NTC - Colossians 3:17]
Whatsoever ye do— As representatives and ambassadors we should feel both the dignity and honor of the position and the weighty responsibility. R3330:2 With the hope that by thus doing things well we shall obtain salvation. R3331:4 Every Christian is privileged to spend as much money for tobacco as to eat and smoke as much of it as he sincerely believes will do him good physically and spiritually and result in the Lord's glory. R1849:4
In the name— As his ambassadors. R3331:4 Whether he realizes it or not, each who professes to be a Christian speaks and acts in the name of the Lord Jesus. We should endeavor to keep this fact continually before our minds. R3329:3 Our actions and words should properly represent our Lord and honor the name he has permitted us to bear. R3329:3 We represent the heavenly Kingdom and its King of kings and Lord of lords before the "children of this world." R3330:1 We should say to ourselves, "I must see to it that I have not taken the name of the Lord in vain." R3331:1 The holy name of the Head belongs to all the members of the Body. R3331:1 We have taken the name of Christ as our name. R3331:1 An erroneous custom amongst those who have named the name of Christ is that of ignoring his name in favor of some sectarian names. R3330:5 Many are unauthorizedly using the name of the Lord in combination with the name of some earthly institution. R3330:5
[NTC - Colossians 3:19]
Be not bitter— Any one of the Lord's people who thus practices injustice is not making progress as a new creature. R5168:4
[NTC - Colossians 3:21]
Fathers, provoke not— It is important that parents exercise temperance, self-control in their own discipline, as well as toward their children. F526:1; R3573:5
[NTC - Colossians 3:22]
Servants— The servants addressed by Paul were bond-servants or slaves, and not employees. R2037:6
Obey— Paul cannot have meant that they should violate their consciences in obedience to the commands of their masters. R2037:6
[NTC - Colossians 3:23]
Whatsoever ye do— Servants are specially addressed by the Apostle. All service should be good service, and whether the person served be one of the Lord's people or an enemy of the truth, the work should not be slighted. R2343:1
Heartily, as to the Lord— The person who is earnest and zealous to serve the Lord, so willing and so anxious for the opportunity that he will do what his hands find to do. R2344:2 Thus the name of Christ would come to be respected among the intelligent, and the inquiry would naturally be, What is there about these Christians or their teaching that makes them more capable and efficient as servants? R2343:2 All who would be followers of him shall be servants, not merely in name, but in deed and in truth and in spirit. R2344:4 One is your Master (Lord), even Christ. (Matt. 23:8) R1769:4 Oh to measure fully up to this experience! R1802:4
[NTC - Colossians 3:24]
Of the Lord— The Church of Christ are granted fellowship with the Father Jehovah from the time of their begetting of the spirit, when they consecrate themselves, being previously "justified by faith." (Rom. 5:1) R1768:6
Reward of the inheritance— Christians are not expecting earthly rewards, but heavenly rewards. R2343:2 He received from his Father and our Father, his God and our God, all that he has given or will give to us. (John 20:7) R1769:4
Ye serve the Lord Christ— The slightest service done to the least of his brethren is accepted as done to himself. R2343:6 There is nothing inconsistent with being his brethren and still his servants. R2343:6 The Bible, the Old Testament as well as the New, has fostered the spirit of liberty, not directly, but indirectly. D306
[NTC - Colossians 4:1]
Give unto your servants— Serve them with kindness and compensation, and do it with good will as unto the Lord. R1464:2*
Ye also have a Master— The Bible, the Old Testament as well as the New, has fostered the spirit of liberty—not directly, but indirectly. D306 In the Bible, masters were restricted in the interests of the servants, assuring them that injustice would be recompensed by the great Master of all. D306
[NTC - Colossians 4:2]
Continue— We are to recognize a distinct difference between the "vain repetitions" of the heathen, which our Lord condemned, and continuing instant in prayer. R5020:1; Q539:2 To grow faint or grow weary in prayer would not be right. R5020:2; Q539:4 We are not to give up nor to become weary, but to be constant in our prayers. R5020:4; Q539:5 In commenting on the course of the importunate widow (Luke 18:2-5), our Lord said that if an unjust judge be moved on account of importunity to do justice, how much more a just judge. R5020:1; Q539:2
In prayer— Communion with God is a great privilege and an evidence of his favor. R4983:1
[NTC - Colossians 4:3]
Praying also for us— For what should we pray? For one another. (1 Thess. 5:25; John 17:20; Eph. 1:16) R3715:5 That the word of the Lord may have free course and be glorified. R585:5* Pray for opportunities of service, for wisdom in presenting the message to others, for the Lord to assist in inculcating meekness, humility and gentleness. CR440:3
A door of utterance— Not praying for each other that he make his calling and election sure. But pray for opportunities of service. Pray for wisdom in presenting the message to others. Pray for assistance in inculcating meekness, humility and gentleness. CR440:3
Mystery— Intended for the Lord's people, but not for the world nor for the merely nominal Christian. CR10:4; NS398:4 Paul says that God's grace in Christ "abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; having made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure which he had purposed in himself." (Eph. 1:8, 9) CR10:4; NS398:4
[NTC - Colossians 4:5]
Redeeming the time— Greek, exagorazo, to publicly purchase and take possession of. E430 We are to purchase and to secure out of the evil time as large a proportion of time as may be possible for devotion to higher interests—our own and others' spiritual sustenance. E431 Securing the season—Diaglott; buying the opportunity—Rotherham. R756:4* Securing the opportunity for sacrifice, remembering that it is a great privilege because of its great reward. Secure the opportunity and with it the great prize of our high calling. R756:6*Seeing the reward as we do, we should wisely secure the present opportunity which can never again be enjoyed. R756:5* Christians are in the midst of evil, the tendency of which is to use energy, influence, time, in things sinful, foolish, or unprofitable compared with more weighty interests closest to their hearts. E431
[NTC - Colossians 4:6]
Alway— Let the spirit of the glorious truths so fill your heart that out of its fullness your mouth may speak to the Lord's praise and to the enlightenment and profit of your opposers as well as its hearers. R698:2 Study and apply the principles of the divine law in all its bearings, both on the present and the future, and let your course be ruled accordingly, and your counsel to others be drawn from it. R1118:4* With manifest love and kindness. R1937:3 Does self-control apply to language? (Jas. 1:19,26; Eccl. 5:2) R3573:1 The Christian is to be temperate in his language, not given to exaggeration or misrepresentation. He is to speak forth words of soberness, making sure that he speaks the truth in love, and not in severity or bitterness. R2355:2,3573:1 How necessary that all the tongue-servants of the Lord's Body be only such as are of his spirit, wielding an influence for good and not evil, for blessing and upbuilding rather than injury and cursing. R2447:4, 3573:1 How few have conquered the tongue to the extent of bringing good, and only good, to all with whom they come in contact! R2447:4, 3573:1 Evil-speaking is slander. R2443:5
Grace— Liberality, favor. R756:3*
Seasoned with salt— A purifying and preservative influence. R1937:3 Not only should our speech be liberal ("with grace"), but also "seasoned with salt" (well established in the truth of God's Word). R756:3* The quality of salt to preserve and to arrest the spread of corruption rendered it a fit symbol of an everlasting covenant and a significant type of true Christians in the midst of sin and vice.R84:6* The first duty of everyone who would obey the call to preach is to become an earnest, faithful, diligent student of God's Word, that he may be able to minister grace to the hearer. R646:3 The appetizing salt of purity, righteousness, truth. R2099:3* In reproof, warning or counsel, a spirit of liberality will not lose sight of commendable features in those opposed, nor fail to commend it. R756:3* Truth, like salt, has the power of preserving from decay that which is good and pure. R756:5*
[NTC - Colossians 4:10]
Marcus— John was his Hebrew name and Mark his Latin name. R3003:6 Mark seems to have ultimately become a true yoke-fellow, very highly appreciated by the great Apostle. (2 Tim. 4:11) R2141:3, 3009:3 John Mark eventually restored to Paul's favor. (Col. 4:10; 2 Tim. 4:11) R4364:2
Sister's son— Should read cousin. R3003:6
Received commandments— In introducing brethren to the churches, the liberty of all is respected even by the apostles, who write not arbitrarily, but giving the reasons why those commended should be held in esteem. R1822:2
If he come— When the apostles called or sent any of the younger brethren in the ministry, it was not as of arbitrary authority, but as of request. R1822:2
Receive him— Introductory letters as a safe-guard against "false brethren" and "wolves in sheep's clothing" were the custom of the primitive Church, practiced by the apostles. R1707:1 4:14
Luke— Luke wrote not only a version of the Gospel, but also the Book of Acts and nearly all of St. Paul's epistles. R4399:3
[NTC - Colossians 4:15]
Salute the brethren— Whenever there was opportunity, the churches were prompt to send Christian greetings and benedictions to those in other places. R1895:4
Which is in his house— In the primitive Church the congregations were small, and usually met in private houses. R2941:6
[NTC - Colossians 4:16]
Epistle— The letters of the apostles, claiming divine authority equal to that of the Old Testament Scriptures, were treasured and guarded with special care by the various congregations of the early Church. R1146:1