Colossians 3:17

Context

Colossians presents itself as a letter sent by Paul, together with Timothy, to the church at Colossae (Colossians 1:1). Some scholars question whether Paul himself wrote the letter. Chapter 3 opens with the exhortation that those who have been raised with Christ should "seek those things which are above." It goes on to urge readers to put off the deeds of the old man, to put on the new man, and to clothe themselves with compassion, humility, forgiveness, and love. The immediately preceding verse, Colossians 3:16, urges believers to let the word of Christ dwell in them richly and to give thanks to God in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. Verse 17 gathers these exhortations together with the words "whatsoever ye do." The passage that follows, from 3:18 through 4:1, is the so-called household code, addressed to wives and husbands, children and parents, and servants and masters.

Interpretation

• Reading "in the name" as authority and belonging: Many commentators hold that in Scripture a "name" signifies a person's character and authority. On this reading, to act "in the name of the Lord Jesus" does not mean attaching a fixed formula. It means acting, as one who belongs to Christ, in keeping with his will and character.
• Reading that emphasizes thanksgiving: In the Greek original, "giving thanks" is not an independent command but a participle (a verb form functioning like an adjective or adverb) dependent on the preceding action. "By him" likewise means "through him" in the original. On this basis, thanksgiving is read as an attitude that should accompany every word and deed. Some interpreters, reading the verse together with verse 16, see the passage as having in view the worship and praise of the gathered church.
• Reading that extends the verse to all of daily life: This reading connects the verse with the Protestant understanding of vocation that developed after the Reformation. It does not divide the sacred from the secular, that is, holy work from worldly work, but regards even one's occupation and family life as a life lived before God. This reading notes that the verse stands immediately before the household code, placing the relationships of household and work under the lordship of Christ.

Questions of Application

There is no significant doctrinal controversy among denominations concerning this verse. Some observe, however, that citing "whatsoever ye do" as though any action could be justified simply by attaching the name of Jesus to it takes the verse out of context, since the exhortation presupposes the virtues and the love described in the preceding verses. In addition, the custom in Korean Protestant churches of closing prayer with "We pray in the name of Jesus" is chiefly associated with sayings in the Gospel of John. Colossians 3:17 is broader in scope, since it is not limited to prayer but addresses speech and conduct in general.

Perspective: Korean Protestant practiceHow this idea is used in Korean churches, kept from the original Korean article.

In Korean Protestant churches, the verse is frequently cited in support of the concept of vocation in sermons and Christian education courses that address work, occupation, and faith in everyday life.

Related Passages

• Colossians 3:16
• Colossians 3:23
• Ephesians 5:19-21
• 1 Corinthians 10:31