Paragraph 3:15–16

Theme: Paul urged the Colossians to continue to live peacefully with one another and to thank God constantly. He urged them to be totally committed to the message of Christ.

3:15a

peace of Christ: This refers to the peace that Christ gives to a believer. Christ has caused Christians to be at peace with God and with one another. In this verse, Paul was writing about being at peace with other people, specifically with other Christians (see 3:14b, 3:15b). So one way to translate this is:

Christ has caused you to be at peace with one another.

peace: In this context, peace means “the ability to be in harmony with one another.”

rule: The Greek word brabeuō that the Berean Standard Bible translates rule means “to direct, control.”

in your hearts: This can mean either:

(1) among you, as a group, or

(2) within each of you, as individuals.

Since Paul’s next phrase reminded the Colossian believers that God expected them to live peacefully with one another, the first interpretation is preferred (1).

3:15b

for to this you were called: To be called means “God chose you ⌊to be his people⌋ so that you will be at peace with one another.” Paul was giving the basis for telling the Colossians why they should always try to live peacefully with other Christians, that is, they should do this, for one of God’s purposes in choosing them was so that they would live peacefully with one another.

as members of one body: Paul used this phrase before—see the note on 1:18a. You can translate it as a figure of speech: You are ⌊like⌋ members of one body,” or give the meaning, “You are ⌊all⌋ members of the same group.”

General Comment about 3:15

It may be better in some languages to reorder this verse. The Contemporary English Version has done this:

Each one of you is part of the body of Christ, and you were chosen to live together peacefully. So let the peace that comes from Christ control your thoughts. (Contemporary English Version)

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