Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. I. "WHATSOEVER YE DO IN WORD OR DEED," etc. 1. Paul here clearly gives to Christ the whole of life. The conceptions, affections, and resolutions of the soul refer to words and works as being the principles and motives of them. For it is impossible that they should be in the name of Christ except our understandings and will so address them. The Spirit moves all, and upon this the difference between man's actions depends. It is this that gives them the right and title they have in Christian morality. Works that are the same as to external action are good in one and bad in another. The aims of an ambitious man and of a true believer have no external difference, yet if you examine the inward springs of both, you will find one a piece of vanity, the other a fruit of charity. 2. The rule is short and easy, but of almost infinite use. As a little square serves an artificer to design and mark out a multitude of lines, and to correct those that are amiss, so by this little rule there is no human action respecting which we cannot ascertain whether it is right or wrong; nor is there any part of our lives which this rule is not capable of guiding and forming to perfection. 3. Specifically the name of Christ is the rule. (1) As the name of God signifies the Hebrew word by which the Lord distinguishes Himself, so Jesus is sometimes taken for the name which was given by express Divine command. But it is not thus taken here as if Paul simply intended that in our actions and discourses we should always intermix the word Jesus, or at least preface it. (2) The name of God is taken for the power, authority, and will of God (Deuteronomy 18:19; 2 Kings 2:24; Psalm 20:7; Psalm 89:16, 24; 1 Samuel 17:45; 2 Chronicles 14:11). So in like manner the name of Jesus (Acts 4:7; Matthew 7:22; Matthew 24:5; Matthew 18:20). So the apostle means — (a) That we refer all to His glory. (b) That we act according to His will. (c) That we live in entire confidence in and dependence upon Him. 4. By this(1) Paul banishes, from our mind all unfruitful works of darkness, it being evident that we can do nothing that is opposed to His will. (2) He perfects and enlivens those of our works which of themselves are commanded of God, engrafting on them the true motive and directing them to the true end. (3) He sacrifices those which are in their nature indifferent; e.g., if this rule is observed in eating and drinking, acts indifferent in their nature, (a) the sacred name will purge them of the excess of intemperance on the one hand, and the foolish scruples of superstition on the other. (b) Being referred to the glory of God, from indifferent they become holy and acceptable to God. 3. We must not so take the precept as if we were obliged in every act and word to raise our thoughts directly to Christ. It is sufficient that we frequently and ordinarily make this application of mind. But it is necessary that we have this deposition so formed in our hearts, that when circumstances allow us to think of Christ our souls may lean that way as being habituated to it. II. "GIVING THANKS INTO GOD AND THE FATHER BY HIM." These words may be taken as an independent precept (Ephesians 5:20) or a reason for the preceding rule, a title under which we ought to do all things in the name of Christ, so that our whole life may be an act of gratitude through Christ, which is to be preferred. 1. Thanksgiving is one of the most necessary and universal offices of a Christian. Remember what we are to God through creation, providence, and grace. 2. God the Father is the proper object of gratitude as the first principle of action, though not to the exclusion of the Son and Spirit. 3. By Jesus this gratitude is to be rendered. (1) He is the channel by which all God's goodness is poured upon us. (2) Our thanks cannot be grateful to the Father except addressed and presented by Christ. Application: 1. For the confirmation of faith. (1) We have a proof of the divinity of Christ. The faithful neither rejoice, nor speak, nor act, but in the name of God — but here it is required that our whole life be referred to the name of Christ. It must therefore be concluded that He is not a creature, but very God. (2) Is it not an outrage to require that saints should share this honour with Christ as Rome does? (Acts 4:12; 1 Corinthians 1:12). 2. For the instruction of our faith. (1) If we would be truly Christians, we must have Christ continually before us as the pole star, the rule of our whole life. (2) How many of us fall short of this. (J. Daille.) Parallel Verses KJV: And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. |
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