Colossians 3:14
And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity.
And over all these virtues
The phrase "over all these virtues" suggests a covering or an overarching principle that encompasses all other qualities. In the context of Colossians 3, Paul has been discussing virtues such as compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. The Greek word for "virtues" here is "ἀγάπη" (agape), which is often translated as "love" in other contexts. This indicates that love is not just another virtue but the supreme one that binds all others together. Historically, virtues were highly esteemed in Greco-Roman culture, but Paul elevates love as the ultimate virtue that should govern Christian behavior.

put on
The phrase "put on" is translated from the Greek word "ἐνδύω" (enduo), which means to clothe oneself. This metaphor of clothing oneself is used frequently by Paul to describe adopting a new way of life in Christ. It implies a deliberate and conscious action, suggesting that love is not merely an emotion but a choice and a commitment. In the historical context, clothing was a significant marker of identity and status, and by using this metaphor, Paul emphasizes that love should be the defining characteristic of a believer's identity.

love
The word "love" here is "ἀγάπη" (agape) in Greek, which refers to selfless, sacrificial love. This is the same type of love that God shows towards humanity and is the highest form of love in Christian theology. Agape is not based on feelings or emotions but is an act of the will, seeking the best for others regardless of the cost. In the scriptural context, this love is exemplified by Christ's sacrifice on the cross, and believers are called to emulate this love in their relationships with others.

which is the bond
The term "bond" is translated from the Greek word "σύνδεσμος" (syndesmos), which means a uniting principle or that which binds together. In ancient times, a bond was something that held things together, like ligaments in a body. This imagery suggests that love is the force that holds all other virtues together, ensuring they function harmoniously. In a historical context, bonds were essential for maintaining the integrity and unity of structures, communities, and relationships.

of perfect unity
The phrase "of perfect unity" is derived from the Greek "τελειότητος" (teleiotetos), meaning completeness or perfection. This suggests that love is the key to achieving complete unity among believers. In the early church, unity was crucial for the survival and growth of the Christian community amidst persecution and doctrinal challenges. The concept of "perfect unity" implies a mature, fully developed state of oneness that reflects the unity within the Godhead and is the ultimate goal for the body of Christ. This unity is not uniformity but a harmonious diversity bound together by love.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul the Apostle
The author of the letter to the Colossians, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings.

2. The Church at Colossae
A Christian community in the ancient city of Colossae, located in modern-day Turkey. Paul wrote to them to address false teachings and to encourage them in their faith.

3. Jesus Christ
Central to Paul's teachings, Jesus is the embodiment of love and the ultimate example of how to live a life pleasing to God.
Teaching Points
The Supremacy of Love
Love is the greatest of all virtues and should be the overarching principle in our lives. It is the glue that holds all other virtues together.

Love as a Unifying Force
Love creates unity within the body of Christ. It transcends differences and fosters a spirit of harmony and peace.

Practical Expression of Love
Love should be active and visible in our daily interactions. It is not just a feeling but a commitment to act in the best interest of others.

Love Reflects Christ
By putting on love, we reflect the character of Christ, who is the ultimate example of sacrificial and unconditional love.

Love and Spiritual Maturity
Spiritual maturity is marked by the ability to love others deeply and genuinely. It is a sign of growing in Christ-likeness.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the concept of "putting on" love compare to putting on clothing, and what does this metaphor suggest about the intentionality of love?

2. In what ways can love serve as a "bond of perfect unity" in your personal relationships and within your church community?

3. Reflect on a time when love helped resolve a conflict or misunderstanding. How can this experience guide you in future interactions?

4. How do the characteristics of love described in 1 Corinthians 13 align with the call to "put on love" in Colossians 3:14?

5. What practical steps can you take to ensure that love is the guiding principle in your daily life, especially in challenging situations?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Corinthians 13
Known as the "Love Chapter," it provides a detailed description of love, emphasizing its importance and characteristics, which aligns with the call to "put on love" in Colossians 3:14.

Ephesians 4:2-3
These verses speak about bearing with one another in love and maintaining unity, which complements the idea of love being the bond of perfect unity.

John 13:34-35
Jesus commands His disciples to love one another, which serves as a foundational principle for Christian living and community, echoing the message in Colossians 3:14.
Charity the Bond of PerfectnessC. Hodge, D. D.Colossians 3:14
Gospel CharityJ. Owen, D. D.Colossians 3:14
Love a Perfecting GracR. Hewlett, D. D.Colossians 3:14
Love the Bond of PerfectnessR. Tuck, B. A.Colossians 3:14
Love the Finish of the Christian CharacterH. W. Beecher., R. Tuck, B. A.Colossians 3:14
Love the Perfection of the Christian CharacterG. Barlow., Bishop D. Wilson.Colossians 3:14
The Bond of PerfectnessW.F. Adneney Colossians 3:14
The Grace of CharityR. Tuck, B. A.Colossians 3:14
The Duty of Putting on All the Characteristic Qualities of the New ManT. Croskery Colossians 3:12-14
A Holy ChurchT. W. Jenkyn, D. D.Colossians 3:12-15
A Holy LifeH. Bonar, D. D.Colossians 3:12-15
Bowels of MerciesBishop Davenant.Colossians 3:12-15
ElectionPaxton Hood.Colossians 3:12-15
Gentle ChristiansColossians 3:12-15
Humbleness of MindColossians 3:12-15
Humility a SafeguardColossians 3:12-15
Humility and CheerfulnessJ. Ruskin.Colossians 3:12-15
KindnessJ. Morison, D. D.Colossians 3:12-15
Long-SufferingN. Byfield.Colossians 3:12-15
Long-Suffering RewardedW. Jay.Colossians 3:12-15
Meekness: its BlendingD. Thomas, D. D.Colossians 3:12-15
Meekness: its BlessednessArchdeacon Hare.Colossians 3:12-15
Meekness: its NatureJames Hamilton, D. D.Colossians 3:12-15
Meekness: its PowerE. Foster.Colossians 3:12-15
Meekness: its UsefulnessGotthold.Colossians 3:12-15
PityAddison.Colossians 3:12-15
Pity the Secret of Prophetic LightR. Glover.Colossians 3:12-15
Religion Moves to PityR. Glover.Colossians 3:12-15
The Blessings of a Benignant SpiritA. Barnes, D. D.Colossians 3:12-15
The Costume of a SaintT. G. Horton.Colossians 3:12-15
The Elect and Their DutiesJ. Daille.Colossians 3:12-15
The Essentials of a Christian CharacterW. Barlow.Colossians 3:12-15
The Garments of the Renewed SoulA. Maclaren, D. D.Colossians 3:12-15
The King's LiveryNewman Hall, LL. B.Colossians 3:12-15
The Nature of HolinessBishop Huntington.Colossians 3:12-15
The Power of KindnessJ. Parker, D. D.Colossians 3:12-15
The Power of KindnessAmerican AgriculturistColossians 3:12-15
Tire Power of CompassionArchbishop Thomson.Colossians 3:12-15
The Marks, Method, and Motive of the Christian LifeU.R. Thomas Colossians 3:12-17
The New Life of LoveR.M. Edgar Colossians 3:12-17
What Particularly We are to Put On. How We are AddressedR. Finlayson Colossians 3:12-17
A Threefold Cord of GraceE.S. Prout Colossians 3:14, 15
People
Christians, Colossians, Paul, Timothy
Places
Colossae
Topics
Add, Beyond, Binds, Bond, Charity, Completely, Harmony, Joined, Love, Perfect, Perfection, Perfectness, Union, Unity, Walk
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Colossians 3:14

     7025   church, unity
     8203   character
     8296   love, nature of
     8322   perfection, human

Colossians 3:1-17

     3254   Holy Spirit, fruit of

Colossians 3:5-14

     5441   philosophy

Colossians 3:9-14

     8151   revival, corporate

Colossians 3:12-14

     1085   God, love of
     6639   election, to salvation
     7925   fellowship, among believers
     8486   spiritual warfare, armour

Colossians 3:12-15

     6718   reconciliation, believers
     8255   fruit, spiritual

Colossians 3:12-16

     8422   equipping, spiritual

Colossians 3:12-17

     7125   elect, the

Colossians 3:13-14

     5492   restitution

Colossians 3:13-15

     5834   disagreement

Colossians 3:13-16

     8210   commitment, to God's people

Colossians 3:14-15

     7030   unity

Library
The Peace of God
Baltimore, U.S., 1874. Westminster Abbey. November 8, 1874. Colossians. iii 15. "Let the peace of God rule in your hearts." The peace of God. That is what the priest will invoke for you all, when you leave this abbey. Do you know what it is? Whether you do or not, let me tell you in a few words, what I seem to myself to have learned concerning that peace. What it is? how we can obtain it? and why so many do not obtain it, and are, therefore, not at peace? It is worth while to do so. For
Charles Kingsley—All Saints' Day and Other Sermons

May 5. "If Ye Then be Risen" (Col. Iii. 1).
"If ye then be risen" (Col. iii. 1). God is waiting this morning to mark the opening hours for every ready and willing heart with a touch of life and power that will lift our lives to higher pleasures and offer to our vision grander horizons of hope and holy service. We shall not need to seek far to discover our risen Lord. He was in advance even of the earliest seeker that Easter morning, and He will be waiting for us before the break of day with His glad "All Hail," if we have only eyes to see
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

February 17. "Your Life is Hid" (Col. Iii. 3).
"Your life is hid" (Col. iii. 3). Some Christians loom up in larger proportion than is becoming. They can tell, and others can tell, how many souls they bring to Christ. Their labor seems to crystallize and become its own memorial. Others again seem to blend so wholly with other workers that their own individuality can scarcely be traced. And yet, after all, this is the most Christ-like ministry of all, for the Master Himself does not even appear in the work of the church except as her hidden Life
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

May 18. "For Ye are Dead" (Col. Iii. 3).
"For ye are dead" (Col. iii. 3). Now, this definite, absolute and final putting off of ourselves in an act of death, is something we cannot do ourselves. It is not self-mortifying, but it is dying with Christ. There is nothing can do it but the Cross of Christ and the Spirit of God. The church is full of half dead people who have been trying, like poor Nero, to slay themselves for years, and have not had the courage to strike the fatal blow. Oh, if they would just put themselves at Jesus' feet, and
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Fifth Sunday after Epiphany
Text: Colossians 3, 12-17. 12 Put on therefore, as God's elect, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, longsuffering; 13 forbearing one another, and forgiving each other, if any man have a complaint against any; even as the Lord forgave you, so also do ye: 14 and above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfectness. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to the which also ye were called in one body; and be ye thankful. 16 Let the Word
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

Easter Wednesday Also Suited to Easter Tuesday.
Text: Colossians 3, 1-7. 1 If then ye were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are upon the earth. 3 For ye died, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall be manifested, then shall ye also with him be manifested in glory. 5 Put to death therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, passion,
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

Risen with Christ
'If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory. 5. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Christian Training of Children.
TEXT: COL. iii. 21. MY devout hearers! Christian families, founded on the holy bond of marriage, are appointed, in the divine order of things, to be the nurseries of the future generation. It is there that the young souls who are to be our successors in cultivating the vineyard of God are to be trained and developed; it is there the process is to begin of restraining and cleansing away the corruption inherent in them as the children of sinful men; there that their earliest longings after fellowship
Friedrich Schleiermacher—Selected Sermons of Schleiermacher

Unity and Peace.
Preached February 9, 1851. UNITY AND PEACE. "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful."--Colossians iii. 15. There is something in these words that might surprise us. It might surprise us to find that peace is urged on us as a duty. There can be no duty except where there is a matter of obedience; and it might seem to us that peace is a something over which we have no power. It is a privilege to have peace, but it would appear
Frederick W. Robertson—Sermons Preached at Brighton

Christ is All
Observe in this chapter that he begins by reminding the saints of their having risen with Christ. If they indeed have risen with him, he argues that they should leave the grave of iniquity and the graveclothes of their sins behind, and act as those who are endowed with that superior life, which accounts sin to be death and corruption. He then goes on to declare that the believer's life is in Christ, "for ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God." He infers holiness from this also. Shall
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871

Christ is All
MY text is so very short that you cannot forget it; and, I am quite certain, if you are Christians at all, you will be sure to agree with it. What a multitude of religions there is in this poor wicked world of ours! Men have taken it into their heads to invent various systems of religion and if you look round the world, you will see scores of different sects; but it is a great fact that, while there is a multitude of false religions, there is but one that is true. While there are many falsehoods,
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 61: 1915

Some General Uses.
Before we come to speak of some particular cases of deadness, wherein believers are to make use of Christ as the Life, we shall first propose some useful consequences and deductions from what hath been spoken of this life; and, I. The faith of those things, which have been mentioned, would be of great use and advantage to believers; and therefore they should study to have the faith of this truth fixed on their hearts, and a deep impression thereof on their spirits, to the end, that, 1. Be their case
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

Cups Running Over
Brokenness, however, is but the beginning of Revival. Revival itself is being absolutely filled to overflowing with the Holy Spirit, and that is victorious living. If we were asked this moment if we were filled with the Holy Spirit, how many of us would dare to answer "yes"? Revival is when we can say "yes" at any moment of the day. It is not egoistic to say so, for filling to overflowing is utterly and completely God's work--it is all of grace. All we have to do is to present our empty, broken self
Roy Hession and Revel Hession—The Calvary Road

What have I to do with Idols?
MUCH is said in reproof of Ephraim by the prophet Hosea. All the wicked dealings and defilement of Ephraim is uncovered--and the Lord said: "I will be unto Ephraim as a lion." Again Jehovah said: "Ephraim is like a cake not turned." "Ephraim is like a silly dove without heart." "Ephraim hath made many altars to sin." "Ephraim is joined to idols, let him alone." But all reproof and chastisement did not bring Ephraim back. Nothing seemed to be able to draw Ephraim's heart away from the idols. At the
Arno Gaebelein—The Lord of Glory

Christ Our Life.
Colossians 3:4.--Christ who is our life. One question that rises in every mind is this: "How can I live that life of perfect trust in God?" Many do not know the right answer, or the full answer. It is this: "Christ must live it in me." That is what He became man for; as a man to live a life of trust in God, and so to show to us how we ought to live. When He had done that upon earth, He went to heaven, that He might do more than show us, might give us, and live in us that life of trust. It is as we
Andrew Murray—The Master's Indwelling

Meditations of the Misery of a Man not Reconciled to God in Christ.
O wretched Man! where shall I begin to describe thine endless misery, who art condemned as soon as conceived; and adjudged to eternal death, before thou wast born to a temporal life? A beginning indeed, I find, but no end of thy miseries. For when Adam and Eve, being created after God's own image, and placed in Paradise, that they and their posterity might live in a blessed state of life immortal, having dominion over all earthly creatures, and only restrained from the fruit of one tree, as a sign
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Christ all and in All.
(Colossians iii. 11.) Christ is all to us that we make Him to be. I want to emphasize that word "all." Some men make Him to be "a root out of a dry ground," "without form or comeliness." He is nothing to them; they do not want Him. Some Christians have a very small Saviour, for they are not willing to receive Him fully, and let Him do great and mighty things for them. Others have a mighty Saviour, because they make Him to be great and mighty. If we would know what Christ wants to be to us, we
Dwight L. Moody—The Way to God and How to Find It

But, after that He had Made Mention of These Evils...
30. But, after that he had made mention of these evils, he added and said, "On account of which cometh the wrath of God on the sons of unbelief." [1923] Surely it was a wholesome alarm that believers might not think that they could be saved on account of their faith alone, even although they should live in these evils: the Apostle James with most clear speech crying out against that notion, and saying, "If any say that he have faith, and have not works, shall his faith be able to save him?" [1924]
St. Augustine—On Continence

"But Now do Ye Also," Saith He, "Put Down All...
31. "But now do ye also," saith he, "put down all;" [1927] and he makes mention of several more evils of that sort. But what is it, that it is not enough for him to say, "Do ye put down all," but that he added the conjunction and said, "ye also?" save that lest they should not think that they did those evils and lived in them with impunity on this account, because their faith set them free from wrath, which cometh upon the sons of unbelief, doing these things, and living in them without faith. Do
St. Augustine—On Continence

Epistle xxxiii. To Dominicus.
To Dominicus. Gregory to Dominicus, Bishop of Carthage. The letter of your Holiness, which we received at the hands of the bearer of these presents, so expressed priestly moderation as to soothe us, in a manner, with the bodily presence of its author. Nor indeed does infrequency of communication cause any harm where the affection of love remains uninterrupted in one's mind. Great, moreover, is the power of charity, beloved brother, which binds hearts one to another in mutual affection with the
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

How Servants and Masters are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 6). Differently to be admonished are servants and masters. Servants, to wit, that they ever keep in view the humility of their condition; but masters, that they lose not recollection of their nature, in which they are constituted on an equality with servants. Servants are to be admonished that they despise not their masters, lest they offend God, if by behaving themselves proudly they gainsay His ordinance: masters, too, are to be admonished, that they are proud against God with respect
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

How Subjects and Prelates are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 5.) Differently to be admonished are subjects and prelates: the former that subjection crush them not, the latter that superior place elate them not: the former that they fail not to fulfil what is commanded them, the latter that they command not more to be fulfilled than is just: the former that they submit humbly, the latter that they preside temperately. For this, which may be understood also figuratively, is said to the former, Children, obey your parents in the Lord: but to
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Third Sunday after Trinity Humility, Trust, Watchfulness, Suffering
Text: 1 Peter 5, 5-11. 5 Likewise, ye younger, be subject unto the elder. Yea, all of you gird yourselves with humility, to serve one another: for God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble. 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time; 7 casting all your anxiety upon him, because he careth for you. 8 Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 whom withstand stedfast
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III

What the Scriptures Principally Teach: the Ruin and Recovery of Man. Faith and Love Towards Christ.
2 Tim. i. 13.--"Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus." Here is the sum of religion. Here you have a compend of the doctrine of the Scriptures. All divine truths may be reduced to these two heads,--faith and love; what we ought to believe, and what we ought to do. This is all the Scriptures teach, and this is all we have to learn. What have we to know, but what God hath revealed of himself to us? And what have we to do, but what
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

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