Colossians 1:21

And you. Paul now makes personal applications to his Colossian brethren of the doctrines he has been discussing. He has argued that the entire world is dependent upon the blood of Christ for reconciliation (see on v. 19). Now he tells the Colossians that they can enter into this glorious state of harmony and joy only by this same road. His statement implies a warning not to accept the views of the false teachers, who may suggest other means of reconciliation, such as the ministry of angels and other spirits (cf. ch. 2:8, 18, 19). There is only one means of salvation (Acts. 4:12).

Sometime alienated. Or, “formerly alienated.” This unfortunate condition would still be in existence for the Colossian believers were it not for the ministry of Christ on their behalf. On the cross of Calvary an atonement had been provided for the sin that had caused the alienation. The sinner’s attitude of hostility had been changed and God had accepted the sinner.

Enemies. Not only were the Colossians before conversion estranged from God, ignorant of His purposes for mankind, and indifferent to His law; they were also openly and positively hostile to Him.

In your mind. The mind is the central, directive faculty of a rational being (see Eph. 4:18). Paul is here reminding the Colossians that their entire thinking had been in a state of estrangement and hostility toward God. Every creative, deciding attitude of their minds was against God or indifferent to Him. They were in a hopeless and lost condition, dependent on some heavenly influence to bring them to a state where they might be saved.

By wicked works. Or, “in [the sphere of] the wicked works.” As a man thinks, so will he act (cf. Prov. 23:7). It is impossible for a wicked mind to do other than produce wicked works. So with the Colossians, the actions of their lives evidenced the state of their minds. Before their conversion, the record of their lives gave irrefutable proof of their alienation from God and their enmity toward Him.

Yet now. Notwithstanding the Colossians’ condition of alienation, God acted. His reconciling ministry becomes effective the moment men accept it.

Hath he reconciled. See on Rom. 5:10; Col. 1:20. Christ has, as it were, taken the Colossian believers by the hand and presented them to the Father, not as servants or enemies, but as friends (John 15:14-16). The cross of Calvary has banished their hostility, changed the current of their minds, and transformed them into the likeness of Christ.