Colossians 2:13

Dead in your sins. Textual evidence is divided (cf. p. 10) between retaining and omitting the preposition “in.” If it is omitted, the phrase may still be translated, “in your sins,” but may also be rendered, “to your sins.” The expression may thus be understood in two ways: (1) Paul is here describing the former spiritual condition of the Colossian believers. Their hearts and minds and bodies were dead, or insensitive, to all spiritual things (cf. on Ephesians 2:1, 5). (2) Believers are now dead to the appeals and influence of their sinful propensities (cf. on Romans 6:2). This thought is an extension of what Paul has said in the previous verse. The Colossians, having put off their sinful ways by accepting Christ into their hearts, and having witnessed to this change by being baptized, may now be considered as being dead to their sins. They have by faith paid the penalty of death through Christ.

Uncircumcision of your flesh. This expression shows that those to whom Paul writes, and of whom he speaks as having true circumcision (v. 11), are Gentiles. It also describes the normal state of all mankind. Everyone is born into the world outside the covenant of grace (Ephesians 2:12). The two ideas “dead in your sins” and “uncircumcision of your flesh” embrace both what man has personally deserved through the exercise of wrong choice or deliberate rebellion against God, and the natural state of condemnation into which all are born. Through Jesus Christ, cultivated and hereditary tendencies to sin are overcome.

Quickened together with him. Compare on Ephesians 2:5. As the Father raised up Jesus Christ, even so may all believers be raised up as new creatures. This statement is descriptive of the mystery of the new birth. Divine power brought Jesus out of the tomb into eternal life. Within the realm of man’s heart and mind, the same divine power, working through the perfectly surrendered human will, raises man into the wonders of the new life of victory.

Having forgiven you. Textual evidence attests (cf. p. 10) the reading “having forgiven us.” The forgiveness of God precedes the quickening.

Trespasses. Gr. paraptomata, literally, “fallings aside” (see on Matthew 6:14). The word may be used to describe an arrow dropping to one side of the target, or a soldier dropping out from the ranks of his marching company. Men have fallen from their ideals. The forgiveness of sins includes a restoration, for fallen man, of the privileges and position that he has forfeited.