Colossians 3:8

But now. In contrast with “some time” (v. 7).

Put off. Gr. apotithemi, “to put off from oneself” as a garment (Acts 7:58); metaphorically, “to put off,” “to lay aside” (cf. on Romans 13:12). The verb is an imperative in the Greek. Paul is commanding the Colossians once and for all by an act of will to put away from themselves all that he is about to name.

Anger. Gr. orge, the word used in v. 6 for the “wrath of God.” See on Romans 2:8; cf. on Ephesians 4:26, 31.

Wrath. Gr. thumos (see on Romans 2:8).

Malice. Gr. kakia (see on Romans 1:29).

Blasphemy. Gr. blasphemia, “slander,” “railing speech,” directed against either men or God (see Mark 2:7; 7:22; cf. on Revelation 13:1).

Filthy communication. Gr. aischrologia, “shameful speaking.” This is the only use in the NT of this word. It suggests not only filthy talking but also foulmouthed abuse. Compare on Ephesians 4:29.

Out of your mouth. One who speaks “filthy communications” is but laying bare the foulness of his soul (see Matthew 15:11-18). On the contrary, he who bridles his tongue and offends not in word, “the same is a perfect man” (James 3:2). The Christian must set a watch upon his lips (Psalm 141:3).

Lie not See on Ephesians 4:25.

Put off. Gr. apekduomai (see on Colossians 2:15). The figure is that of laying aside clothing.

Old man. See on Romans 6:6; Ephesians 4:22; cf. on John 3:3, 5.

His deeds. Such practices as the apostle has enumerated in vs. 5, 8, 9.

Put on. This expression indicates the reversal of the process of taking off garments.

New man. See on Ephesians 4:24; cf. DA 176; 9T 20, 23.

Which is renewed. Rather, “which is being renewed,” the form of the Greek word indicating a continuous process. The word translated “renewed” stresses newness in quality. The picture is one of a gradual development into the full knowledge of God. Growth is the product and the evidence of life, both in nature and in the spiritual life. The power of the Life-giver is the only agency by which growth can be maintained.

Knowledge. Gr. epignosis, “full, complete, and thorough knowledge.” Compare chs. 1:9, 10; 2:2 (“acknowledgement”). This knowledge is the experimental realization and understanding of the principles of heaven, and it is the purpose toward which the “renewing” tends.

After the image. That is, according to the image. See on Romans 8:29.

That created him. That is, that created the new man. As Christ is the express image of His Father (Hebrews 1:3), so the Christian is to grow “unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (see on Ephesians 4:13).