Col 3:16-17 | Barnes | STEP | Verse 16. Let the word of Christ . The doctrine of Christ. Dwell in you richly in all wisdom . Abundantly, producing the spirit of true wisdom. That doctrine is adapted to make you wise. The meaning is, that they were to lay up the doctrines of the gospel in their hearts; to meditate upon them; to allow them to be their guide, and to endeavour wisely to improve them to the best purpose. Teaching and admonishing , etc. See this explained . The only additional thought here is, that their psalms and hymns were to be regarded as a method of " teaching " and " admonishing ;" that is, they were to be imbued with truth, and to be such as to elevate the mind, and withdraw it from error and sin. Dr. Johnson once said, that if he were allowed to make the ballads of a nation, he cared not who made the laws. It is true, in a more important sense, that he who is permitted to make the hymns of a church need care little who preaches, or who makes the creed. He will more effectually mould the sentiments of a church than they who preach or make creeds and confessions. Hence, it is indispensable, in order to the preservation of the truth, that the sacred songs of a church should be imbued with sound evangelical sentiment. (d) "word of Christ" (e) "psalms and hymns"

Colossians 3:16-17

Verse 16. Let the word of Christ. The doctrine of Christ.

Dwell in you richly in all wisdom. Abundantly, producing the spirit of true wisdom. That doctrine is adapted to make you wise. The meaning is, that they were to lay up the doctrines of the gospel in their hearts; to meditate upon them; to allow them to be their guide, and to endeavour wisely to improve them to the best purpose.

Teaching and admonishing, etc. See this explained Eph 5:19,20. The only additional thought here is, that their psalms and hymns were to be regarded as a method of "teaching" and "admonishing;" that is, they were to be imbued with truth, and to be such as to elevate the mind, and withdraw it from error and sin. Dr. Johnson once said, that if he were allowed to make the ballads of a nation, he cared not who made the laws. It is true, in a more important sense, that he who is permitted to make the hymns of a church need care little who preaches, or who makes the creed. He will more effectually mould the sentiments of a church than they who preach or make creeds and confessions. Hence, it is indispensable, in order to the preservation of the truth, that the sacred songs of a church should be imbued with sound evangelical sentiment.

(d) "word of Christ" Ps 119:11 (e) "psalms and hymns" Eph 5:19 Verse 17. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed. Whatever ye say or do--whether relating to temporal affairs or to religion. The command here extends to all that we do.

Do all in the name of the Lord Jesus. Do it all because he requires and commands it, and with a desire to honour him. His authority should be the warrant; his glory the aim of all our actions and words. See the general sentiment here expressed fully illustrated in 1Cor 10:31.

Giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Through him; or in his name. All our actions are to be accompanied with thanksgiving. Php 4:6. We are to engage in every duty, not only in the name of Christ, but with thankfulness for strength and reason; for the privilege of acting so that we may honour him; and with a grateful remembrance of the mercy of God, that gave us such a Saviour to be an example and guide. He is most likely to do his duty well who goes to it with a heart overflowing with gratitude to God for his mercies; and he who is likely to perform his duties with the most cheerful fidelity, is he who has the deepest sense of the Divine goodness in providing a Saviour for his lost and ruined soul. 2Cor 5:14,15.

(f) "whatsoever ye do" 1Cor 10:31