Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put-on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them. Children obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. Bondservants obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality. (Col 3:12–25)
The Colossian church was established around 50-60 AD in the first century. During that time, the Jewish Scriptures (Old Testament) would have been the primary source of information about the life and teachings of Jesus available to them, as they showed how Jesus fulfilled the Jewish prophecies about the Messiah. This passage emphasizes that Paul urges the Colossians to sing "psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs" as a means of teaching and edification. Additionally, the early Christians had access to oral traditions about Jesus passed down by the apostles and other eyewitnesses. It is possible that some of the New Testament writings, such as the Gospel of Matthew and the Gospel of Mark, were already in circulation and may have been available to the Colossians. However, it is also possible that these writings had not yet been written or were not yet widely distributed.
During the early Christian church, oral tradition and teaching held significant value. Many teachings and stories about Jesus were passed down through oral tradition before being written down. As time passed, the letters of Paul, including the one addressed to the Colossians, were circulated among the early Christian communities, providing guidance and instruction about the Christian faith. In addition to these written teachings, Paul held up his life as a model to follow in the Christian faith. As he said in 1 Corinthians 11:1 (NKJV), "Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ," and in Philippians 3:17 (NKJV), "Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern."
This passage discusses an exciting point in the text regarding what Paul meant by "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom." While personally not a Greek scholar, research tools can help beginner students of the Bible gain a cursory understanding of some Greek words. For instance, two primary Greek words are translated into the English word "word." The first word, "logos," is a philosophical term that refers to the rational principle that governs the universe and carries connotations of reason, wisdom, and divine intelligence. This word describes Jesus Christ as the "Word made flesh" in John 1:14.
The second Greek word, which is also translated into English as "word," is "Rhema," and is used more generally to refer to a spoken or written word and appears in various places throughout the New Testament to describe the words of Jesus, the teachings of the apostles, and the Scriptures themselves. In Colossians 3:16, Paul uses the first word, "logos," which refers to the logic, reasoning, and thinking of Christ.
Paul urges the Colossians to understand Christ's teachings rather than simply memorizing scripture deeply. The expense of books and widespread illiteracy in biblical times suggest that Paul was not referring to memorization, as it would not have been practical for most people. Instead, Paul likely encouraged the Colossians to internalize and apply Christ's teachings in their daily lives, allowing them to live in a way that reflects the wisdom and reasoning of Christ. In other words, he told the Colossians to think like Jesus, as our thinking governs our actions. Paul's understanding of this concept developed over time, becoming more crystallized by the time he wrote to the Roman church, where he beseeched them to present their bodies as a living sacrifice and be transformed by renewing their minds through the indwelling words of Christ.
In Romans 12:1-2, Paul says, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by renewing your mind so that you may prove God's good and acceptable and perfect will.” And in Philippians 2:5, Paul says, "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” In other words, think as Jesus thought.
Throughout the last two millennia, significant changes have taken place. For instance, my wife and I possess over 56 Bibles, encompassing different translations, styles, colours, shapes, and forms. This stands in stark contrast to the primitive church in Colossae. Nevertheless, we are fortunate to have the opportunity to engage with both the Rhema and the logos daily. However, knowing what the Bible says alone cannot bring about transformation in oneself, the world, or anyone else. Victory is not merely attained by those who read or hear the Word but by those who act upon it. What good does it serve to memorize scripture on forgiveness if one cannot forgive in real time?
The transformation of the world in the first and second centuries was not brought about by merely reciting written texts. Instead, it was the embodiment of the teachings of Jesus by his followers that caused this change. This means that those who genuinely internalized and implemented Jesus' teachings in their everyday lives were the ones who transformed the world. They did not just read the words; they were transformed by them and acted upon them, embodying the word in their actions and interactions with others.
Certainly, memorizing scripture is valuable, and the Holy Spirit can bring back the words of the sacred text through recall. However, there must be something to recall, so yes, memorize bible passages and contemplate the scriptures deeply! That notwithstanding, even more important, I believe, is to practically and experientially master one scripture than to be able to recite every verse from Genesis to Revelation from memory.
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