The Pulpit Commentary — Colossians — Section 202

Ycrs. 12, 13.-The Christian's wa1·drobe. The apostle havin" bidden the Colossian converts strip off the filthy rags of their old life, takes th~m into" the Christian's ward- robe and shows them some of the robes of righteousness, the beauties of holiness the jewels of grace, with which they may decorate themselves. These are the only pri~stly vestments in which God's "royal priesthood" may appear" glorious in the eyes of the Lord." Nor should we ever dare present ourselves before the Lord unless we arc attempting to "put on" all these. (Illustrate from "court dress," or Matt. xxii. 11-13.) This spiritual investiture is urged on the Colossians by ·two considerations. I. THEIR RELATIONS TO Gon. "Elect, holy, beloved." 1. Elect. • Our outward religious privileges (1 Cor. iv. 7) and our inward spiritual state (1 Cor. xv. 10) are the result of a Divine choice. Christian experience, no less than God's Word, attributes the beginning of the new life within us to a work of God, and therefore to a purpose and choice of God (2 Tim. i. 9). But for what end has he thus chosen us? We find answers in such words as "fruit" (John xv. 16), "holy" (Eph. i. 3, 4), "sanctifica- tion" (2 Thess. ii. 13), "obedience" (1 Pet. i. 2). 2. Holy. Here is the true idea of the only Christian priesthood, viz. consecration, being set apart for service and spiritual sacrifices to God. 'l'he self-denial of the one High Priest is our pattern and our inspiration (John xvii. 19; Heb. iii. l). There are not, in the 'New Testament, two groups of virtues, one for the clergy, the other for the laity, as (Mr. Ruskin tells us) are represented by some of the medireval poetR and painters. All Christ's disciples.are called,· as priests, to be equally "saints," "holy" (1 Pet: i. 14, 15). 3. "Beloved';" enjoying that special love of complacency and delight of which Christ speaks (John xiv. 21; xvi. 27). "The order of the words admirably corresponds to the_ order of the things: eternal election precedes sanctification in time; the sanctified feel God's love and forthwith imitate it" (Bengel). • II. THE EXCELLENCE OJ<' THESE CHRISTIAN GRACES. 1, 11 .A heart of compassion" towards those who are in a worse condition than ourselves, whether caused by sin or calamity. A compassionate nature brings pain with it, yet it is "twice blesse<)." Silver is no substitute for sympathy. Money sent 'by a rich Christian who will not take the trouble to "visit the fatherless and widows" is worth less than the sympathetic words and deeds of a poor compassionate neighbour. Refer to Christ being often "moved with compassion" and putting forth a healing touch. So now Heb. iv, 15; 1 John iii. 17, 18. 2. "Kindness" to all, perhaps especially to those who arc our equals and need no special compassion (cf. Gal. vi.10; Phil. iv. 8; 1 Pet. iii. 8). A kind heart is a cheerful heart, and provides "a continual feast" (Acts xx. 35). 3. "Humility." "There are many," says Augustine, "who would more readily give all they have to feed the poor than become beggars themselves before Goe\." So humility needs to go hand-in-hand with compassion and kindness. It is fostered by a true Yiew both of our own sinfulness and the dignHy bestowed upon us. We need it in J,rosperity lest we become insolent to our neighbours (Esth. iii. 5; Luke xviii. 11), ,,r evell towarcls God (2 Cbron. xxvi. 16; Ho8. xiii. 6); and in adversity, lest we "faiut," elc. (Heb. xii. 5-9). 4. "Meelcness;" that quiet, gentle spirit which will cm. III. 1-25.] THE EPISTLE 'rO 'l'HE COLOSSIANS. H):)