Colossians 1:21
And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Colossians 1:21
And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The phrase "enemies in your mind" isn't just about having bad thoughts; it means their very way of thinking, their core mindset and inner disposition, was actively hostile to God. This deep-seated inward opposition then spilled out into "wicked works," showing that their entire being, not just isolated actions, was at odds with the Divine.
Paul is directly addressing the Colossians, reminding them of their past spiritual state before they came to know Christ. He emphasizes that they were once estranged from God and hostile towards Him, a condition manifested through their ungodly actions. This section serves to highlight the radical transformation and reconciliation that God accomplished for them through Christ's death, setting the stage for his exhortation to remain steadfast in their faith.
Before Christ, you were cut off, not just from God's presence, but from His very life. This wasn't a passive state, but an active rebellion.
The verse paints a stark picture of the pre-Christian state. You were 'alienated,' meaning estranged, like a foreigner cut off from God's family and promises. But it goes further: you were 'enemies.' This wasn't just a feeling; it was a deep-seated hostility in your 'mind' (your thoughts, will, and affections). This inner war against God manifested itself outwardly in 'wicked works.' This wasn't a minor disagreement; it was a fundamental opposition to God's very nature and will.
The incredible news is that this hostile alienation didn't have the last word. God Himself initiated the reconciliation.
The turning point in this verse is the phrase 'yet now hath he reconciled.' This isn't something we achieved; it's something God did. Despite our deep alienation and active enmity, God stepped in. The commentary suggests 'he' refers to God the Father, who, through Christ's work, made peace. This reconciliation means that the barrier between us and God has been removed. The hostility that once defined us has been replaced by His grace, making us 'accepted' and 'blameless.'
Understand the original words
apallotriōmenous · Greek Adjective/Participle
The state of being separated or estranged, particularly used to describe humanity's spiritual separation from God due to sin. It signifies a loss of relationship and fellowship with the Creator.
echthrous · Greek Adjective
An attitude of active enmity, opposition, or hatred towards God. It denotes a settled state of antagonism against God's character and authority.
Paul reminds the Colossians that their former identity as Gentiles, alienated from God and 'enemies' through their sinful practices, is now transformed by Christ's reconciling work. This context highlights the radical nature of the gospel: bridging a vast cultural and spiritual divide to bring people into God's family.
c. 1st century AD
The Diaspora and Gentile Missions
Jewish people scattered throughout the Roman Empire (Diaspora) and the Roman Empire's vast network of trade and travel facilitated the spread of both Judaism and early Christianity.
c. 40s-60s AD
Paul's Missionary Journeys
The Apostle Paul undertakes extensive journeys, establishing Christian communities in major Roman cities across Asia Minor and Greece, including key centers like Ephesus and Corinth.
c. 60-62 AD— this verse
Paul's Imprisonment and Writing
While imprisoned, likely in Rome or Caesarea, Paul writes letters to various churches, including Colossians, offering theological instruction and pastoral guidance.
c. 64 AD
Great Fire of Rome and Persecution
Nero's persecution of Christians following the Great Fire of Rome creates a climate of fear and instability for believers throughout the Empire.
This passage echoes Colossians 1:21 by describing humanity's former state as alienated, dead in trespasses, and subjects of wrath, highlighting the contrast with God's grace and love.
Romans 8:7It directly states that the 'mind of the flesh' is 'enmity against God,' reinforcing the idea in Colossians 1:21 that hostility towards God is deeply seated in our inner being.
Titus 3:3This verse describes believers as formerly foolish, disobedient, and enslaved by passions and pleasures, serving evil—a parallel to the 'alienated' and 'enemies in mind by wicked works' described in Colossians.
Jeremiah 13:23This prophetic verse poses a rhetorical question about whether an Ethiopian can change his skin or a leopard its spots, illustrating the deep-seated, inherent nature of sin and alienation from God, which aligns with the 'enemies in mind' concept.
gillColossians 1:21: "And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled"
And you that were sometime alienated,.... The general blessing of grace and reconciliation, which belongs to the whole body of Christ, the church universal, all the elect of God, whether in heaven or in earth, is here particularly applied to the saints at Colosse, who were eminent instances of it; and that the free grace of God towards them in it might more illustriously…
meyerColossians 1:21: "And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled"
Colossians 1:21 . As far as Colossians 1:23 , an application to the readers of what had been said as to the reconciliation, in order to animate them, through the consciousness of this blessing, to stedfastness in the faith ( Colossians 1:23 ). καὶ ὑμᾶς κ . τ . λ .] you also , not: and you , so that it would have to be separated by a mere comma from the preceding verse, a…
The phrase "enemies in your mind" isn't just about having bad thoughts; it means their very way of thinking, their core mindset and inner disposition, was actively hostile to God. This deep-seated inward opposition then spilled out into "wicked works," showing that their entire being, not just isolated actions, was at odds with the Divine.
Paul is directly addressing the Colossians, reminding them of their past spiritual state before they came to know Christ. He emphasizes that they were once estranged from God and hostile towards Him, a condition manifested through their ungodly actions. This section serves to highlight the radical transformation and reconciliation that God accomplished for them through Christ's death, setting the stage for his exhortation to remain steadfast in their faith.
Paul is directly addressing the Colossians, reminding them of their past spiritual state before they came to know Christ. He emphasizes that they were once estranged from God and hostile towards Him, a condition manifested through their ungodly actions. This section serves to highlight the radical transformation and reconciliation that God accomplished for them through Christ's death, setting the stage for his exhortation to remain steadfast in their faith.
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"And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds," — The phrase "enemies in your mind" isn't just about having bad thoughts; it means their very way of thinking, their core mindset and inner disposition, was actively hostile to God. This deep-seated in…