Colossians 3:1
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The phrase "raised with Christ" is not just a metaphor for a spiritual awakening, but a foundational fact that means your new life began with Christ's resurrection. This resurrection isn't just a past event; it's the very basis from which you're called to seek heavenly things, because Christ Himself is there, actively reigning.
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is shifting from theological explanation to practical instruction, building on the idea that believers have died and risen with Christ. He's arguing that because of this profound union with Christ, their focus must shift from earthly concerns to heavenly realities. This sets the stage for a discussion on how this new life in Christ should transform their daily living.
You've been raised with Christ! But what does that really mean for your daily life?
Paul kicks off this chapter with a powerful conditional statement: "If then you have been raised with Christ..." The "if" here isn't a question of doubt, but a statement of assumed fact. It's like saying, 'Given that you have been raised with Christ...' The scholars point out that this resurrection isn't just a future event we're waiting for. It's a reality that happened when you were united with Christ in His death and resurrection, often symbolized in baptism. This means the spiritual transformation has already begun! Your new life in Christ is an ongoing reality, not just a hope for later.
In a world pulling you down, where should your eyes and heart be fixed?
The verse commands us to 'seek the things that are above.' This isn't just about daydreaming about heaven; it's an active pursuit. It's about directing your desires, your ambitions, and your attention towards God's heavenly kingdom. The scholars highlight that 'the things above' are the direct opposite of 'the things on earth.' This pursuit is presented as the antidote to the constant pull of earthly distractions, desires, and even the subtle legalistic traditions that Paul addressed. When your focus is on Christ, reigning at God's right hand, the allure of worldly pursuits loses its power.
Why should we 'seek the things above'? Because of Who is there!
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The verse gives a clear reason for seeking heavenly things: 'where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.' This isn't just a geographical location; it's a position of supreme authority, power, and glory. The commentators emphasize that the ascended Christ, reigning at the Father's right hand, is the ultimate focus. His enthronement signifies the completion of His work and His ongoing rule. Knowing that Christ is there, glorified and all-powerful, provides the ultimate motivation and security for our heavenly pursuits. Our affections should follow our Head, who has gone ahead to prepare a place for us.
Understand the original words
synēgerthēte · Greek Verb
To be restored to life; in a spiritual sense, it refers to the regeneration of the believer, who is united with Jesus in His resurrection and empowered by the Holy Spirit to walk in newness of life.
Christos · Greek Noun
The promised Messiah of Israel and Savior of the world; the eternal Son of God who became incarnate, died for the sins of humanity, and rose again to reconcile believers to God.
dexia · Greek Noun
A metaphorical or literal position of supreme authority, power, and honor at the Father’s side, signifying the completion of the Savior's redemptive work and His present intercession.
This verse draws its power from the cosmic reality of Christ's ascension and enthronement. It's not just a theological concept, but a present reality that should reorient believers' entire lives away from earthly concerns towards heavenly ones.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
The central event of Christianity, Jesus' death and resurrection, forms the basis for the spiritual 'resurrection' with Christ mentioned in the verse.
c. AD 33— this verse
Jesus' Ascension to the Father's Right Hand
Following His resurrection, Jesus ascended into heaven and was seated at the right hand of God, signifying His enthronement and authority.
c. AD 40-60
Early Church Growth and Persecution
The early Christian church experienced rapid growth but also faced significant persecution from both Jewish and Roman authorities.
c. AD 55-62
Paul's Imprisonment and Letter Writing
The Apostle Paul, likely imprisoned in Rome, wrote several epistles, including Colossians, to encourage churches and address theological errors.
This passage directly parallels the idea of being 'raised with Christ' by describing how believers are united with Christ in His death and resurrection, emphasizing the newness of life that follows.
Ephesians 2:6This verse echoes Colossians 3:1 by stating that God has 'raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly places,' underscoring the believer's present spiritual reality in Christ.
Philippians 3:20Paul encourages believers to live as 'citizens of heaven,' which aligns with the exhortation in Colossians 3:1 to seek the things above, as our true home and allegiance are with Christ in heaven.
John 14:2-3Jesus speaks of going to prepare a place for His followers, which provides the ultimate motivation for seeking the things above – our Lord Himself is there, preparing for our eternal dwelling with Him.
vincentColossians 3:1: "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God."
Be risen (συνηγέρθητε)Rev., correctly, were raised. See Colossians 2:12. In their baptism in which they died (Colossians 2:20). Compare Romans 6:2 sqq.Sitteth (ἐστιν καθήμενος)According to the A.V. the literal rendering would be is sitting. Is, however, must be taken separately; where Christ is, seated. Seated is a secondary predicate, as hidden in Colossians 2…
barnesColossians 3:1: "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God."
If ye then be risen with Christ - The apostle in this place evidently founds the argument on what he had said in Colossians 2:12 ; see the notes at that passage. The argument is, that there was such an union between Christ and his people, that in virtue of his death they become dead to sin; that in virtue of his resurrection they rise to spiritual life, and that,…
The phrase "raised with Christ" is not just a metaphor for a spiritual awakening, but a foundational fact that means your new life began with Christ's resurrection. This resurrection isn't just a past event; it's the very basis from which you're called to seek heavenly things, because Christ Himself is there, actively reigning.
Paul is shifting from theological explanation to practical instruction, building on the idea that believers have died and risen with Christ. He's arguing that because of this profound union with Christ, their focus must shift from earthly concerns to heavenly realities. This sets the stage for a discussion on how this new life in Christ should transform their daily living.
Paul is shifting from theological explanation to practical instruction, building on the idea that believers have died and risen with Christ. He's arguing that because of this profound union with Christ, their focus must shift from earthly concerns to heavenly realities. This sets the stage for a discussion on how this new life in Christ should transform their daily living.
"If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God." — The phrase "raised with Christ" is not just a metaphor for a spiritual awakening, but a foundational fact that means your new life began with Christ's resurrection. This resurrection isn't just a p…
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Last reviewed October 2026
