Colossians 3:1-3
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse isn't just about looking up to heaven; it’s about seeking the reality of heaven because Christ, who embodies it, is already there, seated in ultimate authority. This position signifies His finished work and present reign, making heavenly things not just distant hopes, but the active, victorious focus for believers.
Paul has just explained that Christ's death made believers dead to sin and the Law. Now, he shifts to the positive implication: because believers were raised with Christ, they are now alive to God and should focus their desires and pursuits on heavenly things, where Christ Himself is now exalted. This upward focus is presented as the natural and necessary consequence of their new identity in Christ.
Have you ever felt like you're still crawling when you're meant to be flying? This verse points to a reality that's already true for believers.
Paul opens Colossians 3:1 with a powerful statement: "If then you have been raised with Christ." Notice the tense: 'have been raised.' This isn't something you hope to experience one day; it's presented as a completed action, a past reality for those united with Christ.
A New Beginning
This resurrection isn't just about Jesus' historical event. It's about your spiritual reality. When you were united with Christ through faith—often symbolized in baptism—you entered into His resurrection life. Think of it like this:
This new life isn't just a potential; it's a present truth. It means you possess the power and the new perspective that comes from His victory over death.
What captures your attention most? Your daily to-do list, or something eternal? This verse gives a clear directive for our minds.
Because you 'have been raised with Christ,' Paul issues a command: 'seek the things that are above.' This isn't about ignoring earthly responsibilities, but about directing your ultimate pursuit and affection.
What Are 'The Things Above'?
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.
phroneite · Greek Verb
The call to 'seek the things that are above' in Colossians 3:1 is directly rooted in the historical reality of Christ's ascension. This event, following His resurrection, serves as the ultimate anchor for believers' hope and heavenly perspective, distinguishing true spiritual life from earthly concerns.
c. AD 30-33
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
Jesus Christ is crucified and then resurrected, a foundational event for the Christian faith. This event is the basis for the theological concept of believers being 'raised with Christ' in a spiritual sense.
c. AD 33— this verse
Ascension of Christ
After his resurrection, Jesus ascends into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God. This ascension signifies Christ's enthronement and ongoing heavenly reign.
c. AD 40-60
Early Church Expansion
The Gospel spreads rapidly throughout the Roman Empire, with apostles like Paul establishing churches in various cities. This period sees the formation of communities that would receive letters like Colossians.
c. AD 50-60
Paul's Imprisonment and Ministry
The Apostle Paul, likely during one of his imprisonments (possibly in Rome or Ephesus), writes epistles, including Colossians. These letters address doctrinal issues and provide practical guidance to the churches.
This passage explains the spiritual reality of being 'raised with Christ,' connecting it directly to baptism and the new life believers are called to live, mirroring the argument in Colossians 3:1.
Philippians 3:20It echoes the command to 'seek the things that are above' by describing our citizenship as being in heaven, from which we await Christ's return, reinforcing the heavenly focus.
Ephesians 2:6This passage highlights our co-resurrection and co-seating with Christ in the heavenly realms, providing a theological basis for why believers should direct their affections upward, as Paul urges in Colossians.
John 14:2-3Jesus Himself speaks of going to prepare a place for us in His Father's house, which directly relates to seeking the things above, as heaven is where Christ is now, actively making a home for us.
Matthew 6:33This verse presents a similar principle of seeking first God's kingdom and His righteousness, demonstrating that prioritizing heavenly things is a consistent theme for those aligned with God's purposes.
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 verse isn't just about looking up to heaven; it’s about seeking the reality of heaven because Christ, who embodies it, is already there, seated in ultimate authority. This position signifies His finished work and present reign, making heavenly things not just distant hopes, but the active, victorious focus for believers.
Paul has just explained that Christ's death made believers dead to sin and the Law. Now, he shifts to the positive implication: because believers were raised with Christ, they are now alive to God and should focus their desires and pursuits on heavenly things, where Christ Himself is now exalted. This upward focus is presented as the natural and necessary consequence of their new identity in Christ.
Paul has just explained that Christ's death made believers dead to sin and the Law. Now, he shifts to the positive implication: because believers were raised with Christ, they are now alive to God and should focus their desires and pursuits on heavenly things, where Christ Himself is now exalted. This upward focus is presented as the natural and necessary consequence of their new identity in Christ.
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Why Focus Upward?
When your heart and mind are set on heavenly things, you gain:
It's a call to orient your entire being towards the reality where Christ reigns.
In biblical terms, this refers to the inner life, the seat of the intellect, will, and affections; to set one's mind is to consciously align one's thoughts and priorities with the purposes and values of God.
gēs · Greek Noun
The state of being physically, spiritually, or morally disconnected from the kingdom of God; often used to describe the fallen, temporal, or sinful condition of the world system.
apethanete · Greek Verb
The decisive end of one's old way of living in sin; a spiritual reality for the believer, representing the complete severance from the dominion of the flesh and the world.
kekryptai · Greek Verb
The state of being kept secure in the presence and protection of God; it signifies that a believer's true, eternal existence is rooted in the life of Jesus, shielded from spiritual harm.
c. AD 60-64
Writing of the Epistle to the Colossians
Paul writes the Epistle to the Colossians, likely from prison, to counter false teachings and strengthen believers in their faith. Colossians 3:1 serves as a pivotal transition, moving from doctrinal truths to practical Christian 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. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidde…" — The verse isn't just about looking up to heaven; it’s about seeking the reality of heaven because Christ, who embodies it, is already there, seated in ultimate authority. This position signifies Hi…
