Wednesday, December 5: Colossians 3:11
11 Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.
Ours is a culture obsessed with distinction. While the Bible certainly acknowledges the uniqueness of each person God has made, the Bible speaks strongly against artificial forms of distinction that do not reflect the gospel.
In today’s passage, Paul brought up several types of such distinction. The first is national or ethnic pride: Gentile versus Jew. The division between these two groups was common in the New Testament, especially where the church contained a large Jewish element. The second category speaks to religious heritage or the lack of it: circumcision versus uncircumcision. The reason for identifying people in this manner must have been to call to mind their religious backgrounds. The third category is culture: Barbarian and Scythian. These two were particularly noted for cruel behavior and generally uncivilized actions. The final category is economic: slave or free. The Colossian church apparently had both slaves and free men in its congregation.
In contrast to these artificial, earthly distinctions, Paul said, “Christ is all, and in all” (3:11). The new distinction is Christian/non-Christian, rather than nationality, race, religious background, or economic distinctions. “All in all” speaks of Christ being the total concern, preoccupation, and environment of the Christian. Oh, to be one whose total concern is being in Christ as opposed to distinguishing oneself according to worldly categories!
- How have you been guilty of making distinctions outside of Christian/non-Christian?
- Who do you need to reconcile with based on your common bond found in Christ? What will you do?
- Thank God that in Christ, He has united a people that were disconnected and at odds with one another. Pray for a deeper bond of unity among all people at Island Community Church.