Colossians 3:14-17 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

And above all these things As including them all, and indeed being the source from whence they flow; put on charity Την αγαπην, love, namely, to God, his people, and all mankind; which is the bond of perfectness Which both contains the whole of Christian perfection, and connects all the parts of it together. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts Influence and govern all your intentions, affections, and dispositions, nay, and even your thoughts. Or, it then shall rule in your hearts, and that as the reward (so the Greek word implies) of your preceding love and obedience. “Let it fill your hearts,” says Pasor, “with such a joy as victors have when they receive (το βραβειον) the prize in the Olympic games.” Or rather, “let it preside in your hearts, as the master of the games does in those solemnities.” So Beza and Doddridge. To which To the enjoyment of which inestimable blessing; ye are called By the gospel; in one body Not otherwise; that is, in a state of real, vital union with Christ your living Head, and one another. And be ye thankful For the high honour and great happiness conferred upon you. Let the word of Christ The gospel which you have received, and, as far as possible, the Holy Scriptures in general; dwell in you In your minds and hearts, in your memories and affections, being made the matter of your daily meditation: nor let it make a short stay, or an occasional visit, but take up its stated residence in you; richly In the largest measure, and in the greatest efficacy, so as to enlighten, quicken, and renew; to strengthen and comfort you, yea, so as to fill and govern all your powers; in all wisdom Use your best endeavours thoroughly to understand it, and wisely to improve it to the best purposes. Teaching one another Its important truths; and admonishing one another Concerning its necessary duties; see on chap. Colossians 1:28; in psalms and hymns, &c. A very engaging and pleasing way of teaching and admonishing one another, and a way the least, perhaps, liable of all others to give offence; singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord In an humble, pious, and devout spirit, with a view to please the Lord, and expecting to receive grace from him. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed With respect to all your discourses and actions; do all in the name of the Lord Jesus In obedience to his will, and in imitation of his example, as your rule; from a principle of love to him as your motive; with an eye to his glory as your end; relying on the influence of his Spirit as your strength; and in dependance on his merits for acceptance; giving thanks In your hearts, with your lips, and by your lives; to God, even the Father That he gives you inclination and power thus to speak and act, and for all the great blessings of grace which you already enjoy, and for the greater blessings of glory which you expect hereafter to receive and possess for ever.