And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
Above, х epi (G1909) pasi (G3956)] - "over," as in Ephesians 6:16.
Charity - the crowning grace which covers others' sins (1 Peter 4:8), must overlie all the graces enumerated. Which is - i:e., for it is; literally, 'which thing is.'
Bond of (belonging to) perfectness - its distinctive bond: an upper garment, completing and keeping together the whole suit, which without it would be loose. Seeming graces, where love is wanting, are hypocrisy. Justification by faith is assumed as already realized (cf. Colossians 3:12, "elect of God, holy and beloved;" Colossians 2:12); so Rome's plea for justification by works is vain. Love and its works 'perfect' - i:e., evidence, maturity of faith (Matthew 5:44; Matthew 5:48, "Love ... be ye ... perfect," etc.; Romans 13:8; 1 Corinthians 13:1; 1 Timothy 1:5; James 2:21-22; 1 John 2:5; 1 John 4:12). As to "bond," cf. Colossians 2:2, "knit together in love;" Ephesians 4:3, "the bond of peace."