Note 5 at Col. 3:12: In verses 5-9, Paul lists the actions which the Colossian believers were to "put off" (see notes 17-22 at Col. 3:5, p. 1207). Beginning with this verse, he states the things which they must "put on."

Note 6 at Col. 3:12: "Put on" was translated from the Greek verb ENDUO meaning "to sink into clothing" (Thayer; see note 15 at Eph. 4:24, p. 1123).

Note 7 at Col. 3:12: The word "therefore" is linking Paul's instruction about these things that we are to "put on" to his previous statements. In verse 11, he had just explained that all the things that divide us, such as race and religion, have been done away with in Christ. Therefore, or for that reason, we should walk in mercy, kindness, and so forth towards our fellow believers.

Note 8 at Col. 3:12: Paul points out that we are elect, holy and beloved. His purpose in doing this is to remind us that we certainly aren't any of those things through our own goodness. They are all gifts of God's grace. Therefore, we should treat others with the same grace that we've been given.

Note 9 at Col. 3:12: In this verse, Paul mentions the new identity every believer has in Christ. That new identity should result in the fruit of the Spirit expressed through godly behavior. This is not perfection but rather a new heart that leads to a new way of life.

As Christians we are the elect of God, holy and beloved. God's "election" (see note 4 at Rom. 9:11, p. 806) was not because of our own good works, but according to His own purpose (plan) and grace (2 Tim. 1:9). Through "election" believers are "holy" (set apart) and "beloved"-the object of God's love.

Note 10 at Col. 3:12: The qualities with which we are to clothe (see note 9 at this verse) the new man are: (1) "bowels of mercies"-The Hebrews considered the "bowels" as the seat of tender affections, especially kindness, benevolence, and compassion (see note 25 at 2 Cor. 6:12, p. 1011). "Mercy" is the compassionate treatment of an enemy, the disposition to be kind and forgiving (AH Dict.). The first characteristic of the new man in Christ is compassion; (2) "Kindness" is closely related to "bowels of mercies." It is showing sympathy, concern, and understanding and is characterized by concern for others (see note 9 at 1 Cor. 13:4, p. 939); (3) "Humbleness of mind" is the antidote for pride, which is the source of all our grief. This was one of the dominant characteristics of Jesus (Mt. 11:29), and it is the most cherished Christian virtue (Eph. 4:2; Phil. 2:3; 1 Pet. 5:5);

(4) "Meekness" is not weakness (see note 6 at Mt. 5:5, p. 126) but rather "gentleness." It is a fruit of the Holy Spirit and should be manifest in the life of the believer (Gal. 5:22-23); (5) "Long-suffering" is the Greek noun MAKROTHUMIA, and means "patience, endurance, constancy, steadfastness and perseverance" (Thayer; see note 8 at 1 Cor. 13:4, p. 939 and notes 28-29 at Col. 1:11, p. 1188); (6) "Forbearing" is the Greek verb ANECHOMAI, meaning "to hold up, sustain, bear with and endure" (Thayer); (7) "Forgiving one another" should be the mark of all Christians. Its foundation is Christ's forgiveness of us.

Note 11 at Col. 3:12: This is the same point that Paul made in his letter to the Ephesians when he said in Ephesians 4:1-3, "I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."