“Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.”
My Notes
What Does Colossians 3:11 Mean?
Paul describes the new creation in Christ where all human distinctions are transcended: neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free. Every ethnic, religious, cultural, and social barrier is dissolved.
"But Christ is all, and in all" — Christ replaces every identity marker. He is not added to your ethnicity, culture, or status. He becomes your primary identity. Christ is all — everything that matters. And he is in all — present in every believer, regardless of background.
The list is comprehensive: Greek and Jew (ethnic distinction), circumcision and uncircumcision (religious distinction), Barbarian and Scythian (cultural distinction — Scythians were considered the most barbaric of all), bond and free (social distinction). Every category that divides humanity is addressed.
This is not the erasure of differences. It is the relativization of them. Differences remain, but they no longer determine value, status, or access to God.
Reflection Questions
- 1.Which human distinction — ethnic, religious, cultural, social — is hardest for your community to transcend?
- 2.What does 'Christ is all, and in all' mean for your primary identity?
- 3.How does this verse challenge hierarchies in your church or community?
- 4.Where are you still ranking people by categories that Christ has dissolved?
Devotional
Where there is neither Greek nor Jew. In Christ, ethnicity does not determine your standing. Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision. In Christ, religious background does not determine your access. Barbarian, Scythian. In Christ, cultural sophistication does not determine your worth. Bond nor free. In Christ, social status does not determine your value.
But Christ is all, and in all. Christ replaces every hierarchy. He is all — the only identity that ultimately matters. And he is in all — present in every believer, making the playing field absolutely level.
This is not the elimination of diversity. It is the elimination of hierarchy based on diversity. You are still who you are. But who you are in Christ overrides every other category.
The most barbaric culture and the most sophisticated culture stand on equal ground in Christ. The slave and the free person have the same access. The religious insider and the outsider are equally received.
What categories do you use to rank people — education, culture, race, religion, economic status? Paul says: in Christ, none of them matter. Christ is all. And he is in all. Every person who belongs to him belongs equally.
Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
Where there is neither Greek nor Jew,.... That is, either in Christ, after whose image the new man is created; see Gal…
Where there is neither Greek nor Jew - See this fully explained in the notes at Gal 3:28. The meaning here is, that all…
Where there is neither Greek nor Jew - In which new creation no inquiry is made what nation the persons belonged to, or…
As we are to mortify inordinate appetites, so we are to mortify inordinate passions (Col 3:8): But now you also put off…
where "in" "the new Man." This phrase is a further suggestion of the inner reference to Christ as the New Man which we…
Cross References
Related passages throughout Scripture