Colossians 3:15
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also you are called in one body; and be you thankful.
American King James Version (AKJV)
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also you are called in one body; and be you thankful.
American Standard Version (ASV)
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to the which also ye were called in one body; and be ye thankful.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
And let the peace of Christ be ruling in your hearts, as it was the purpose of God for you to be one body; and give praise to God at all times.
Webster's Revision
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
World English Bible
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.
English Revised Version (ERV)
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to the which also ye were called in one body; and be ye thankful.
Definitions for Colossians 3:15
Clarke's Colossians 3:15 Bible Commentary
And let the peace of God - Instead of Θεου, God, Χριστου, Christ, is the reading of ABC*D*FG, several others, both the Syriac, the Arabic of Erpen, Coptic, Ethopic, Armenian, Vulgate, and Itala, with several of the fathers; on this evidence Griesbach has inserted it in the text.
Rule in your hearts - Βραβευετω· Let the peace of Christ judge, decide, and govern in your hearts, as the brabeus, or judge, does in the Olympic contests. No heart is right with God where the peace of Christ does not rule; and the continual prevalence of the peace of Christ is the decisive proof that the heart is right with God. When a man loses his peace, it is an awful proof that he has lost something else; that he has given way to evil, and grieved the Spirit of God. While peace rules, all is safe.
In one body - Ye cannot have peace with God, in yourselves, nor among each other, unless ye continue in unity; and, as one body, continue in connection and dependence on him who is your only head: to this ye are called; it is a glorious state of salvation, and ye should be for ever thankful that ye are thus privileged.
Barnes's Colossians 3:15 Bible Commentary
And let the peace of God - The peace which God gives; Notes, Philippians 4:7.
Rule in your hearts - Preside in your hearts; sit as umpire there (Doddridge); govern and control you. The word rendered here "rule" - βραβεύετω brabeuetō - is commonly used in reference to the Olympic and other games. It means, to be a director, or arbiter of the public games; to preside over them and preserve order, and to distribute the prizes to the victors. The meaning here is, that the peace which God gives to the soul is to be to us what the brabeutes, or governor at the games was to those who contended there. It is to preside over and govern the mind; to preserve every thing in its place; and to save it from tumult, disorder, and irregularity. The thought is a very beautiful one. The soul is liable to the agitations of passion and excitement - like an assembled multitude of men. It needs something to preside over it, and keep its various faculties in place and order; and nothing is so well fitted to do this as the calm peace which religion gives, a deep sense of the presence of God, the desire and the evidence of his friendship, the hope of his favor, and the belief that he has forgiven all our sins. The "peace of God" will thus calm down every agitated element of the soul; subdue the tumult of passion, and preserve the mind in healthful action and order - as a ruler sways and controls the passions of assembled multitudes of people.
To the which ye are also called - To which peace.
In one body - To be one body; or to be united as one; notes, Ephesians 4:4-6.
And be ye thankful - For all mercies, and especially for your privileges and hopes as Christians. A spirit of thankfulness, also, would tend much to promote harmony and peace. An ungrateful people is commonly a tumultuous, agitated, restless, and dissatisfied people. Nothing better tends to promote peace and order than gratitude to God for his mercies.
Wesley's Colossians 3:15 Bible Commentary
3:15 And then the peace of God shall rule in your hearts - Shall sway every temper, affection, thought, as the reward (so the Greek word implies) of your preceding love and obedience.