Colossians 3:11
Verse
Context
Sermons
Bob Jennings
Bill McLeodBill McLeodBill McLeod
Stephen KaungSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Where there is neither Greek nor Jew - In which new creation no inquiry is made what nation the persons belonged to, or from what ancestry they had sprung, whether in Judea or Greece. Circumcision nor uncircumcision - Nor is their peculiar form of religion of any consideration, whether circumcised like the Jews, or uncircumcised like the heathens. Barbarian, Scythian - Nor whether of the more or less tractable of the nations of the world; for although knowledge, and the most refined and sublime knowledge, is the object to be attained, yet, under the teaching and influence of the blessed Spirit, the most dull and least informed are perfectly capable of comprehending this Divine science, and becoming wise unto salvation. Bond nor free - Nor does the particular state or circumstances in which a man may be found, either help him to or exclude him from the benefit of this religion; the slave having as good a title to salvation by grace as the freeman. But Christ is all, and in all - All mankind are his creatures, all conditions are disposed and regulated by his providence, and all human beings are equally purchased by his blood. He alone is the source whence all have proceeded, and to him alone all must return. He is the Maker, Preserver, Savior, and Judge of all men.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Where--Translate, "Wherein," namely, in the sphere of the renewed man. neither . . . nor . . . nor . . . nor--Translate as Greek, "There is no such thing as Greek and Jew (the difference of privilege between those born of the natural seed of Abraham and those not, is abolished), circumcision and uncircumcision (the difference of legal standing between the circumcised and uncircumcised is done away, Gal 6:15) --bondman, freeman." The present Church is one called out of the flesh, and the present world-course (Eph 2:2), wherein such distinctions exist, to life in the Spirit, and to the future first resurrection: and this because Satan has such power now over the flesh and the world. At Christ's coming when Satan shall no longer rule the flesh and the world, the nations in the flesh, and the word in millennial felicity, shall be the willing subjects of Christ and His glorified saints (Dan 7:14, Dan 7:22, Dan 7:27; Luk 19:17, Luk 19:19; Rev 20:1-6; Rev 3:21). Israel in Canaan was a type of that future state when the Jews, so miraculously preserved distinct now in their dispersion, shall be the central Church of the Christianized world. As expressly as Scripture abolishes the distinction of Jew and Greek now as to religious privileges, so does it expressly foretell that in the coming new order of things, Israel shall be first of the Christian nations, not for her own selfish aggrandizement, but for their good, as the medium of blessing to them. Finally, after the millennium, the life that is in Christ becomes the power which transfigures nature, in the time of the new heaven and the new earth; as, before, it first transfigured the spiritual, then the political and social world. Scythian--heretofore regarded as more barbarian than the barbarians. Though the relation of bond and free actually existed, yet in relation to Christ, all alike were free in one aspect, and servants of Christ in another (Co1 7:22; Gal 3:28). Christ is all--Christ absorbs in Himself all distinctions, being to all alike, everything that they need for justification, sanctification, and glorification (Co1 1:30; Co1 3:21-23; Gal 2:20). in all--who believe and are renewed, without distinction of person; the sole distinction now is, how much each draws from Christ. The unity of the divine life shared in by all believers, counterbalances all differences, even as great as that between the polished "Greek" and the rude "Scythian." Christianity imparts to the most uncivilized the only spring of sound, social and moral culture.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Where there is neither Greek nor Jew,.... That is, either in Christ, after whose image the new man is created; see Gal 5:6 or in the new man, and with respect to regeneration; or in the whole business of salvation: it matters not of what nation a man is; this has no influence on his new birth, either to forward or hinder it; for he is never the more a new creature, a regenerate man, and interested in salvation, because he is a Jew, which he may be outwardly, and not inwardly; and he may be born again, though he is a Greek or Gentile, as the Syriac version reads; for God of his own will, and abundant mercy, and not out of respect to nations and persons, begets souls again to a lively hope of the heavenly inheritance: circumcision or uncircumcision; a man's being circumcised in the flesh signifies nothing; this he may be, and not a new creature; for that is not true circumcision, but that which is of the heart, and in the spirit: and, on the other hand, it is no objection to a man's being born again, that he is uncircumcised in the flesh; this may be his case, and yet may be circumcised with the circumcision made without hands; neither one nor the other is of any account with God, nor makes the man either better or worse. Barbarian, Scythian; all such were Barbarians to the Romans, that did not speak their language; and as were such also to the Greeks, who were not of their nation, and therefore Greeks and Barbarians are opposed to each other, see Rom 1:14 and so they are here in the Syriac version, which reads "Greek" and "Barbarian". The Arabic version, instead of "Barbarian", reads "Persian", because it may be, a Persian is so accounted by the Arabians; and because the Scythians were, of all people, the most barbarous and unpolished (z), and were had in great disdain by others, therefore the apostle mentions them, as being within the reach of the powerful and efficacious grace of God; nor were the fierceness of their dispositions, and the impoliteness of their manners, any bar unto it. Remarkable is the saying of Anacharsis the Scythian, who being reproached by a Grecian, because he was a Scythian, replied (a), "my country is a reproach to me, but thou art a reproach to thy country.'' It matters not of what nation a man is, so be it he is but a good man; especially in Christianity, all distinctions of this kind cease. It is added, bond or free; the grace of God in regeneration is not bestowed upon a man because he is a free man, or withheld from another because he is a bond servant. Onesimus, a fugitive servant, was converted by the Apostle Paul in prison; and whoever is called by grace, if he is a free man in a civil sense, he is Christ's servant in a religious one; and if he is a servant of men, he is, in a spiritual sense, the Lord's free man. It is not nation, nor outward privileges, nor the civil state and condition of men, which are regarded by God, or are any motive to him, or have any influence upon the salvation of men: but Christ is all, and in all; he is "all" efficiently; he is the first cause of all things, the beginning of the creation of God, the author of the old, and of the new creation, of the regeneration of his people, and of their whole salvation: he is all comprehensively; has all the fulness of the Godhead, all the perfections of deity in him; he is possessed of all spiritual blessings for his people; and has all the promises of the covenant of grace in his hands for them; yea, all fulness of grace dwells in him, in order to be communicated to them: and he is all communicatively; he is their light and life, their wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption, their food and clothing, their strength and riches, their joy, peace, and comfort, who gives them grace here, and glory hereafter, So, with the Jews, the Shekinah is called "all" (b): and this likewise, with the Cabalists (c), is one of the names of the living God, and well agrees with Christ, who has all things in him; and is the reason they give for this divine appellation: and Christ is "in all"; in all places, being infinite, immense, and incomprehensible, as God, and so is everywhere by his power, upholding all things by it; and in all his churches, by his gracious presence, and in the hearts of all his regenerate ones, of whatsoever nation, state, and condition they be: he is revealed in them, formed within them, and dwells in their hearts by faith; and is all in all to them, exceeding precious, altogether lovely, the chiefest among ten thousands, and whom they esteem above all creatures and things. The Arabic version reads, "Christ is above all, and in all". (z) Vid. Justin. l. 2. c. 1, 2, 3. Plin. l. 4. c. 12. & 6. 17. Herodot. l. 4. c. 46. (a) Laertius in Vita Anacharsis. (b) Tzeror Hammot, fol. 28. 2. (c) Shaare Ora, fol. 6. 1. & 22. 2. & 25. 3.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:11 barbaric, uncivilized: Literally Barbarian, Scythian. The Greeks mocked people from other cultures for their inability to speak Greek well, claiming they could only say “bar bar” (hence the word barbarian). The Scythians were tribes that had settled on the north coast of the Black Sea and were widely viewed as fierce and crude (see Josephus, Against Apion 2.38). All such distinctions do not matter in our relationship with God through Christ.
Colossians 3:11
Put On the New Self
10and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.11Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, or free, but Christ is all and is in all.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Genesis and the Origin of Races
By Ken Ham2.9K1:03:07RacesGEN 1:27MAT 28:19ACT 10:34ROM 10:12GAL 3:28EPH 2:14COL 3:11In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of recognizing that all humans are descendants of one man and one woman, going back to Noah and Adam. He challenges the secular world's division of the human population into racial groups and emphasizes that genetically, humans differ from each other by only 0.2%. The speaker highlights the need to build our thinking on the Word of God and confront prejudice and wrong attitudes. He also briefly explains the concept of genetics and how it relates to the diversity of species. The sermon encourages the audience to embrace the absolute authority of the Bible and reject the idea of evolution.
From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Zechariah) ch.8:14 - 10:12
By Zac Poonen1.8K59:33From Babylon To JerusalemZEC 8:7ZEC 8:13ZEC 8:16COL 3:11In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God is faithful to fulfill both his promises of judgment and blessings. He encourages believers not to fear, as God has proven his faithfulness throughout history. The preacher then highlights the responsibilities of believers, which include speaking the truth to one another and maintaining peace within the church. He also warns against harboring evil thoughts towards fellow believers. The sermon concludes with a discussion on the pride of mankind and how God opposes it. The preacher references various Bible verses, including Colossians 3 and Zechariah, to support his points.
How Is It That God Desires to Be With Man?
By Bob Jennings1.8K14:042SA 7:12JHN 17:24ACT 20:24PHP 1:21COL 3:111TH 4:13
This sermon reflects on the preciousness of Scripture, focusing on John 17 where Jesus expresses His desire for believers to be with Him and behold His glory in Heaven. It emphasizes the joy and completeness of salvation, the hope of being reunited with loved ones in Christ, and the importance of finishing the Christian journey with joy and faith. The sermon also touches on the comfort of knowing that God is sovereign over life and death, and His ability to raise up others for His purposes.
Our Relationship With Christ
By Bill McLeod1.7K54:36Relationship With Christ2CO 3:32CO 12:19EPH 2:10COL 3:111PE 2:12In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living as a testimony of Jesus Christ. He highlights that as believers, we are constantly being watched by the world, angels, and men. The speaker encourages Christians to walk carefully and circumspectly, knowing that our actions and behavior have an impact on others. He emphasizes that we are the only Bible that the world reads, and therefore, we should strive to live in a way that reflects the character of Christ. The sermon concludes with a reminder that our lives should be radically different as followers of Christ, and we should actively share the gospel and further the kingdom of God.
Christ the Medium
By Bill McLeod1.7K16:26MediatorJHN 3:17ACT 15:11ROM 3:24ROM 5:1ROM 5:9ROM 6:23ROM 8:13COL 3:11TIT 3:5In this sermon, Bill McLeod emphasizes the importance of recognizing that we are saved by a person, not just a plan. He highlights the power and victory that we have through Jesus Christ, who strengthens us and gives us the ability to overcome sin, death, and anything that may hinder our relationship with God. McLeod shares a powerful testimony of a man who struggled with alcohol addiction and found deliverance through fervent prayer to God. The sermon references various Bible verses that emphasize the role of Jesus Christ in our salvation and the importance of faith in His blood.
Christ Is All - in Scripture
By Bill McLeod1.6K46:28Fulness Of ChristPSA 2:10PSA 40:7PSA 41:9MAT 1:21MAT 28:19MRK 14:62COL 3:11TIT 3:7PHM 1:1In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing Mark 16 and Luke 1 from the Bible. He highlights how Jesus reproached his disciples for their lack of belief in his resurrection and then commanded them to preach the gospel to the world. The speaker also mentions that some versions of the Bible omit miracles and end with Jesus' death on the cross, portraying him as a good man and advocate of peace. However, the speaker emphasizes that the Bible is truly all about Jesus and explores the significance of his ministry and his role as the Son of God.
The Church - the Fullness of Christ
By Stephen Kaung9351:13:48EPH 1:9EPH 1:22COL 1:27COL 2:6COL 2:9COL 3:9COL 3:11In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living in the body of Christ and being subject to the headship of Christ. The body of Christ refers to the church, and it is through living in the body that believers can experience the fullness of God. The speaker also highlights the need for relatedness among believers, as it is through our relationships with one another that we can minister and find the fullness that is in Christ. The sermon concludes with a reminder of God's mercy and forgiveness towards us, despite our past offenses.
On Eagles' Wings Pt 7
By Don Courville88228:00Radio ShowMAT 6:33LUK 9:57JHN 3:16ROM 8:1EPH 5:18COL 3:11In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of receiving Christ as one's Savior. He highlights that Jesus is the sin bearer who died on the cross for everyone. The preacher encourages listeners to turn to Jesus for forgiveness, peace, hope, joy, and fulfillment. He also emphasizes that Christ is all we need and that nothing in this world compares to having a relationship with Him. The sermon concludes with a story about a man named Dick who gave up worldly possessions to follow Jesus and found great joy in being sold out to God.
Freedom of Spirit - Part 4
By Norman Grubb75709:30JHN 14:6ROM 9:221CO 6:19COL 3:11
This sermon delves into the concept of self and the realization that as believers, we are vessels meant to contain Christ within us. It emphasizes the idea that our nature is not our own, but rather a means for God to express Himself through us. The speaker highlights the importance of understanding that we are like containers, expressing the nature of God within us, and the significance of being vessels that contain mercy rather than wrath. The message challenges listeners to recognize that their true identity lies in being vessels for Christ, allowing His nature to manifest through them.
Christ Breaks Down Every Ethnic Barrier
By Tim Conway5741:07:50ROM 5:1GAL 3:28EPH 2:14COL 3:11
This sermon focuses on Ephesians 2, emphasizing the unity and peace brought by Christ between Jews and Gentiles, highlighting the eradication of divisions and hostilities through His sacrifice. It delves into the creation of one new man in Christ, uniting believers from all backgrounds into a new humanity. The message underscores the transformative power of Christ's love in breaking down barriers and fostering unity among God's people.
On Eagles' Wings Pt 57
By Don Courville34429:24Radio ShowISA 57:20MAT 6:33JHN 14:12COL 3:11In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of Christ being the center of our lives. He refers to Colossians 3:11, which states that Christ is all and in all. The preacher believes that understanding this truth and living it out will bring freedom and grace into our lives. He also highlights the need for revival in churches and in the nation, as the American conscience is becoming seared due to the church's complacency and sin. The sermon concludes with stories of individuals who found salvation and hope in Jesus, emphasizing the transformative power of Christ in our lives.
An Hour With Norman Grubb
By Norman Grubb2355:00Life in ChristSelf-Giving LoveMAT 22:39JHN 3:16JHN 14:6ROM 5:51CO 12:12GAL 2:20COL 3:11HEB 12:91JN 4:161JN 4:19Norman Grubb explores the profound questions of life: what it is, how to live it, and why we live it, emphasizing that true humanity is found in self-forgetfulness and spontaneous expressions of God's love. He asserts that Jesus Christ is the embodiment of life and love, and that our existence is meant to be a reflection of God's self-giving nature. Grubb highlights the importance of recognizing our relationship with God as one of union, where we live not for ourselves but for others, embodying the love that God has poured into our hearts. He concludes that the essence of Christianity is not about self-improvement but about allowing God to live through us, transforming our lives into expressions of His love.
Finding Unity in the Midst of Uncertainty
By Shane Idleman1138:25RacismUnityPRO 10:12MAT 5:9ROM 12:182CO 5:17GAL 3:28EPH 4:3COL 3:11JAS 2:11PE 2:91JN 4:20Shane Idleman, alongside Pastor Abram Thomas, addresses the pressing issues of racism and unity in America, particularly in light of recent events surrounding George Floyd's death. They emphasize the importance of understanding different perspectives and the need for believers to come together in love and truth, rather than allowing division to take root. The discussion highlights the reality of racism as a sin issue rather than a skin issue, urging Christians to reflect on their hearts and actions. They call for repentance and a commitment to fostering unity within the church and society, recognizing that true change comes through the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Christ All in All
By D.L. Moody1Christ as All in AllSalvation for EveryoneNEH 9:15JOB 33:24PSA 23:1ISA 49:24MAT 11:28LUK 2:10JHN 10:14COL 3:11JAS 1:5REV 22:17D.L. Moody emphasizes that Christ is everything to those who truly find Him, serving as our Savior, Redeemer, Deliverer, Leader, Light, Teacher, Shepherd, and Burden-bearer. He passionately declares that salvation is freely offered to all, urging listeners to accept Christ as their Savior and experience the fullness of His grace. Moody illustrates how Christ not only saves but also redeems and delivers us from sin, guiding us through life's challenges as our Shepherd. He encourages believers to shine as lights in the world, reflecting Christ's light and love to others. Ultimately, Moody calls everyone to recognize that Christ is indeed 'All in All' for those who accept Him.
(Sex, Love & Marriage) 6. Finding Your Better Half
By Zac Poonen0GEN 24:14PRO 23:22MAT 11:29GAL 3:28EPH 2:10COL 3:11Zac Poonen preaches about the importance of seeking God's will in choosing a life partner, emphasizing the need to listen to God's leading and not rush into marriage decisions. He highlights the significance of being certain of God's choice, forming a balanced assessment of a potential partner, and seeking parental approval where possible. Poonen stresses the need for love, compatibility, and unity in spiritual matters, while cautioning against factors like dowry, race, culture, and haste in decision-making. He encourages waiting on God's timing, surrendering desires to Him, and maintaining a humble and patient attitude while seeking a life partner.
The Central Secret of Union
By Norman Grubb0PSA 57:71CO 6:17GAL 2:20EPH 3:17COL 3:11Norman Grubb preaches about the central secret of all history being the union of the creature and the Creator, emphasizing that eternal life is found in this union where we become one person with God while retaining our individuality. He highlights the cry of the saints for union and liberation, stressing the need to view crises from a perspective of union with God rather than separation. Grubb challenges listeners to embrace a shared life with God, recognizing that Christ is all in each of us, leading to a fixed life where Christ dwells in our hearts permanently.
Part 20: Premillennialism and the Church as a Mystery
By John F. Walvoord0EPH 3:3COL 1:26COL 2:9COL 3:4COL 3:11John F. Walvoord delves into the concept of the church as a mystery in the New Testament, emphasizing its distinct character from Old Testament saints and its revelation as a purpose of God separate from Israel. The mysteries revealed in the New Testament regarding the church, particularly the mystery of the one body in Ephesians, highlight the equality of Gentiles and Jews in the body of Christ, a truth hidden in the Old Testament but now made known. The revelation of the church as an organism in Colossians further emphasizes the indwelling of Christ in believers, contrasting the present age church with the future promises to Israel in the millennial kingdom.
Bible
By Norman Grubb0PSA 55:22MAT 8:81CO 15:28COL 3:111PE 5:7Norman Grubb preaches about the extreme nature of the Bible, highlighting the concept of God being 'all in all' in the final eternity, where even the Son becomes subject to the Father. He emphasizes living an extreme life and preaching an extreme message based on the radical truths of the Scriptures. Grubb acknowledges the challenges of accepting such extreme ideas, knowing that it may be perceived as unconventional by others, but ultimately surrenders to God's will, trusting Him to handle all aspects of life.
The Roman-Grecian World
By Harris Franklin Rall0ACT 17:26ROM 1:161CO 1:22GAL 3:28COL 3:11Harris Franklin Rall delves into the historical context of Christianity, emphasizing the convergence of the Roman, Grecian, and Jewish worlds during the time of Jesus and Paul. The Roman world under Augustus's reign was marked by peace, prosperity, and extensive travel, yet the common people suffered under the weight of slavery and exploitation. The Grecian world contributed language, philosophy, and culture to the Roman empire, providing a fertile ground for the spread of Christianity. Additionally, the mystery religions from the east, with their stories of life, death, and resurrection of gods, emerged as competitors to Christianity, but lacked the ethical salvation and historic foundation that Christianity offered.
The Offense of the Cross
By George H. Morrison0JHN 14:61CO 1:23GAL 6:14PHP 3:8COL 3:11George H. Morrison emphasizes Paul's deep yearning for the salvation of his fellow Jews, despite the offense of the cross to them, highlighting the importance of not compromising essential truths for the sake of acceptance. He challenges Christian teachers to be willing to go to great lengths to reach others while standing firm on the foundational truths of the gospel, even if it means facing rejection or failure. Morrison explains why the cross was offensive to the Jews, as it shattered their hopes, pride in religious rituals, and national distinctions, emphasizing that the offense of Calvary still challenges modern society's values and ideals.
Persons, Ministries, Functions
By T. Austin-Sparks0The Role of MinistriesUnity in the Body of ChristJHN 17:211CO 1:121CO 3:31CO 3:121CO 3:211CO 12:122CO 5:16EPH 4:3COL 3:11T. Austin-Sparks addresses the roots of division within the church, particularly referencing the Corinthian church's struggles with personalities, ministries, and functions. He emphasizes that these divisions stem from a failure to understand the unity found in Christ and the significance of recognizing all forms of ministry as vital to the body of Christ. Sparks warns against the dangers of glorifying individual leaders and ministries, which can lead to disunity and a lack of spiritual growth. He calls for a deeper understanding of our identity in Christ, urging believers to move beyond infantile divisions and embrace the diverse yet unified body of Christ. Ultimately, he challenges the church to prioritize the growth of Christ over personal preferences and biases.
Christ Is All
By Mary Wilder Tileston0JHN 3:17ROM 5:8ROM 8:21CO 1:30COL 3:11Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the all-encompassing presence of Christ in the lives of believers, emphasizing that Christ is wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption for His people. St. Patrick's prayer beautifully illustrates the omnipresence of Christ, surrounding and indwelling every aspect of our lives. John Pulsford further expounds on how Christ is the essence of life for His redeemed, extending His love and salvation even to those who do not yet believe in Him, always seeking to save and transform hearts.
The Prejudiced Christian
By Paris Reidhead0ACT 10:1ROM 15:7GAL 3:28EPH 2:14COL 3:11Paris Reidhead preaches about the importance of true Christian fellowship based on the example of Cornelius and Peter in the Book of Acts, highlighting the need to break down racial, cultural, financial, and social barriers to embrace all believers in Christ. He emphasizes that fellowship should be solely centered on the Lord Jesus Christ, transcending all other distinctions and prejudices. Reidhead challenges the congregation to open their hearts, reject bigotry, and meet each other at the feet of Jesus, regardless of background or status, in order to experience the true unity and love intended by God.
Christ - All, and in All (Colossians 1:18, 3:11)
By T. Austin-Sparks0Christ's SupremacySpiritual GrowthROM 8:19COL 1:18COL 3:11T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that Christ is the central explanation of the universe, creation, and humanity, asserting that all things exist for Him and through Him. He explains that the purpose of creation is to display the glory of Jesus Christ, and that true spiritual growth and service are defined by making Christ preeminent in our lives. The sermon highlights the importance of understanding our identity in Christ and the necessity of surrendering all aspects of our lives to Him, as He is meant to be all and in all. Sparks calls for believers to recognize the transformative power of the Cross, which allows us to grow in Christ and fulfill God's ultimate purpose for humanity. The message culminates in a challenge for Christians to fully commit to Christ's lordship in every area of their lives.
Christ Is All, and in All
By Octavius Winslow0The All-in-All of ChristChrist's SufficiencyPSA 73:26ISA 41:10MAT 11:28JHN 14:27ROM 10:42CO 1:20PHP 4:19COL 3:11HEB 10:141PE 5:7Octavius Winslow emphasizes that Christ is the ultimate fulfillment and essence of all aspects of life, stating that He is 'all and in all.' He reflects on how Christ encompasses creation, redemption, and the entirety of the believer's experience, from joy to sorrow. Winslow encourages believers to recognize that every part of their lives is infused with Christ's presence and sufficiency, assuring them that He is their portion in every circumstance. He concludes with a powerful reminder that in times of loss or transition, Christ remains the constant source of strength and hope, ultimately being the all-sufficient Savior in both life and eternity.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Where there is neither Greek nor Jew - In which new creation no inquiry is made what nation the persons belonged to, or from what ancestry they had sprung, whether in Judea or Greece. Circumcision nor uncircumcision - Nor is their peculiar form of religion of any consideration, whether circumcised like the Jews, or uncircumcised like the heathens. Barbarian, Scythian - Nor whether of the more or less tractable of the nations of the world; for although knowledge, and the most refined and sublime knowledge, is the object to be attained, yet, under the teaching and influence of the blessed Spirit, the most dull and least informed are perfectly capable of comprehending this Divine science, and becoming wise unto salvation. Bond nor free - Nor does the particular state or circumstances in which a man may be found, either help him to or exclude him from the benefit of this religion; the slave having as good a title to salvation by grace as the freeman. But Christ is all, and in all - All mankind are his creatures, all conditions are disposed and regulated by his providence, and all human beings are equally purchased by his blood. He alone is the source whence all have proceeded, and to him alone all must return. He is the Maker, Preserver, Savior, and Judge of all men.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Where--Translate, "Wherein," namely, in the sphere of the renewed man. neither . . . nor . . . nor . . . nor--Translate as Greek, "There is no such thing as Greek and Jew (the difference of privilege between those born of the natural seed of Abraham and those not, is abolished), circumcision and uncircumcision (the difference of legal standing between the circumcised and uncircumcised is done away, Gal 6:15) --bondman, freeman." The present Church is one called out of the flesh, and the present world-course (Eph 2:2), wherein such distinctions exist, to life in the Spirit, and to the future first resurrection: and this because Satan has such power now over the flesh and the world. At Christ's coming when Satan shall no longer rule the flesh and the world, the nations in the flesh, and the word in millennial felicity, shall be the willing subjects of Christ and His glorified saints (Dan 7:14, Dan 7:22, Dan 7:27; Luk 19:17, Luk 19:19; Rev 20:1-6; Rev 3:21). Israel in Canaan was a type of that future state when the Jews, so miraculously preserved distinct now in their dispersion, shall be the central Church of the Christianized world. As expressly as Scripture abolishes the distinction of Jew and Greek now as to religious privileges, so does it expressly foretell that in the coming new order of things, Israel shall be first of the Christian nations, not for her own selfish aggrandizement, but for their good, as the medium of blessing to them. Finally, after the millennium, the life that is in Christ becomes the power which transfigures nature, in the time of the new heaven and the new earth; as, before, it first transfigured the spiritual, then the political and social world. Scythian--heretofore regarded as more barbarian than the barbarians. Though the relation of bond and free actually existed, yet in relation to Christ, all alike were free in one aspect, and servants of Christ in another (Co1 7:22; Gal 3:28). Christ is all--Christ absorbs in Himself all distinctions, being to all alike, everything that they need for justification, sanctification, and glorification (Co1 1:30; Co1 3:21-23; Gal 2:20). in all--who believe and are renewed, without distinction of person; the sole distinction now is, how much each draws from Christ. The unity of the divine life shared in by all believers, counterbalances all differences, even as great as that between the polished "Greek" and the rude "Scythian." Christianity imparts to the most uncivilized the only spring of sound, social and moral culture.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Where there is neither Greek nor Jew,.... That is, either in Christ, after whose image the new man is created; see Gal 5:6 or in the new man, and with respect to regeneration; or in the whole business of salvation: it matters not of what nation a man is; this has no influence on his new birth, either to forward or hinder it; for he is never the more a new creature, a regenerate man, and interested in salvation, because he is a Jew, which he may be outwardly, and not inwardly; and he may be born again, though he is a Greek or Gentile, as the Syriac version reads; for God of his own will, and abundant mercy, and not out of respect to nations and persons, begets souls again to a lively hope of the heavenly inheritance: circumcision or uncircumcision; a man's being circumcised in the flesh signifies nothing; this he may be, and not a new creature; for that is not true circumcision, but that which is of the heart, and in the spirit: and, on the other hand, it is no objection to a man's being born again, that he is uncircumcised in the flesh; this may be his case, and yet may be circumcised with the circumcision made without hands; neither one nor the other is of any account with God, nor makes the man either better or worse. Barbarian, Scythian; all such were Barbarians to the Romans, that did not speak their language; and as were such also to the Greeks, who were not of their nation, and therefore Greeks and Barbarians are opposed to each other, see Rom 1:14 and so they are here in the Syriac version, which reads "Greek" and "Barbarian". The Arabic version, instead of "Barbarian", reads "Persian", because it may be, a Persian is so accounted by the Arabians; and because the Scythians were, of all people, the most barbarous and unpolished (z), and were had in great disdain by others, therefore the apostle mentions them, as being within the reach of the powerful and efficacious grace of God; nor were the fierceness of their dispositions, and the impoliteness of their manners, any bar unto it. Remarkable is the saying of Anacharsis the Scythian, who being reproached by a Grecian, because he was a Scythian, replied (a), "my country is a reproach to me, but thou art a reproach to thy country.'' It matters not of what nation a man is, so be it he is but a good man; especially in Christianity, all distinctions of this kind cease. It is added, bond or free; the grace of God in regeneration is not bestowed upon a man because he is a free man, or withheld from another because he is a bond servant. Onesimus, a fugitive servant, was converted by the Apostle Paul in prison; and whoever is called by grace, if he is a free man in a civil sense, he is Christ's servant in a religious one; and if he is a servant of men, he is, in a spiritual sense, the Lord's free man. It is not nation, nor outward privileges, nor the civil state and condition of men, which are regarded by God, or are any motive to him, or have any influence upon the salvation of men: but Christ is all, and in all; he is "all" efficiently; he is the first cause of all things, the beginning of the creation of God, the author of the old, and of the new creation, of the regeneration of his people, and of their whole salvation: he is all comprehensively; has all the fulness of the Godhead, all the perfections of deity in him; he is possessed of all spiritual blessings for his people; and has all the promises of the covenant of grace in his hands for them; yea, all fulness of grace dwells in him, in order to be communicated to them: and he is all communicatively; he is their light and life, their wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption, their food and clothing, their strength and riches, their joy, peace, and comfort, who gives them grace here, and glory hereafter, So, with the Jews, the Shekinah is called "all" (b): and this likewise, with the Cabalists (c), is one of the names of the living God, and well agrees with Christ, who has all things in him; and is the reason they give for this divine appellation: and Christ is "in all"; in all places, being infinite, immense, and incomprehensible, as God, and so is everywhere by his power, upholding all things by it; and in all his churches, by his gracious presence, and in the hearts of all his regenerate ones, of whatsoever nation, state, and condition they be: he is revealed in them, formed within them, and dwells in their hearts by faith; and is all in all to them, exceeding precious, altogether lovely, the chiefest among ten thousands, and whom they esteem above all creatures and things. The Arabic version reads, "Christ is above all, and in all". (z) Vid. Justin. l. 2. c. 1, 2, 3. Plin. l. 4. c. 12. & 6. 17. Herodot. l. 4. c. 46. (a) Laertius in Vita Anacharsis. (b) Tzeror Hammot, fol. 28. 2. (c) Shaare Ora, fol. 6. 1. & 22. 2. & 25. 3.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:11 barbaric, uncivilized: Literally Barbarian, Scythian. The Greeks mocked people from other cultures for their inability to speak Greek well, claiming they could only say “bar bar” (hence the word barbarian). The Scythians were tribes that had settled on the north coast of the Black Sea and were widely viewed as fierce and crude (see Josephus, Against Apion 2.38). All such distinctions do not matter in our relationship with God through Christ.