Colossians 3:15-16
What is written? (ESV)
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
What does it say?
Let the peace of Christ dwell in your hearts, having been called to unity in one body. Be thankful! Let the word of Christ dwell in you abundantly, teaching and encouraging each other with wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
What is its immediate context?
Paul is encouraging the Colossians to “keep seeking the things above” (vs 1) and imploring them to “put off” (vs 8) the sins of the world. He continues to give specific “in the Lord” behavioral instructions for wives (vs 18), husbands (vs 19), children (vs 20), fathers (vs 21), and slaves (vs 22).
How Colossians 3:15-16 is applied across Bible answers
Is instrumental music in worship authorized?
The "body" (local church) sings psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God.
Paul makes these statements having immediately prior (vss 12-14) instructed to "put on" certain Godly characteristics culminating in "love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."
