There is No Non-Christian or Christian, Citizen of Immigrant...

Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. - Colossians 3:11

Although the ancient world did not have exactly the same sort of nation-states that we have today, New Testament theology does address the ancient parallel to nationalism. Paul intentionally diminishes the significance of political identity in this passage and many others. The word “free” in Colossians 3 could easily be translated “citizen” and the other descriptors Paul uses in this passage (Gentile/Jew/barbarian/Scythian) all had national connotations in the first century.

Take a moment and read through a ‘modern’ translation of this verse. It’s not the only or best translation, but just another attempt to hear scripture in our modern world with clarity and power. And then take some time to think and pray about the implications and what it might mean to you to embrace this Christ.

“Here in God’s family there is no non-Christian or Christian, baptized or unbaptized, American, Mexican, citizen or immigrant, but Christ is all, and is in all.” - Colossians 3:11