Abstract
As a key text in Colossians, the statement in Colossians 3:10 focuses on the renewal of the “new man/self” in knowledge according to the image of its/his Creator. This statement touches on several issues that are discussed in this article – for instance, what does knowledge refers to? Who serves as reference for his Creator: God the Father or Jesus Christ? What exactly is meant by renewal: starting all over again or growth? Are there any indications in the text of what this renewal looks like or what Paul could have intended? How does this statement fit theologically with the rest of the material in the letter? These issues are treated systematically, suggesting that if the statement is read within the context of the rest of the letter to the Colossians, some clarity might be reached.
The complex nature of the concept of knowledge in the letter is first discussed. It is pointed out that true knowledge is contrasted with knowledge of human origin. This true knowledge is revealed by and through Jesus Christ, who is the mystery of God and has all the riches of knowledge. This knowledge is Christologically determined, as is described in the rest of the letter where, for instance, Christ is the image of God who creates and recreates; is the mystery of God who reveals the richness of knowledge; has the fullness of God, which in Him is shared with believers; is the One in and with whom believers have eternal life, which should be practically lived in this world; is the Lord in whose name everything should be done; and so on. By being firmly grounded in Christ, a believer is also exposed to this knowledge that was conveyed through the gospel. Two important aspects of this knowledge are pointed out, namely, that this knowledge is aligned with covenantal knowledge where knowledge is always expressed in obedient activity. Accordingly, knowledge in Colossians leads to proper actions that satisfy the Lord. Acting according to this knowledge leads to growth in knowledge, leading to a circular process of growing in knowledge by acting correctly, while newly acquired knowledge again leads to more fruitful actions (cf. 1:9–10).
In 3:10 renewal in knowledge does not refer to forgetting what is known and being renewed in totally new knowledge, as some dictionaries would like to suggest. It is, rather, a process of gaining additional knowledge that increases the positive knowledge already known. It is a process of growth rather than replacement. This is also what is suggested in 1:9–10.
Renewal in knowledge must take place “after (kata) the image of its/his/her Creator”. The Greek word kata (the image of its Creator) indicates that the renewal in knowledge should take place “according to” the image of the Creator; that means, with the image of the Creator as example. The question is, however, to whom “Creator” refers. If it refers to God as Creator, based on Genesis 1:26–7, (as several commentators suggest) the context of the Genesis creation narrative would be the primary framework for interpreting the renewal according to the Creator. This would suggest that believers should be renewed according to their original image, as they were created by God. This would then fit with the dogmatic view of the renewal of the image of people according to their original image, created by God. This view is, however, problematic, not least because what exactly is implied by image of God (even in Genesis and throughout the history of interpretation) is not abundantly clear and there is no further indication in Colossians that the reference should be to Genesis.
However, in 1:15 there is direct reference to the image of God, namely, to the Son, Jesus Christ. He is described as the image of God, since He creates, sustains and recreates (1:15–20). It seems plausible that 3:10 refers back to 1:15, where there is a direct reference Jesus Christ as Creator and also as image. In this case it implies that believers should be renewed in their knowledge of Jesus Christ. This explanation is heavily supported in the rest of the letter, where Jesus Christ is described as the source of knowledge and serves as the One who saves and sustains believers. In the next verse (3:11) the way in which the perspective on reality is changed is described in Christological terms. Reality should no longer be evaluated according to earthly divisions like slaves or free men, men or woman, Greeks or non-Greeks, but only one perspective should determine the perspective on reality, namely that Jesus is all and in all. If believers are renewed in knowledge according to their Creator Jesus Christ, this perspective will be realised. The realisation will take place on the ethical level, based on their change in identity. They are raised with Christ to eternal life (2:11–3) and should live according to their new status in Christ (2:20 and 3:1). This renewal relates to ethical behaviour (cf. 1:9–10). The expression that they should be renewed (3:9–11) is encircled with ethical remarks: In 3:3–9 believers are encouraged to lay down (kill) evil behaviour, while in 3:12–4:2 positive ethical behaviour is described as the desired way of life for the holy ones chosen by God (3:12). The image of clothing is used: They have undressed the “old self” i.e., got rid of evil behaviour, and dressed themselves as the “new self”, which suggests Christ as example. Now they should live their new lives, being renewed in knowledge of their Creator.
To be renewed in knowledge according to the image of his/her Creator implies that believers should increase in their knowledge of the revelation and presence of Jesus Christ, according to who He is. In this way their behaviour will increasingly reflect the actions and behaviour that are according to God’s will (1:9–10) and done in the name of Jesus Christ (3:17).
Keywords: Colossians 3:10; ethics; image of God; renewal of knowledge; spiritual growth
- The featured image by Susanne Jutzeler with this article was obtained from Pixabay.
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