Colossians 3:15
“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Following his call to love and unity, Paul instructs believers to let God's peace govern their hearts within the one body of Christ, anchoring communal harmony in gratitude.
What Does Colossians 3:15 Mean?
Paul tells believers to let God's peace act as the deciding authority within their hearts, since they are called together into one body, and to be grateful. The key word is "rule." It pictures peace as an umpire or arbiter that settles matters within us -- when our hearts are unsettled or pulled in different directions, the peace that comes from God is meant to render the verdict and bring order. This is not a peace we generate by managing our circumstances; it is His peace, given to us, governing us from within.
Paul ties this peace directly to community: "to the which also ye are called in one body." The peace he has in mind is not merely private calm but the harmony of a people who belong together. Believers were called into a single body, and God's peace is meant to keep that body from fracturing through the very conflicts Paul has just addressed. When peace rules in individual hearts, it preserves peace among the whole. The verse ends with a brief but pointed command: "be ye thankful." Gratitude appears again and again in this letter, and here it stands as a guard for peace. A thankful heart is harder to disturb, slower to resentment, and more ready to live at peace with others. Let His peace decide, and let thanks fill the space.
In the Original Language
The Greek "brabeuetō" (rule) comes from the language of the games and means to act as an umpire or arbiter, awarding the decision. "Eklēthēte" (ye are called) points to God's summons of believers into "one body" (en heni sōmati).
Cross References
“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
- Philippians 4:7
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
- John 14:27
“If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.”
- Romans 12:18
Application
When your heart is anxious or torn, let God's peace be the deciding voice, and cultivate thankfulness as a way of preserving peace within yourself and with others.