Colossians 3:11 — Christ Is All and in All

11 wherein there is no Greek and Jew, Circumcision and Uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave, freeman, but all and in all is Christ.

Paul concludes his list with a striking contrast: “but all and in all is Christ.” These words characterize the reality of the new humanity, of which Christ, as “the Firstborn from among the dead,” forms the beginning. It has been raised with Him and belongs to a new creation. On the far side of the grave, the distinctions of the old existence have lost their decisive significance.

Christ is all. This fits seamlessly with the central theme of this letter. In Him the entire fullness dwells, and in Him we too, as members of His body, have been brought to fullness (2:9, 10). Therefore, the new humanity is no longer defined by origin, religious background, culture, or social position. Everything that once gave identity, meaning, or status has made way for Him. Our past plays no role whatsoever; our position in Christ is the only thing that counts.

Therefore, Christ is not only “all,” but also “in all.” He is not more present in one person than in another. Every member of His body is directly connected to the same Head. No member stands closer to the Head than another. Whoever we are and whatever our background may be, in Him we are complete. He is all and in all.

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