Colossians 3:17 — In the Name of the Lord Jesus

…singing, with grace in your hearts to God. 17 And everything, whatsoever you may be doing, in word or in act, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God, the Father, through Him. – Colossians 3:16–17

What does it mean to do everything “in the name of the Lord Jesus”?

Paul gives the key himself at the end of the sentence: “giving thanks to Father God through Him.” In our thanksgiving, we acknowledge the Lord Jesus as the One through whom God carries out His purpose and brings everything to its intended conclusion.

Notice that Paul does not say, “in the name of Jesus,” as is so often stated at the end of prayers. He says, “in the name of the Lord Jesus.” This is not a minor distinction. Jesus was appointed Lord by God. That is precisely why we give thanks to God the Father through Him.

Verse 17 therefore connects directly with the preceding words: “singing in grace to God in your hearts.” Grace produces song and culminates in thanksgiving.

Doing everything in the name of the Lord Jesus is expressed in giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Whoever sees what God is accomplishing through Him has every reason to give thanks – and to sing to God in the heart.

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