Colossians 3:15

ἡ εἰρήνη τοῦ Χριστοῦ : “the peace which Christ gives”. It might be the peace between the members of the Church bestowed by Christ (Calv., Ol., Sod.). This suits the preceding, but not the following words so well, especially, perhaps, εὐχ. γίν. βραβευέτω : “rule” (cf. Colossians 2:18). The word has lost its old sense “to act as umpire,” and there is no reference to a contest or a prize. The meaning is: in deciding on any course of action, let that be chosen which does not ruffle the peace within you. εἰς ἣν καὶ ἐκλήθητε : i.e., to the enjoyment of which ye were called. ἐν ἑνὶ σώματι : “so that ye are in one body,” result rather than aim being expressed. Disunion in the body is incompatible with the peace of individual members. καὶ εὐχάριστοι γίνεσθε : “and become thankful,” i.e., to God for calling you, or more probably for the peace in your hearts, which is the main thought. εὐχ. might mean “gracious” (a rare sense), but this would not be weighty enough to end these exhortations.