A New Person

“Put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.”—Colossians 3:10–11

People throughout the history of the Roman Empire were plagued by barbarians—tenacious people from the north. In Rome’s past, before Paul wrote to the Colossians, Julius Caesar had been victorious in battles against tribes like these. Yet these ruthless warriors remained a constant threat.

Coming from central Asia, Scythians, too, were remembered with fear and anxiety. They caused havoc by sweeping into Roman territory, raiding communities, capturing people, and making slaves.

The world in which Paul wrote was plagued with various conflicts. Rome faced constant threats from people such as the Parthians. There were serious rivalries within the Empire itself.

The early church often was divided internally by disputes between Greeks and Jews or the circumcised and the uncircumcised. But Paul said that Jesus ended every division.

All who believe in Him are unified. God can save and use anyone. All of us are in the process of being renewed. God is molding and shaping us into His image and likeness.

God is creating new people. It did not matter if someone was a barbarian or Scythian, a Jew, or a Greek. The work of Jesus was so powerful that it broke down all barriers.

God is doing powerful work in your life. In Christ, you are a new creature. Allow Him to complete His work. He is renewing and reshaping you and making you into a new person.

Reflection Question: How has God been shaping you into His image recently?