3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in {l} psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
(l) By psalms he means all godly songs which were written upon various occasions, and by hymns, all such as contain the praise of God, and by spiritual songs, other more special and artful songs which were also in praise of God, but they were made fuller of music.
3:16 Let the word of Christ. The word that has been preached to you.
Dwell in you. As in a temple.
Richly in all wisdom. If we treasure it up richly we will have the divine wisdom in our hearts.
Teaching and admonishing. Those having the indwelling word would have ability to teach.
In psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Teaching and admonishing were to be present even in song. Song was to have another object than to please the ear. It was not for enjoyment, but for edification. The species of song are named here and in Eph 5:19. For the distinction, see PNT Eph 5:19.
Singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. With Christ's grace in your hearts; that is, with hearts pervaded by the love of Christ.
3:16 Let the word of Christ - So the apostle calls the whole scripture, and thereby asserts the divinity of his Master. Dwell - Not make a short stay, or an occasional visit, but take up its stated residence. Richly - In the largest measure, and with the greatest efficacy; so as to fill and govern the whole soul.
3:12-17 We must not only do no hurt to any, but do what good we can to all. Those who are the elect of God, holy and beloved, ought to be lowly and compassionate towards all. While in this world, where there is so much corruption in our hearts, quarrels will sometimes arise. But it is our duty to forgive one another, imitating the forgiveness through which we are saved. Let the peace of God rule in your hearts; it is of his working in all who are his. Thanksgiving to God, helps to make us agreeable to all men. The gospel is the word of Christ. Many have the word, but it dwells in them poorly; it has no power over them. The soul prospers, when we are full of the Scriptures and of the grace of Christ. But when we sing psalms, we must be affected with what we sing. Whatever we are employed about, let us do every thing in the name of the Lord Jesus, and in believing dependence on him. Those who do all in Christ's name, will never want matter of thanksgiving to God, even the Father.
