3:16 dwell in you richly. Because the believer is united with Christ (3:3 note), not only the “word of Christ,” but Christ Himself lives in the hearts of the faithful (Gal. 2:20; Eph. 3:17; cf. Rom. 8:9). With God’s wisdom present in this way (3:3; cf. 1 Cor. 1:30), the ethical demands of Christian love can be lived out in every part of life, including the everyday responsibilities that are reviewed in 3:18–4:6).

teaching and admonishing. The first half of this verse is strongly reminiscent of 1:28. In the ministry of the Colossians to one another, the word of Christ will be as effective as the presence of the apostle himself.

psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. In the Greek translation of the Old Testament, the three nouns used in this phrase are often synonymous. It is not likely that in Colossians they designate three separate types of song (Eph. 5:19). See theological note “Music in the Church” on the next page.