The Theology of “Clothing” in the Epistle of Colossians – A Social Identity Theory Approach –

Authors

  • Philip Suciadi CHIA Research Associate at the Faculty of Theology and Religion of the Department of Old Testament and Hebrew Scriptures, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa, and Director of the Doctoral School of Theology at the Evangelical Theological Seminary of Indonesia; e-mail: pchia275@students.sbts.edu. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2453-7497

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24193/subbtref.70.2.01

Keywords:

New Testament, biblical theology, clothing, Colossians, Greco-Roman context, social identity theory

Abstract

The epistle to the Colossians articulates a significant theological perspective on Christian identity through the metaphor of clothing. The author uses the concepts of clothing to illustrate the believer’s transformation in Christ, framing it as both a decisive act (putting off the “old self”) and an ongoing process (putting on the “new self”). This research explores the theological significance of clothing in the Book of Colossians, where attire symbolized social standing, moral character, and religious affiliation. This article employs ancient cultural practices in conjunction with social identity theory.

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Published

2025-12-30

How to Cite

CHIA, P. S. (2025). The Theology of “Clothing” in the Epistle of Colossians – A Social Identity Theory Approach –. Studia Universitatis Babes-Bolyai Theologia Reformata Transylvanica, 70(2), 7–23. https://doi.org/10.24193/subbtref.70.2.01

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