King James Bible
"And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled"
Paul addresses the Colossian believers directly, reminding them of their former spiritual state as hostile toward God. The alienation was not merely external but rooted in their mindset—their thinking patterns were fundamentally opposed to God's ways. Their evil deeds were both the evidence and reinforcement of their mental enmity with God. This phrase emphasizes that sinful actions flow from and further corrupt the alienated mind, creating a cycle of separation from God. The dramatic contrast introduced by 'yet now' highlights God's initiative in restoration despite human hostility. Through Christ's work, God has brought these former enemies into peaceful relationship with himself, transforming their status completely.