Commentary On The Epistle To The Colossians
By the Rev. Horace M. Patton
Colossians 3:18-4:1
In this section of his epistle, Paul gives rules for three sets of household relationships: (1) husbands and wives, (2) parents and children, and (3) masters and slaves. In each case there is mutual responsibility to submit and love, to obey and encourage, to work hard and be fair. Examine your family and work relationships. Do you relate to others as God intended? See Ephesians 5:21—6:9 for similar instructions.
vs.18, 19
Christian marriage involves mutual submission, subordinating [putting in second place] our personal desires for the good of the loved one, and submitting ourselves to Christ as Lord.
vs. 20, 21
Children must be handled with care. They need firm discipline administered in love. Don't alienate them by nagging, deriding, or destroying their self-respect so that they lose heart [become discouraged].
vs. 22—4:1
Paul does not condemn or condone slavery, but explains that Christ transcends all divisions between people. Slaves are told to work hard as though their master were Christ himself (3:22-25); but masters should be just and fair (4:1). Perhaps Paul was thinking specifically of Onesimus and Philemon—the slave and master whose conflict lay behind the letter to Philemon (see the book of Philemon). Philemon was a slave owner in the Colossian church, and Onesimus had been his slave.
vs. 23
Since the creation, God has given us work to do. If we could regard our work as an act of worship or service to God, such an attitude would take some of the drudgery and boredom out of it. We could work without complaining or resentment if we would treat our job problems as the cost of discipleship.
vs. 4:1
Masters were to provide what was right and fair. Similarly today, employers should pay fair wages and treat their employees justly. And leaders should take care of their volunteers and not abuse them. If you have responsibility over others, make sure you do what is right and fair—you are accountable to your Master in heaven.
Rules of submission
Wives, submit to your husbands (3:18). Husbands, love your wives and don’t be harsh with them (3:19). Children, obey your parents (3:20). Parents, don’t embitter your children so that they become discouraged (3:21). Slaves obey your masters (3:22). Masters, be just and fair toward your slaves (4:1). Employees, work hard for your employers. Employers, be just and fair with your employees.
The New Testament includes many instructions concerning relationships. Most people read these instructions for the other person and ignore the ones that apply to themselves. But you can’t control another person’s behavior, only your own. Start by following your own instructions and not insisting on the obedience of others first.
Life Application Bible and notes copyright c 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1996 by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Wheaton, IL 60189. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
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