Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Colossians 3:22
Servants, obey in all things [your] masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:
22. Servants ] Bondservants, slaves. Cp. Eph 6:5-8; and see 1Co 7:21-22; 1Ti 6:1-2; Tit 2:9-10; Philemon; 1Pe 2:18-25; and cp. Luk 17:7-10. On the relation of the Gospel to slavery, see below, Introd. to the Ep. to Philemon, ch. 4.
in all things] See above, on Col 3:20.
according to the flesh ] With the implied thought that the master was not master of his bondman’s spirit, and that master and bondman alike were bondmen, spiritually, of Christ. So Eph 6:5, where this clause is somewhat enlarged. The “ neither bond nor free ” of v. Col 3:11 above leaves thus undisturbed the actual duties of social status.
eyeservice ] Eph 6:6. The word occurs there and here only, and was perhaps coined by St Paul. It means the “service” which works only when inspected, and does not come from the unseen source of love and goodwill.
menpleasers ] Seeking merely the personal comfort of approval or indulgence, in a purely selfish and therefore insincere “ pleasing.” Such obsequiousness might conceal deep contempt or malice all the while. See note on Eph 6:6.
singleness ] Lit., simplicity; the desire to do right for its own sake, or rather for the sake of the heavenly (and also the earthly) Master; as against the selfish aim of the “men-pleaser.” See 1Ti 6:2 for a practical comment. The phrase is verbatim as in Eph 6:5, where see our note. And see the last words of Eph 6:6; “ doing the will of God from the soul.”
fearing God ] Read, fearing the Lord Christ, the true Master, with the fear of reverent loyalty. The word “ fear ” is used in Scripture of holy and perfectly happy reverence too often to need quotation.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Servants, obey in all things … – ; see the notes at Eph 6:5-8.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Col 3:22-25
Servants, obey in all things your masters.
Servants and masters
I. A precept of obedience.
1. The occasion of this precept seems to spring from the circumstance that converted servants thought themselves exempt from servitude. The error had some colour. If masters embraced Christianity with their slaves it seemed unjust to hold them in bondage; and if masters still adhered to paganism, what right had they, the servants of Satan, over those who were now Christs free men?
2. The precept involves–
(1) Humility in receiving the commands of another.
(2) Alacrity in executing them.
(3) Universality in all things lawful and honest.
He that is lord of the flesh must not command contrary to the Lord of the Spirit (Mat 10:28).
3. Instructions.
(1) Christianity does not subvert political order, such as depriving heathen masters of their legitimate authority over Christian servants. Therefore those err who think all authority to be opposed to evangelical liberty, and papists who have it that the authority of a king over subjects is dissolved by heresy.
(2) Christianity frees from the yoke of human servitude that which is the best and most excellent thing in man, viz., the spirit and conscience (Gal 5:1). They therefore err who would rule the consciences of men either by ecclesiastical or physical force.
(3) Christians ought to obey even the unjust commands of their masters (1Pe 2:18).
II. The manner of obeying.
1. Negatively.
(1) Not with eyeservice–a disease familiar to servants–obedience under the eye (Luk 12:45).
(2) As men-pleasers–the cause of the disease. As comedians who act in order to please that they may obtain benefit do not mount the stage unless people are looking on, so men-pleasers move not a hand unless their masters are there to behold and applaud.
2. Positively. The remedies for the disease.
(1) Singleness of heart, which is opposed to deceitful eye-service. He who serves his master to the eye seems to have two hearts; one dutiful, which excites to obedience in the masters presence; the other undutiful, which impels to idleness in the masters absence. But he who obeys with singleness of heart has one heart alone and ever the same, which moves to duty irrespective of his masters presence or absence.
(2) Fearing God. As the study of deceitful pleasing can produce nothing but eye-service, so the fear of God produces simplicity and sincerity. He who fears man alone will be changeable, inasmuch as it is excited by presence and allayed by absence; but the fear of God is constant because He is always present.
(3) From the heart.
(a) Not compulsorily and unwillingly. We do anything heartily when the mind rejoices in what the hand does. On the contrary, when the mind murmurs, although the outward act rosy be performed, yet it is done from the body rather than from the mind.
(b) Benevolence of spirit towards the commander of the work (Eph 6:7). No one obeys better than he who renders obedience from love.
(4) As to the Lord. As those who serve the Lord more especially than men. Because–
(a) They who obey are more servants of Christ than of earthly masters. Earthly masters buy their servants bodies with silver and gold; Christ redeems both soul and body with His blood for perpetual liberty.
(b) They obey earthly masters only at the appointment of Christ, and Him through them His stewards.
(c) Christ commands them to obey their masters.
III. Incentives to obedience.
1. The promise.
(1) The Bestower of the reward. The apostle rightly would have those servants expect a reward from Christ. For earthly masters give food and clothing to slaves as due in common with beasts. They are consoled, therefore, by the fact that they have a heavenly Master who will not suffer them to be destitute of a reward.
(2) The quality of the reward. Reward and inheritance seem incongruous; the first being paid to labourers, the latter given to children. The celestial reward is called hire or wages, not because merited, but because of the resemblance in some sense between the two.
(a) As hire is only given to workmen, so the heavenly kingdom is not given to the indolent.
(b) As hire is not given until work is finished, so heaven is not bestowed until life is ended.
But the heavenly reward is unlike hire–
(a) in that it is given, not according to the merit of the workman, but from the grace and liberality of the bestower (Luk 17:10);
(b) in that it is not proportioned to labours bestowed, for finite has no proportion to infinite.
2. The confirmation of the promise, Ye serve the Lord Christ (Mat 25:40-45). All works of obedience are rendered to Christ because commanded by Him.
3. Corollaries.
(1) No service is dishonourable since all is rendered to Christ.
(2) No honour screens a wicked man from disgrace since he serves an infamous master.
(3) They who, being placed under the rule of others, are unwilling to serve, are rebels against Christ (1Sa 8:7).
(4) We ought not to obey any who is opposed to the will of Christ. (Bishop Davenant.)
The duties of servants
I. The duty of a servant is to obey his master in all things relating to his state of servitude. There is nothing degrading in service. It is the employment of angels, and is ennobled by the example of Christ. To obey in all things is not pleasant or easy; but the Christian servant will strive to accomplish the task. He consults not his own but his masters will, nay, time. But his employer is only according to the flesh, and has no power over the spirit; nor is he to command anything forbidden by God.
II. The servants duty is to be discharged in a spirit of sincerity.
1. Free from duplicity. From the treatment he received the slave was tempted to be diligent in the presence of his master, but indolent and reckless in his absence. Christianity has elevated man from slavery, and provided him with the highest motives to moral action.
2. It is to be done in the fear of God. Fearing God–the one Lord as contrasted with the master according to the flesh. The Christian servant has a conscience to satisfy. The fear of the Lord is the holiest motive power in all acceptable service. He who serves man as he seeks to serve God will take care that the Divine and human interests do not collide.
III. The servant is to act from the loftiest religious principle.
1. In every duty God is to be recognized. And whatsoever ye do, do it as to the Lord, and not unto men. This will give a moral dignity to the most menial employment, and exalt the common drudgery of toil into a means of religious refreshment.
2. In every duty the best powers should be exercised. Do it heartily. If the heart be engaged, it will put into operation the best powers of the whole man. No work is well done when the heart is not in it.
IV. Faithful service will meet with a glorious reward (Col 3:24).
V. Every act of injustice will meet with impartial retribution (Col 3:25). Some regard the wrong-doer referred to in this verse as the servant who defrauds the master of his service; others, as the master who defrauds the servant of his just recompense. But the words announce a general principle which is equally applicable to both. The philosophers of Greece taught, and the laws of Rome assumed, that the slave was a chattel, and that as a chattel, he had no rights. The New Testament shows that between both there is a reciprocity of duties and of penalties. The injustice done in the world, whether by master or by servant, shall be impartially redressed, and the injured one vindicated at the day of final retribution. (G. Barlow.)
Loving service is true service
To lead a discouraged people to the Holy War is as difficult as for Xerxes commanders to conduct the Persian troops to battle against the Greeks, The vassals of the great king were driven to the conflict by whips and sticks, for they were afraid to fight: do you wonder that they were defeated? A Church that needs constant exhorting and compelling accomplishes nothing. The Greeks had no need of blows and threats, for each man was a lion, and courted the encounter, however great the odds against him. Each Spartan fought con amore; he was never more at home than when contending for the altars and for the hearths of his country. We want Christian men of this same sort, who have faith in their principles, faith in the doctrines of grace, faith in God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost; and who therefore contend earnestly for the faith in these days when piety is mocked at from the pulpit, and the gospel is sneered at by professional preachers. We need men who love the truth, to whom it is dear as their lives; men into whose hearts the old doctrine is burned by the hand c,f Gods Spirit through a deep experience of its necessity and of its power. We need no more of those who will parrot what they are taught, but we want men who will speak what they know. Oh, for a troop of men like John Knox, heroes of the martyr and covenanter stock! Then would Jehovah of hosts have a people to serve Him who would be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. (C. H. Spurgeon.)
Faithfulness in work
A carpenter was once asked why he troubled to finish off a magistrates bench so carefully? His reply was, I cant do otherwise; besides, I may have to sit on it One of these days. (H. D. Machay.)
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Verse 22. Servants, obey] See on Eph 6:5-8.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Servants: the apostle knowing how hard the condition of servitude was, both under the Jews and Gentiles, lest any believers in that mean condition should disgust so strict a subjection, especially to unbelieving masters, and cast off the yoke by breaking their covenants, to the disturbance of human society, and the disparagement of the Christian institution, he takes a special care to sweeten the harshness of it to all those indefinitely whose lot it was, by recommending the duties of it to them from the consideration of the acceptableness of them to God, who of his unconstrained grace would vouchsafe to them the noblest reward.
Obey in all things your masters according to the flesh: wherefore Christianity requires that servants of all sorts should readily receive and cheerfully execute all the commands, {see Col 3:20} in things lawful and honest, of those of both sexes, whom God in his wise providence hath given a just authority over them according to the flesh; ( see also Eph 6:5); which expression is not only for distinction from the Father and Master of spirits, Heb 12:9, but for mitigation of their servitude, in that their earthly masters power reacheth only things corporeal and temporal, not the conscience and things that are eternal, which might be some comfort, that the servitude would not last long, and in the mean time they were Gods free-men, 1Co 7:22, whom they might serve with the spirit in the gospel of his Son, Rom 1:9.
Not with eye-service; yet their masters after the flesh, in those civil things wherein they had power to command, were not lightly to be respected or served to the eye, or only to be observed while their eye was upon them, Eph 6:6.
As men-pleasers; as if regard were to be had to the pleasing of men, and not to the pleasing of God, who searcheth the heart, and by his gospel (which they should adorn) expects they should remember his eye is ever upon them, Tit 2:9; 1Pe 2:18.
But in singleness of heart, fearing God; and expects that, in a holy awe of him, they should do all that is incumbent on them, in the sincerity of their souls, {see Eph 6:5,6} with more regard to God than man.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
22. (Eph 6:5;Eph 6:6.) This is to fear God,when, though none sees us, we do no evil: but if we do evil,it is not God, but men, whom we fear.
singleness“simplicityof heart.”
fearing GodThe oldestmanuscripts read, “the Lord.”
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
Servants, obey in all things your masters,…. That is, in all things relating to the body, and bodily service; not to the conscience, and religious worship; in things worldly, and not spiritual; in all things that are within a master’s power, and it is lawful for him to command; and in all things that are fitting and proper that a servant should do; and even in such things as may be difficult, troublesome, and disagreeable to the flesh unto them; see
Lu 17:7 who those servants are that are to obey, and who their masters, said to be according to the flesh, to whom they are to be subject, [See comments on Eph 6:5].
not with eyeservice, as menpleasers, but in singleness of heart;
[See comments on Eph 6:5],
[See comments on Eph 6:6].
fearing God; who sees and knows all things, what servants do when their masters are absent from them, and to whom they are accountable; and a servant that fears God will make conscience of discharging his service faithfully, will not misspend his master’s time, nor embezzle his goods, or waste his substance; but from a principle of reverential affection for God, and fear of him, with a concern for his name, and a view to his glory, will with all diligence, uprightness, faithfulness, and sincerity, do his duty, seek his master’s good and interest, and cheerfully obey all his lawful commands. The Alexandrian copy reads, “fearing the Lord”; and so the Syriac version, “in the fear of the Lord”.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
Your masters according to the flesh ( ). “Lords” really, but these Christian slaves () had Christ as lord, but even so they were to obey their lords in the flesh.
Not with eye-service ( ). Another Pauline word (here only and Eph 6:6), elsewhere only in Christian writers after Paul, an easy and expressive compound, service while the master’s eye was on the slave and no longer.
Men-pleasers (). Late compound only in LXX and Paul (here and Eph 6:6).
In singleness of heart ( ). So in Eph 6:5. Old and expressive word from (simple, without folds). See 2Co 11:3.
Fearing the Lord ( ). Rather than the lords according to the flesh.
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
Masters [] . See on Lord, 2Pe 2:1, and Mt 21:3. Kuriov Lord and despothv master came to be used interchangeably in the New Testament, though originally the latter involved such authority as is implied in our use of despot, or in the relation of a master to a slave. The Greeks applied despothv only to the gods.
With eye – service [ ] . Only here and Eph 6:6. The word seems to have been coined by Paul.
Men pleasers [] . Only here and Eph 6:6.
Compare Plato : “And this art he will not attain without a great deal of trouble, which a good man ought to undergo, not for the sake of speaking and acting before men, but in order that he may be able to say what is acceptable to God, and always to act acceptably to Him as far as in him lies. For there is a saying of wiser men than ourselves, that a man of sense should not try to please his fellow – servants (at least this should not be his first object), but his good and noble masters” ” Phaedrus, ” 273).
Singleness [] . See on Rom 12:8. Without duplicity or doubleness.
Fearing the Lord [ ] . The one Master contrasted with the masters [] according to the flesh. The parallel in Eph 6:5, has as unto Christ.
Fuente: Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament
1) “Servants, obey in all things” (hoi douloi hupakouete kata panta) you (who are) servants, obey in all respects;” the Christian home order was (1) husbands were to obey the Lord, (2) Wives’ their husbands, (3) Children their parents, and (4) slaves, their masters, Eph 6:5; 1Ti 6:1.
2) “Your masters according to the flesh” (tois kata sarka kurios) “your lord’s or masters according to the flesh, those who have bought or inherited you.” The implied thought is that the master was not to command or required obedience of his servant in spiritual things. Tit 2:9; 1Pe 2:18.
3) “Not with eye-service” (me en opthalmodouliais) not with eye-service,” serving only when the master’s eye is on you, deceitful, insincere service, or double-dealing.
4) “As menpleasers” (hos anthropareskoi) “as pleasers of men, for the praise of men, instead of honesty before God, Eph 6:5-6.
5) “But in singleness of heart” (all’ en haploteti kardias) in single-purpose of affections,” Eph 6:7. Obey the masters of you with simplicity, not pretence or a show of the flesh.
6) “Fearing God” (phoboumenoi ton kurion) continually fearing or holding reverence to the Lord,” Ecc 12:13-14; Eph 6:8; 1Pe 2:18; Tit 2:9.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
22 Servants, be obedient. Anything that is stated here respecting servants requires no exposition, as it has been already expounded in commenting on Eph 6:1, with the exception of these two expressions, — For we serve the Lord Christ; and, He that will act unjustly will receive the reward of his iniquity.
By the former statement he means, that service is done to men in such a way that Christ at the same time holds supremacy of dominion, and is the supreme master. Here, truly, is choice consolation for all that are under subjection, inasmuch as they are informed that, while they willingly serve their masters, their services are acceptable to Christ, as though they had been rendered to him. From this, also, Paul gathers, that they will receive from him a reward, but it is the reward of inheritance, by which he means that the very thing that is bestowed in reward of works is freely given to us by God, for inheritance comes from adoption.
In the second clause he again comforts servants, by saying that, if they are oppressed by the unjust cruelty of their masters, God himself will take vengeance, and will not, on the ground that they are servants, overlook the injuries inflicted upon them, inasmuch as there is no respect of persons with him. For this consideration might diminish their courage, if they imagined that God had no regard for them, or no great regard, and that their miseries gave him no concern. Besides, it often happens that servants themselves endeavor to avenge injurious and cruel treatment. He obviates, accordingly, this evil, by admonishing them to wait patiently the judgment of God.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES
Col. 3:23. Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily.Eph. 6:7, With good will doing service. R.V. gives the distinction which is obliterated by do, do of A.V. Whatsoever ye do, work heartily (margin, from the soul).
Col. 3:25. He that doeth wrong.The participle of the original points to the habitual practice of wrong-doing. There is no respect of persons.In the Ephesian letter this consideration is urged upon the masters as it is here upon the slaves. Both are amenable to the same authority.
MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.Col. 3:22-25Ch. Col. 4:1
Duties of Masters and Servants.
The jealous conflict between capital and labour threatens the good understanding that was wont to exist between employer and employed with a serious rupture. Such a rupture would benefit neither side and would inflict incalculable disaster on both. There are economic laws, which regulate the employment of capital and labour, which no number of combinations and unions among masters and servants can ever set aside. Though a temporary advantage may, in extraordinary times, be snatched by either party, the law of supply and demand inevitably tends to balance and equalise all interests. It would be well, therefore, for masters and servants to ponder the teaching of the New Testament regarding their reciprocal duties. It was Christianity that rescued the servant from a condition of abject civil slavery, and placed him in his just relation to his fellow-subjects in the commonwealth. The farther men drift away from the Christian spirit in seeking to adjust the questions between capital and labour, the more difficult and complicated they become. It is only as these questions are settled on a Christian basis, in harmony with the laws of a sound political economy, that party jealousies will subside, and the best understanding between masters and servants be established. Observe:
I. That the duty of the servant is to obey his master in all things relating to his state of servitude.Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh (Col. 3:22). There is nothing degrading in service. It is the employment of angels. They serve Him day and night. It is ennobled by the example of Christ, who came not to be ministered unto, but to minister. To obey in all things is not always pleasant or easy; but the Christian servant will strive to accomplish the task. He consults the masters will, not his own; he does the masters way, not his own; he considers the masters time, not his own. His obedience is universally binding in everything relating to his state of servitude, but is restricted to that. His employer is his master only according to the flesh, has control over his bodily powers, and over the time in which he has engaged to labour; but he has not power over the spirit. The master cannot demand obedience in any matter forbidden of God.
II. That the duty of the servant is to be done in a spirit of sincerity.
1. It is to be free from duplicity. Not with eye-service as men-pleasers; but in singleness of heart (Col. 3:22). The servants of whom the apostle writes were slaves, and treated merely as chattels. There are supposed to have been sixty millions of slaves in the Roman empire. From the treatment they usually received, they were greatly tempted to be merely eye-servantsdiligent when their master was present, but indolent and reckless in his absence. Christianity has elevated man from slavery, and provided him with the highest motives to moral action. It teaches that service is to be rendered, not with a hypocritical deference and sham industriousness, but with a single, undivided heart, doing the best at all times for the master.
2. It is to be done in the fear of God.Fearing Godthe one Lord and Master, as contrasted with the master according to the flesh. The Christian servant has a conscience to satisfy and a heavenly Master to please. The fear of the Lord is the holiest motive-power in all acceptable service. He who serves his earthly master as he seeks to serve God will take care that the divine and human interests do not come into collision with each other.
III. That the duty of the servant is to be discharged from the loftiest religious principle.
1. In every duty God is to be recognised. And whatsoever ye do, do it as to the Lord, and not unto men (Col. 3:23). The Christian servant must look higher than his earthly master; that is a service that may be rendered mechanically, and by men who make no pretence to be Christian. The true servant will give Christ the chief place in his servicewill so act that his obedience shall honour Christ and be acceptable to Him. His best efforts may fail to satisfy the exactions of an unreasonable master, and the faithful servant will find his consolation and recompense in the fact that he aims to secure the divine approval. This will give a moral dignity to the most menial employment, and exalt the common drudgery of toil into a means of religious refreshment and invigoration.
2. In every duty the best powers should be exercised.Do it heartily (Col. 3:23). If the heart be engaged, it will put into operation the best powers of the whole man. No work is well done when the heart is not in it. Whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing well; and surely no power can move the springs of action so completely as the ever-present thought that, whatever we do, we do it as to the Lord, and not unto men. Our best efforts fall immeasurably below the lofty ideal of Christian service; but it is no small commendation when the divine Master can declare respecting the anxious and delighted worker, He hath done what he could. Acting on such a principle, the capacity for the highest kind of work is cultivated, the sphere of usefulness widened, and the most coveted honours and enjoyments of the faithful servant secured.
IV. That faithful service will meet with a glorious reward.Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance, for ye serve the Lord Christ (Col. 3:24). Under the sinister judgment passed by Satan on the devotion of Job there lurks an encouraging truthman does not serve God for nought. Though there is nothing meritorious in the best actions of the busiest life, yet it has pleased God, in the exuberance of His condescending bounty, to provide abundant recompense for all work done as unto Him. The reward of the inheritance is in generous disproportion to the service rendered; the service is marred and limited by the numberless imperfections of the human; the reward is amply freighted with the overflowing munificence and glittering splendours of the divine. It is the inheritance of imperishable happinessof incorruptible and unfading gloryof heavenof God. What an encouragement to work!
V. That every act of injustice will meet with impartial retribution.But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done, and there is no respect of persons (Col. 3:25). Some regard the wrong-doer referred to in this verse as the servant who defrauds the master of his service; others, as the master who defrauds the servant of his just recompense. But the words announce a general principle which is equally applicable to both. The philosophers of Greece taught, and the laws of Rome assumed, that the slave was a chattel, and that as a chattel he had no rights. The New Testament places the relation of master and servant in a wholly new light, and shows that between both there is a reciprocity of duties and of penalties. The injustice done in the world, whether by master or by servant, shall be impartially redressed, and the injured one vindicated at the day of final retribution.
VI. That the duty of the master is to deal righteously towards his servants.
1. He is to act towards his servants according to the principles of justice and equity. Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal (Col. 3:1). If the masters here addressed were exhorted to deal fairly and justly with those who were their slaves, not less fully is the modern master bound to act justly and equitably towards those who serve him. The position of the master is one of great power and authority; it is, at the same time, one of solemn responsibility. Capital has not only its cares and privileges, it has also its duties, and these cannot be abused with impunity. The communistic doctrine of equality has no countenance here. If all were socially and financially equal to-day, the inequality would be restored to-morrow. The duty of the master is to give to his servants that which is righteous and reciprocally fair. Treat them as human beings, with human rights, and as rational and religious beings, who, like yourselves, have an endless future to prepare for. Give them fair remuneration for work done. Be generous in prosperous times, and considerate when adversity comes. While acting commercially according to the laws of political economy, which no sane business man can disregard, yield in all justness and fairness to the impulse of the higher law of Christian charity and kindness. Interest yourselves in the physical, moral, and religious welfare of your work-people. Good masters make good servants.
2. He is to remember that he is responsible to a higher Master. Knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven (Col. 3:1). The master is not less bound than the servant to do his duty as unto the Lord. They are both servants of the one great Lord and Master of all. One is your Master, even Christ, and all ye are brethren. Do not impose impossible tasks upon your servants. Avoid an overbearing tyranny, and forbear threatening. Exercise your authority with humanity and gentleness. Use your wealth, reputation, and influence in promoting the best interest of your work-people, and in serving the Lord Christ. Remember that whatever you do to the poorest servant of your heavenly Master is reckoned and recompensed as done to Himself.
Lessons.
1. Social distinctions afford opportunities for personal discipline.
2. Every rank in life has its special perils.
3. The law of duty is binding in all ranks.
4. The dust of both masters and servants will soon mingle in a common grave.
GERM NOTES ON THE VERSES
Col. 3:23. Do all for God.
I. The Christians practical life comprises working, acting, and suffering.
II. Abide with God in your calling.Intention gives a moral character to actions.
III. Motives to duty.
1. Mechanical activity.
2. Supernatural motive. Do it heartily as to the Lord.
3. Our good intention should be renewed at intervals.
4. Our lesser actions should be brought under the control of Christian principle.E. M. Goulburn.
A Hearty Christianity.
I. The highest end of all work is work done for God and to God.
1. Not work done for self.
2. Not work done for society.
II. The highest kind of work of which we are capable is that which engages all the powers of our spiritual nature.Do it heartily.
1. The character of the work we do will be decided by the state of our heart.
2. By the predominating impulse of the heart.
3. The character of our work as a whole will be influenced by the heartiness we throw into every single duty. Whatsoever ye do.
Lessons.
1. A hearty Christianity is a happy Christianity.
2. Is not easily daunted by difficulties.
3. Is aggressive.
Col. 3:23-25. Piety in the Household.
I. We are serving the Lord.This will dignify the most insignificant duty.
II. We should seek to be actuated by the highest possible motive.Out of the heart, or influenced by the affections. The highest motive will cover the lowest.
III. The Lord Himself will give us the highest reward.With Him is no respect of persons.Homiletic Monthly.
Fuente: The Preacher’s Complete Homiletical Commentary Edited by Joseph S. Exell
22. Servants, obey in all things them that are your masters according to the flesh; not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing the Lord:
Translation and Paraphrase
22. (You) slaves, be obedient in every manner to those who are (your) lords according to the flesh, not with eye-service (service only when the master has his eye upon you) as (if you were just) men-pleasers, but (be obedient) with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord (Jesus, whose eye is ever upon you).
Notes
1.
Paul gives a rather long exhortation to slaves in the epistle to the Colossians. (Col. 3:22-25). Probably the presence of Onesimus returning to Colossae with Tychicus made this section about bondservants pertinent. (See notes on Col. 4:9, and the book of Philemon.) Certainly in the light of this section no one could say that Paul was behind any violent slave revolutions!
2.
The basic duty of slaves was to obeyto obey their masters in all things. This obedience was, however, coupled with such instructions to the masters, and such a new relationship between Christian masters and slaves, that it was not a painful servitude anymore. The teaching given by Paul to slaves and to masters led to love and real liberty for both.
3.
Paul refers to the slave masters as masters according to the flesh. This hints that according to spiritual relationships, the masters were not masters, but were equals and brothers. Still the fleshly situation could not be ignored.
4.
Slaves were warned not to work and serve with eye-service (eye-bondage) as men-pleasers. Eye-service is begrudging service that is performed only when the masters eye (or the inspectors eye) is upon you, or looks over your work.
Non-Christian masters who suddenly found their once-recalcitrant slaves now serving willingly, would probably inquire as to why the change. This would give the new Christian slave an opportunity to tell of his new faith in Christ.
5.
Slaves were to serve in singleness of heart. Singleness here means sincerity, mental honesty, singleness of purpose. They were to have only one objectiveto please and serve their masters, and thereby to serve Christ.
6.
The service of the slave was to be done fearing the Lord. He might well fear a cruel, unreasonable master. But the slave had a greater master in heaven, who had told him to serve his earthly masters faithfully. Out of Godly and loving (but real) fear of Christ, he would willingly serve the earthly master.
Study and Review
61.
How fully were slaves to be obedient? (Col. 3:22)
62.
In what one respect were masters really masters over slaves?
63.
Were there respects wherein masters were really not masters over slaves?
64.
What is eye-service? (Col. 3:22)
65.
What is singleness of heart?
66.
What does fearing the Lord have to do with a slaves obedience?
Fuente: College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
(22-25) Compare throughout Eph. 6:5-9. The only peculiarity of this passage is the strong emphasis laid on the reward of the inheritance. The reward is in the original, a perfect recompense or requital. The inheritance is exactly that which no slave could receive; only a son could be an heir (Gal. 4:7). Hence the slave on earth is recognised as a son in heaven. He serves the Lord, but his service is the perfect freedom of sonship.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
c. Servants and masters, Col 3:22 to Col 4:1 .
22. Servants See notes on 1 Corinthians 8:21, and Eph 6:5.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
‘Servants obey in all things those who are your masters according to the flesh, not with eye-service as men-pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do work heartily as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that it is from the Lord that you will receive the recompense of the inheritance. You serve the Lord Christ.’
These words apply to all who serve in any way. Christians should be responsive and biddable to those who have the right to bid them. They should not only work hard when watched, but also when no one is watching. They should remember that the Lord is watching and will require their failure of them or reward them for their dedication. They should have only one aim. To please the Lord. For in the end they have only one Lord, Christ Himself. Many to whom these words were addressed were slaves, but they were to remember that they were the Lord’s freemen (1Co 7:22; Rom 8:21; Joh 8:36) and behave accordingly.
‘Obey in all things.’ Willing to do anything unless forbidden by a higher law. ‘Your masters according to the flesh.’ That is, from a human point of view. ‘Not with eye-service.’ Either working hard only when being watched or doing only what will be visible to the naked eye. Either way it means skimping on work. ‘Singleness of heart.’ Having only one purpose in mind, to do the job fully and satisfactorily, remembering that the Lord is watching and will require it of them.
‘Whatever you do, work heartily.’ The Christian always gives his best in everything. And he knows that by so doing he receives the greater inheritance, for His Lord will not overlook what he has done.
‘The recompense of the inheritance.’ See Gal 3:18; Gal 4:1; Eph 1:14; Eph 1:18; Eph 5:5; Col 1:12. We are both the Lord’s heritage and will receive from Him our inheritance, the ‘inheritance of the saints in light’ (Col 1:12). For, in the final analysis, the Lord we serve is the Lord Christ. There is a divine paradox here in that the slave of men is the freeman of the Lord and will finally receive the greater inheritance.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
Submission Between Masters and Slaves – The passage of Col 3:22 to Col 4:1 addresses the relationship of slave and master in regards to submitting to one another in the fear of the Lord. We may apply it today to employee-employer. Paul deals with this social relationship within the context of the theme of Colossians, which is the Lordship of Jesus Christ in the life of a believer. Slave ownership was an important part of the economic structure of the Roman society. Without it, the Empire would not be able to finance its infrastructure. Yet our Christian ethics tell us that it is morally wrong.
Slavery in the African Mission Field – In order to understand the wisdom that the Lord gave Paul in dealing with the issue of slavery, it is helpful to look back upon a similar incident in the missionary efforts of Alexander Mackay and his team as they made their way to the East African country of Uganda to evangelize the natives. Upon arriving on the east coast of Africa, the team initially chased slave caravans and successfully set free a number of slaves. However, they quickly found themselves in ill favor with many native people around them. When an Arab slave-dealer named Songoro ran to find refuge with two team members of Mackay, the local king sent a troop of natives and killed the entire group, the slave-dealer and the two white missionaries. Mackay learned a difficult lesson about engaging himself in the private affairs of the local people, particularly when it involved slave trade. [97] Although Wilberforce had led the British Parliament in condemning slavery in the West a few decades earlier, and the Civil War in the U.S. freed American slaves, it was not Mackay’s role to change this primitive African society by force, but rather by conversion to Christ so that the people would change their society willingly, which is exactly what took place in the decades ahead in East Africa. If fact, Mackay changed his approach by asking the king of Uganda to do away with slavery in his territory, which did not work immediately.
[97] C. T. Wilson, Alexander Mackay: Missionary Hero of Uganda. (London: The Sunday School Union, 1893), p. 29, 31-32
Col 3:22 “but in singleness of heart” – Comments Strong says the Greek word “singleness” ( ) (G572) means “singleness, sincerity, generosity.” It is used in Mat 6:22.
Mat 6:22, “The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single , thy whole body shall be full of light.”
Col 3:22 Comments – Slavery – Slavery was a big part of the fabric of Roman society. There were an estimated sixty million slaves serving their masters in the Roman Empire, which had an estimated population of one hundred and twenty million people. Thus, half of the population was bound in slavery. The cruel Roman government enforced this bondage because the success of its economy was dependent upon the sweat of slave labour. Thus, Paul had to be careful not to appear as if he was calling for a revolution of emancipation of slavery. He would have quickly been thrown in prison. Yet, his Jewish background found him against it. His understand of the Gospel led him to the understanding that slavery was not God’s will for mankind. Thus, every time Paul addresses this issue, he does it with carefulness by drawing attention to the spiritual laws of freedom in Christ and servanthood to one another.
1Co 7:21, “Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather.”
Eph 6:5-9, “Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.”
1Ti 6:1-2, “Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.”
1Pe 2:18, “Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.”
Col 3:23 Word Study on “heartily” The Greek phrase (heartily) literally means, “from the soul.” BDAG says it means, “from the heart, or gladly.”
Col 3:23 Comments – Someone who begins a task and is out to please man generally will not last long, but will cease when the praises cease. However, one who does something to please God regardless of man’s thought, will often get the job done. Whatever you do, do it from this point of view, “I’m not doing this to please so-and-so, but I’m doing this task for Jesus, to please God.”
Col 3:23-24 Comments Serving as Unto the Lord – In May 1993, I was working with DMJ Management. I had just been promoted from a maintenance man at Brown Trail Apartments up to the position of construction manager. At this time, the annual voting took place throughout the company for various awards. These awards were to be handed out at the annual banquet in June. I was voted as the employee of the year. However, since I had just been promoted to a position of a supervisor a few weeks earlier, I was now disqualified for these awards. One day I received a call from the manager of this company. He explained to me that I had received the award, but that it would have to be given to the runner-up. I responded by saying it was fine with me, since I was doing my job as a service to the Lord. I then quoting these two verses to my boss, as the Lord quickened them to me.
Fuente: Everett’s Study Notes on the Holy Scriptures
Col 3:22 . Comp. Eph 6:5 ff. The minuteness with which Paul enters into this point in comparison with the others, may naturally have been caused by the flight and conversion of Onesimus, who was a Colossian slave.
] the masters, who are so after a fleshly manner, i.e . in respect to material-human nature; a description, which presupposes another relation belonging to the higher pneumatic sphere, in which, namely, Christ is (Col 3:24 ) the master. Comp. Rom 9:3 .
. .] See on Eph 6:6 . The obedience of Christian slaves becomes men-pleasing , and, to appearance, eye-service , when it is not subordinated to, and normally conditioned by, the fear of Christ (2Co 5:11 ) as the higher Master. See below, where . (see on Eph 6:5 ) corresponds to the ., and . . to the . Eye service presupposes insincerity of heart , and men -pleasing takes for granted a want of the fear of Christ . Comp. on the latter, Gal 1:10 .
Fuente: Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer’s New Testament Commentary
c) To servants and masters
(Col 3:22 to Col 4:1.)
22Servants,35 obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eye service [eye services],36 as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God [the Lord].37 23And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily [whatever ye do, do it from the heart],38 as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive 25the reward of the inheritance: [.] for ye serve [Serve ye]39 the Lord Christ. But [For]40 he that doeth wrong shall receive41 for the wrong which he hath done42: and there is no respect of persons.
Col 4:1Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.
EXEGETICAL AND CRITICAL
Col 3:22. Servants.This point is treated in the most detailed manner, as though this were the state of the Church in the main: as Eph 6:5-8; also Tit 2:9-10; 1Pe 2:18-25 (comp. Col 1:18-21). Comp. also 1Co 1:20, and 1Pe 1:1, according to which Peter wrote to the Church at Colosse also. The view of Schenkel, : it is possible, as Meter supposes, that this (i. e., the minuteness) was occasioned by the flight and conversion of the slave Onesimus, a native of and fugitive from Colosse, is groundless. [Braunes opinion that includes all servants, bond or free, seems correct (see Eph 6:5), but the free servants were the exception then. Nothing is Said for or against slavery in this passage, whatever may be implied.R.]
Obey in all things your masters according to the flesh.See Eph 6:5. In all things ( ), as in Col 3:20, is new. [Wordsworth remarks on this phrase in Col 3:20 and here: An example of a precept proceeding on the charitable supposition that the other party will do its duty; for if Parents and Masters order any thing contrary to Gods law, then Children and Servants must obey God rather than men (Act 5:29).R.] Contrasted with masters according to the flesh is One according to the spirit, in heaven (comp. Col 3:24; Col 4:1).
Not with eye services, as men-pleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing the Lord,Not with eye services marks by the use of the plural, the individual manifestations of eye service; found only here and in Eph 4:6 (singular). [Here the concrete acts, there the abstract spirit (Alford).R.] It is contrasted with but in singleness of heart, which is wanting in the dishonesty of eyeservice as men-pleasers is contrasted with fearing the Lord. [The Lord, , , ; the turn of the thought in the correct reading is lost both in the E. V. and the rendering above. Meyer : The obedience of the Christian slave becomes man-pleasing towards his master, and eye-service in appearance, if it be not subordinated to the fear of Christ, the higher Master, and accordingly conditioned by this.R.] The same words as in Eph 6:5-6, but more sharply conceived. [Eadie, referring this to slaves exclusively, remarks : The Apostle does not speak vaguely, but hits upon those vices which slavery is so apt to engenderindolence, eye-service and reluctance in labor.R.]
Col 3:23. Whatever ye do.Whatever ye do in servitude (Bengel). The verse relates to individual and little things. See Eph 6:8.Do it from the heart, as to the Lord and not unto men. standing first for emphasis, and demanding glad, willing action, refers back to in singleness of heart; as to the Lord, demanding constant mindfulness of the present heavenly Master, to fearing the Lord; while the absolute negative not () unto men refers to men-pleasers.[Meyer: As to the Lord, the point of view of the doing; this should be regarded as taking place for Christ, as service rendered to Him. And the relation to the human master ( dative of the category) should not, in this method of regarding it, be taken into the account at all,on the principle of not serving two masters,hence is not relatively, but absolutely negative.R.]
Col 3:24. Knowing.[Seeing ye know, da Ihr wisset.R.]The motive for such conduct (Eph 6:8).That of the Lord ye shall receive the reward [or recompense] of the inheritance.That sets forth the tenor of this Christian consciousness. Of () the Lord denotes that the Lord is the Possessor, Source and Origin, while (Eph 6:8) indicates the immediate communication through the Lord (Winers Gram. p. 343). Ye shall receive points to the future, its signification referring to a reception of that which is lacking. The recompense ( only here; Rom 11:9 : ) with the article denotes a recompense in prospect, while the preposition () indicates that it is one compensating for the present, privations by means of an inheritance, which is wanting to and yet wanted by the slave here; for of the inheritance () is an epexegetical genitive (Winers Gram. p. 494), as Jam 1:12; Act 2:10. This inheritance is the full salvation, heritage of heaven, although in this world you do not have an inheritance, yet you have part of the inheritance passing from the Master to the free (Bengel).
Serve ye the Lord [Master] Christ.The Apostles comprehensive conclusion. Christ, who recompenses those serving Himself (Bengel). It is incorrect to join of the inheritance with the Lord (serve the Master of the inheritance), and also wrong to take the verb as indicative [as is done in the E. V., to which the incorrect reading has probably led.R.]; neither find any reason or necessity in the context.
Col 3:25. In view of the importance of this matter, another reason is added : For he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done.The meaning of this general proposition (locus communis) clearly is that every one reaps what he sows (Winers Gram. p. 576); sowing wrong, he reaps wrong, as he reaps good when he sows good (Gal 6:8). This confirms the exhortation to serve Christ, for slaves and domestic servants alike; from it they should deduce the conclusion, to gladly obey. It is contrary to the meaning, not to apply it to the slaves (Meyer, who renders to limiting it to the masters. Schenkel). Paul admonishes the slaves here, while he encourages them Eph 6:8. [The reference is doubtful. Ellicott, Alford follow Meyer, and refer to the master. The proposition is undoubtedly general, and has an application to both master and slave. The context seems to indicate the latter as the reference intended by the Apostle.R.]Receive refers to the judgment of the Lord, in which the inheritance is concerned, and wrong which he hath done ( ) marks the connection of the Wrong on earth, and condemnation, destruction in eternity, where sin has transferred itself in its results and consequences.
And there is no respect of persons.This means in this connection, that the low and insignificant as well as the high and distinguished are equal before God. The former often boast themselves of their poverty, as if on account of this they must he finally blessed and receive reward; the insignificant often think, that they are to be spared on account of their insignificance (Bengel). This is not far-fetched (aus der Luft fegriffen, Meyer), but taken from the context. Eph 6:9 refers to masters. [The idea is indeed common among men, that God respects not the person of a rich man, but that of a poor man.R.]
Col 4:1. Masters, .See Eph 6:9.Give unto your servants that which is just and equal. is what belongs to the slave of rightnot historical, human right, but according to the regulations given within the domain of creation, and the rights thus set forth; hence what belongs to them as Gods creatures, as human beings. And something truer and higher; that which is equal, denotes the equality ordained within the domain of Redemption, according to which the redeemed are brethren (Phm 1:16); this parity they should show in their treatment of the slaves. It is incorrect to regard it as merely equity (Steiger, Bleek) [Alford, fairnessR.], or impartial treatment (Erasmus and others). [Ellicott says of the view of Meyer as given above: This is ingenious and plausible, but not satisfactory, from its association with . There is this objection to it, that it limits the duty to Christian masters in their dealings with Christian slaves. See Eadie in loco. Notice the dynamic form of the middle : supply on your side, as far as you are concerned.R.]
The motive is added: knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven, who is over you, and your Almighty, Omniscient, Just and Eternal Master. See on Eph 6:9.
DOCTRINAL AND ETHICAL
Compare Eph 4:5-9.
[These precepts in force where there are no slaves. Through Gods merciful Providence, the application of these precepts to a state of slavery has become unnecessary among us. But the relations of master and servant, employer and employee still exist, and there is as much need for the application of the Apostles words to those who occupy these relative positions, as to servants and masters in the relation existing at Colosse. When we consider how much is said of the conflict between labor and capital, how large a part of the comfort and happiness of women in the household depends on the right conduct of these relations, we may be glad that Paul writes not merely for a state of slavery, but for all masters and servants, and at the same time regret that social science has so often attempted to settle troublesome questions of this kind, without the aid of Christianity. A large class are becoming not only unchristian but antichristian, because Christianity, which abolished slavery, has not yet been thoroughly applied to the relations of labor and capital.Too many fancy that God is no respecter of the person of a capitalist, but takes the working mans part, whether justice be on his side or not.R.]
HOMILETICAL AND PRACTICAL
Starke:God in His wisdom has so classed men, that some are subjects and servants, while others command and should rule. This is not contrary to the equality of Christians, or to Christian brotherhood; they are still one in Christ. Therefore servants should not have so great a dislike to service, but serve with alacrity and with the heartier obedience, particularly as they are not slaves, but free.
Rieger:Him who fears God and honors God by keeping His commands, God honors in turn by giving him a suitable respect in the government of his own house. Men-pleasing and eye-service at first succeeds very well, but in the long run it becomes intolerable.
Passavant:A Christian may well tremble as he looks at his servant and asks himself: Why am I his master? Why is he my servant? The answer is: That I may take him just as he is, so bear and forbear with him as to sweeten his servile condition with all lenity and consideration, as to sanctify his calling to him, helping him out of his natural or habitual sins.
Heubner:The character and doings of the Christian are soulful ( ). The doings of others are cold and dead.Unrighteous servants will be punished too; God does not let Himself be led by weak sympathy into indulgence.
[Schleiermacher:All improvements in the social relations of men must proceed, not from a disturbance of order and a violent throwing off of obedience, but from the greater power of love.Burkitt:Wink at some trivial miscarriages of servants. He must keep no servant that will have a servant with no faults.R.]
[Eadie:
Col 3:22. Refractoriness on the part of the slave would at once have embittered his life, and brought discredit on the new religion which he possessed; but active and cheerful discharge of all duty would both benefit himself, promote his comfort and recommend Christianity.Duplicity is the vice which the slave uses as his shield.
Col 4:1. Let the great Masters treatment of you be your model of your treatment of them.(Abridged) Three positions of the Apostle fatal to slavery: 1) He denies that slaves are an inferior caste (Homer, Aristotle); 2) certain duties to slaves spring from natural right; 3) in the Christian Church there is neither bond nor free. Master and slave were alike the free servants of a common Lord in heaven.R.]
Footnotes:
[35]Col 3:22.[Modern English commentators render , slaves or bondmen. As Braune makes it include (here and Eph 1:1,) all servants, bond or free, the E. V. is sufficiently explicit.R.]
[36]Col 3:22.The reading, , is well attested by . C. K. L. It is lectio dijficilior, while the singular is probably taken from Eph 6:6. [Tischendorf, Alford, Ellicott and others adopt the plural mainly on critical grounds; the singular is attested by A. B. D. F., adopted by Lachmann, Meyer, Eadie, Wordsworth.On the different shade of meaning see Exeg. Notes.R.]
[37]Col 3:22.. A. B. C. and others have ; is weakly supported.
[38]Col 3:23.. A. B. C. and others read ; the other reading, , , is not sufficiently supported. [, from the heart, Rhem.R.]
[39]Col 3:24.[Rec. inserts on insufficient authority. The verb is imperative; Meyer, Eadie, Alford, Ellicott, Vulgate, etc.R.]
[40]Col 3:25.. A. B. C. and others read . Others read [followed by E. V. This and the reading above rejected (Col 3:24) stand or fall together, on exegetical as well as critical grounds.R.]
[41]Col 3:25.. A. C. and others [Alford; Wordsworth; read ; B. and others [Tischendorf, Lachmann, Meyer, Ellicott], .
[42]Col 4:1. is established by . A. B. C. and others, instead of . [Lachmann, Tischendorf, Meyer, Alford, Ellicott, Wordsworth, adopt the singular; the plural apparently taken from Eph 6:9.R.]
Fuente: A Commentary on the Holy Scriptures, Critical, Doctrinal, and Homiletical by Lange
22 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:
Ver. 22. Not with eye service ] See Trapp on “ Eph 6:5 “ See Trapp on “ Eph 6:6 “ It is in the original, “Not with eye services,” in the plural, ; to show that do they never so much service, yet if not in sincerity, all is lost.
Fearing God ] That hath power to cast body and soul to hell. Fear him more than you do your masters, that have power over the flesh only.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
22 .] See on Eph 6:5 ff. The here are the concrete acts of the – of Eph 6:6 , the abstract spirit.
, Him who is absolutely, and not merely , your master. , , , . , , , Chrys.
Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament
Col 3:22 . The case of slaves is treated at greater length than that of the other family relations, probably on account of Onesimus. But Paul was much possessed with the need for keeping Christianity free from the suspicion it naturally created of undermining the constitution of society. So while , is a distinction which has vanished for Christianity, in the interests of Christianity as a spiritual power social freedom had to be cheerfully foregone till the new religion was able to assert its principle with success. An instructive parallel is the exhortation to submission to constituted authority in Rom 13 . In Paul’s time slaves probably made up the larger part of the population of the empire. : opposed to their spiritual Lord. : acts of eye-service (singular in Eph 6:6 ), i.e. , service which is most zealous when the eye of the master or overseer is upon them. The word was perhaps coined by Paul. . It is the Christian’s first duty to please the Lord, and this he can do only by conscientious performance of his tasks quite apart from the recognition he receives from men. If the principle of his conduct is the pleasing of men, he will neglect his duty where this motive cannot operate. : “singleness of heart,” opposed to the double-dealing of eye-service. : in significant contrast to the masters according to the flesh.
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Col 3:22 to Col 4:1
22Slaves, in all things obey those who are your masters on earth, not with external service, as those who merely please men, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. 23Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, 24knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. 25For he who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that without partiality. Col 4:1 Masters, grant to your slaves justice and fairness, knowing that you too have a Master in heaven.
Col 3:22 “Slaves, in all things obey” There should be no paragraph break at Col 3:22. This is a present active imperative, “keep on obeying.” This is the third example from the Christian home (cf. Eph 6:5-9). In our day this might relate (i.e., apply to) to Christian employers and employees. In Ephesians, and probably also here in Colossians, it refers to both saved and lost masters.
I personally do not believe this “in all things” refers to evil or sin (cf. Act 5:29). This is a general statement admonishing obedience, not a license for believers to participate in things which are excluded by Scripture. This is also true of wives (cf. Col 3:18; Eph 5:22). See Special Topic: Paul’s Admonitions to Slaves at Eph 6:5.
“sincerity of heart” See Special Topic below.
SPECIAL TOPIC: GENEROUS/SINCERE (HAPLOTES)
Col 3:23 Serving the Lord is the motive for all Christians in all their activities (cf. Col 3:17; Eph 6:7; 1Co 10:31)! Believers should be daily, living witnesses of the redeeming power of God!
Col 3:24 In the ancient world slaves had no inheritance rights. But now, in Christ, they do! God is going to reward those who love, worship, and serve Him (cf. Col 3:23; Eph 6:8).
Col 3:25 Divine judgment is dispensed without partiality (cf. Deu 10:17; Act 10:34; Rom 2:11; Eph 2:9; Eph 6:9; 1Pe 1:17). This principle is expressed clearly in Gal 6:7. Even believers will give an account unto God, not for sin, but for stewardship (cf. 2Co 5:10). Sin has consequences in time and in eternity!
Col 4:1 This shows the reciprocal responsibility (cf. Col 3:19; Col 3:21). Unlike Ephesians, this text speaks to Christian slave owners (cf. Philemon). The NIV Study Bible (p. 1817) adds an interesting comment: “The reason Paul writes more about slaves and masters than about wives, husbands, children, and fathers may be that the slave Onesimus (cf. Col 4:9) is going along with Tychicus to deliver this Colossean letter and the letter to Philemon, Onesimus’ master, who also lived at Colossae.”
This verse contextually should go with chapter 3. It concludes Paul’s domestic example of Christlike living. See Special Topic: Paul’s Admonitions to Slaves at Eph 6:5.
Copyright 2013 Bible Lessons International
Fuente: You Can Understand the Bible: Study Guide Commentary Series by Bob Utley
Servants. App-190.
masters. App-98.
according to. App-104.
eyeservice . . . menpleasers. See Eph 6:6,
singleness. See Eph 6:5.
God. The texts read “the Lord”,
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
22.] See on Eph 6:5 ff. The here are the concrete acts of the – of Eph 6:6, the abstract spirit.
, Him who is absolutely, and not merely , your master. , , , . , , , Chrys.
Fuente: The Greek Testament
Col 3:22. , God) who knows the heart.
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
Col 3:22
Col 3:22
Servants, obey in all things them that are your masters according to the flesh;-Slavery existed in the days of the apostles by political authority; and was recognized and regulated among Christians with reference to both master and slave. God did not break and destroy the relationships fixed by political governments suddenly. He breathed into them a spirit which softened their harsh features, and gradually prepared men to see the evils of such relations and that influence finally destroyed it. Christians are to obey their masters in all things.
not with eye-service,-[Service that must be watched to see that it was done at all, or properly done. The aim of the service was to seem faithful.]
as men-pleasers,-Solely desirous of pleasing men without reference to the right or wrong of the thing done. [To please men is their aim-and therefore their work is only such as falls within the range of human observation. Such merely external service is utterly unworthy of Christians. For it brings him down to the level of those whose well-being depends on the smiles of their fellows.]
but in singleness of heart, fearing the Lord:-With the desire to do right for its own sake, or rather for the sake of the Lord Jesus as their divine Master; as against the selfish aim of men-pleasers. The principles here laid down as to slaves apply to all cases where one is entitled to the service of another, whether he be slave or hired servant; and all men who work for wages, from the president down, are in the good sense of the term hired servants. The admonition is, when one is entitled to your service, render it heartily and faithfully, knowing that God will take account of your faithfulness. God will hold to accountability as unworthy the man who is not as diligent and faithful in the absence of the employer as in his presence.
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
obey: Col 3:20, Psa 123:2, Mal 1:6, Mat 8:9, Luk 6:46, Luk 7:8, Eph 6:5-7, 1Ti 6:1, 1Ti 6:2, Tit 2:9, Tit 2:10, Phm 1:16, 1Pe 2:18, 1Pe 2:19
menpleasers: Gal 1:10, 1Th 2:4
in singleness: Mat 6:22, Act 2:46, Eph 6:5
fearing: Gen 42:18, Neh 5:9, Neh 5:15, Ecc 5:7, Ecc 8:12, Ecc 12:13, 2Co 7:1
Reciprocal: Gen 30:29 – General Gen 31:6 – General 2Ch 30:8 – serve Psa 86:11 – unite Psa 116:6 – preserveth Psa 119:10 – my whole Pro 27:18 – so Zec 14:20 – shall there Mat 6:18 – appear Luk 7:2 – who Luk 11:34 – single Rom 12:8 – with simplicity Rom 12:11 – serving 1Co 7:22 – is the Eph 5:22 – as Eph 5:24 – in Eph 6:6 – eyeservice 1Th 4:11 – and to do 1Pe 3:2 – with
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
RULES OF SERVICE
Servants, obey in all things your masters not with eye-service but in singleness of heart do it heartily, as to the Lord for ye serve the Lord Christ.
Col 3:22-24
St. Paul has been giving some plain instructions about the family life, showing how husbands and wives, parents and children, should dwell together in mutual love, obedience, forbearance. But he does not lay down rules only for these. He remembers that in most households are to be found those who, though occupying socially a humbler position, are baptized people, members of the Body, and so he goes on to say some clear, strong things about the duties of servants to their masters, and of masters to their servants.
Let us consider, then, what Gods word says about the duties of servants towards their masters. And here we notice three things which mark the work of the true servant.
I. The first is singleness of heart.That means, I take it, that all ones thoughts and energies should be centred on ones work. Aimless work, half-hearted work, is imperfect and poor always. Only that to which our whole powers have been given is ever of any lasting value.
II. Then the servants work should always be honest work.Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers, says the Apostle, and that word eyeservice is a very suggestive word. When we speak of a house which has been built merely for show, built of bad materials, its thin walls loosely put together, its woodwork wrought out of green timber, we say that the work has been scamped. Now, scamping work and eyeservice mean just the same thing. Nearly all the task set is badly done, as much as possible is left undone, only the little bit which of necessity, or in all probability, must come under the eye of the master or the mistress is well done. The work is done so as to save the doer time and labour at the employers expense, and is no better than an acted lie; the unfaithful servant who has wrought it is as much a liar as though in so many words that servant had assured the master that the work was honestly done. The true servants spirit is the reverse of all this.
III. But there is a higher and a more ennobling motive far, and that is work for Gods sake.Heartily, as to the Lord. The noblest, truest service can only be given where the giver has given his heart to God, and strives to serve and please Him. Such a man knows his place in the great family, and believes that his Heavenly Master has given it to him, and so every bit of work he has to do he does as under the gaze of the All-Seeing Eye.
Rev. S. Pascoe.
Illustrations
(1) There was a poor ignorant servant-maid once whose heart was touched, and who began to live the higher life. And some people, who should have known better, teased her to tell them in what way her new life differed from the old. Some of you, I suppose, know the story and her simple answer: I sweep under the mats now, she said. She was no longer giving mere eyeservice. She was now working heartily, as to the Lord, and not one speck of dust should His eyes see. That is the sort of work He ennobles and blesses, and such a servant is as truly working for Him as is the priest, or the student, or the statesman.
(2)Teach me, my God and King,
In all things Thee to see,
And what I do in anything
To do it as for Thee.
A servant with this clause
Makes drudgery divine:
Who sweeps a room as for Thy laws
Makes that and the action fine.
Fuente: Church Pulpit Commentary
(Col 3:22.) . [Eph 6:5.] The master of the slave is only so- , the relationship is but corporeal and external, the contrast being-the real master is the Lord Christ. No distinction can be established between and in the New Testament, either in their Divine or human application. The principle of the obedience is , as in Col 3:20. Refractoriness on the part of the slave would at once have embittered his life, and brought discredit on the new religion which he professed, but active and cheerful discharge of all duty would both benefit himself, promote his comfort, and recommend Christianity.
-Not with eye-service, as men-pleasers. [Eph 6:6.] The plural form of the first noun is preferred by some, as being the more difficult reading, but the singular has A, B, D, E, F, G, in its favour. Yet Tischendorf has rejected it in spite of all this testimony. The Codices D, E, F, G, have another, and perhaps more correct spelling-. In Eph 6:6, the apostle uses , but here . In the former place they are enjoined to obey in singleness of heart, as unto Christ-not according to eye-service-that is, not in the style of eye-service; here they are asked not to serve in eye-service, that is, in the spirit of it. Slaves have usually but the one motive, and that is, to avoid punishment, and therefore they only labour to please the master when his eye is on them. They are disposed to trifle when he is absent, in the hope that their indolence may not be detected. But Christian slaves were to work on principle, were to do their duty at all times, and from a higher motive, conscious that another eye was upon them, and that their service was really rendered to another master. Such a conviction would prevent them being . See under Eph 6:6, where we have noticed the necessary connection of this vice with slavery.
-But in singleness of heart fearing the Lord (Christ). is preferred to on undoubted authority. [Eph 6:5.] Singleness of heart (1Ch 29:17) is that sincerity which the heathen slave could scarcely possess, for he would often seem to work, and yet contrive to enjoy his ease under the semblance of activity. Duplicity is the vice which the slave uses as his shield. He professes anxiety when he feels none, and he exhibits a show of industry without the reality. For this singleness of heart could only be secured by such a motive as the gospel presents-fearing the Lord-standing in awe of His authority over them. They would not be men-pleasers if they bowed to Christ’s authority, for then their aim would be to please Him; nor would there be eye-service, if they wrought in singleness of heart, for such a feeling would lead them to conclude the task in hand, irrespectively of every minor and personal consideration.
Fuente: Commentary on the Greek Text of Galatians, Ephesians, Colossians and Phillipians
Col 3:22. It was not the purpose of the Lord to interfere with the relation of master and servant, for that is a temporal one. But He gave regulations for their conduct toward each other when either or both became disciples, which frequently occurred. Eye service means “service performed only under the master’s eye.”–Thayer. Singleness is another name for sincerity, and such service here termed eye service would not be sincere, and would not be prompted by the fear or respect for God.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
Col 3:22. Servants, lit., bondmen, slaves. See Eph 6:5-6.
In all things. Peculiar to this passage. Here, as in Col 3:20, it states the general rule; the limitations arise from the modifications of the relation, but chiefly from the superior commands of God.
Hasten according to the flesh; in contrast with the higher Master; Lord representing the same Greek word.
Not with eyeservice, lit., eyeservices. In Ephesians, the singular points to the abstract spirit; the plural here, to the various manifestations of it. The word was coined by the Apostle to express the service which aims only to seem faithful.
As menpleasers. The motive must be a higher one than that of pleasing men. Eyeservices are the natural result of being men-pleasers.
But in singleness of heart. Duplicity is a vice engendered by slavery, but wherever one serves another for wages there is room for it. The Christian should render the service due another, with a desire to be, not merely to seem, faithful.
Fearing the Lord. (The reading, God, is poorly supported.) The same word is translated master in the beginning of the verse. Hence the thought is: your real Master (not according to the flesh) is Christ; jour obedience is to be prompted, not by a desire to please men, but by a fear of the Lord Christ (Col 3:24). Too often employers have been expected to act in a Christian, benevolent spirit, while the employees forgot their true Lord.
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
Observe here, 1. The general duty incumbent upon all servants, and that is obedience to such as are their masters according to the flesh, to execute all their lawful commands; such as are God’s freemen, may be servants to men, though not the servants of men.
Observe, 2. The qualifications and properties of this obedience which is due and payable from servants to masters, it must be in singleness of heart, in great simplicity and sincerity of spirit, and with an eye to their great Master in heaven; with an eye to the command of their great Master, with an eye to the presence of their great Master, to the assistance and acceptance of their great Master, and to the honour and glory of him also; and it must be done heartily, and with good will, as to the Lord, and not to men.
Learn hence, That the meanest and basest services in the place and station in which God sets us, being done with right qualifications, and from sincere motives, and for sincere ends, is service done to Christ, and as such, shall be accepted and rewarded by him.
Observe, 3. The mighty reward which the Spirit of God propounds as an encouragement ot poor servants in their obedience to their masters. Of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of their inheritance. No service so mean but shall be rewarded, if conscientiously performed; no distinction in heaven between servants and sons, all shall receive the inheritance there, who have done faithful service here; and as the meanest service done with right qualifications, is service done to Christ, so shall it be accepted of him, and rewarded by him; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance, for ye serve the Lord Christ.
Fuente: Expository Notes with Practical Observations on the New Testament
Instructions for Servants and Masters
Paul has been criticized by some for not openly condemning slavery. However, the instructions he gave to slave and master must have hastened that terrible system’s end. If a servant wanted to please the Lord, he would obey his master and do his work so as to be acceptable in God’s sight. Pleasing God can only be accomplished by doing things right through and through and not merely on the surface. Such service would quickly attract the master’s attention and might cause him to ask what was different about the slave.
Because Christians wear the name of Christ, they should give their very best in service. Everything believers do should first be done to please the Lord. Men might fail to give a proper reward for things one does but God will always reward appropriately. In Paul’s day, slaves could not receive an inheritance. In Christ, one is not a slave but a son and is thus eligible for an inheritance in heaven ( Gal 4:7 ). God’s children serve Christ Jesus and He will not have them go unrewarded.
Whether slave or master, the one who violates Christ’s law will be rewarded with punishment. God is impartial and will reward each according to his deeds ( Gal 6:7-8 ). Masters of slaves needed to remember that they had a Master in heaven. That Master will judge them in the same manner they have judged their slaves ( Col 3:22-25 ; Col 4:1 ; Mat 7:1-2 ; Eph 6:8-9 ).
Fuente: Gary Hampton Commentary on Selected Books
Verse 22
Eye-service; pretended fidelity.–Singleness; honesty and faithfulness.
Fuente: Abbott’s Illustrated New Testament
“Servants, obey in all things [your] masters according to the flesh; not with eye-service, as men-pleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:”
We might take a moment to consider slavery at the time of the writing of this book. It has been suggested that approximately half the Roman empire was
slaves to the other half of the Roman empire.
Now, place this passage in that context. Couple of items. Paul did not rant and rave about the wrongness of slavery – he acknowledged that it existed and taught the Christians how to live within this system.
We might also submit that not all slaves in the Roman empire had Sunday off to go to two services. They attended the services when they could. You can apply that feature yourself to the thought of having to work on Sunday.
Since we have no slavery in most of the world, we would want to apply this passage to the work world – the relationship between the employee and employer.
It seems to me that the order of rank in the work area is Christ, boss, company, and you. Keeping this standard as best, you can is important to your testimony.
Can you keep this ranking if you join a union? Maybe, maybe not, but usually the union becomes the top dog rather than Christ – they can tell you what you are going to do.
We might ask, should you ask for promotions? If that is the norm for the job then go for it.
Should you ask for raises? I never have and have always had what the Lord wanted to provide.
Should you do things you know are wrong because you are told to? No, your Christian standards should not be compromised – you may lose your job, but you will have done right.
You are to do your work as unto the Lord, not to please the boss. Please the Lord and all will be well with your job.
Fuente: Mr. D’s Notes on Selected New Testament Books by Stanley Derickson
3:22 {14} Servants, obey in all things [your] masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:
(14) Of servants, that fearing God himself to whom their obedience is acceptable, they reverently, faithfully, and from the heart, obey their masters.
Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes
Paul probably made this section longer than the preceding two because he sent this epistle to Colosse with the Epistle to Philemon. Onesimus, Philemon’s run-away slave, carried them. [Note: Johnson, 482:109, 113; Lightfoot, p. 226.] Moreover there may well have been more slaves in the Colossian church than masters (cf. 1Co 1:26). The friction inherent in this situation probably called for extended comments on master-slave relationships in the body of Christ and in this church particularly. Note also that Paul did not argue for the abolition of slavery but urged Christians to behave as Christians within that social structure.
". . . those who live in modern social democracies, in which interest groups can hope to exert political pressure by intensive lobbying, should remember that in the cities of Paul’s day the great bulk of Christians would have had no possibility whatsoever of exerting any political pressure for any particular policy or reform. In such circumstances a pragmatic quietism was the most effective means of gaining room enough to develop the quality of personal relationships which would establish and build up the microcosms (churches) of transformed communities." [Note: Dunn, p. 253.]
Paul’s view was this. It is more important for Christians to carry out our mission as Christians, in whatever social conditions we find ourselves, than it is for us to make changing those conditions our primary concern (cf. Mat 28:19-20; 1Co 7:20-22). [Note: See Wiersbe, 2:144.] "On earth" means in your physical relationships. In spiritual matters the slave and his master were equal brothers in Christ. Slaves in the Roman Empire were similar to domestic servants in Victorian Britain. [Note: Dunn, p. 252.]
Fuente: Expository Notes of Dr. Constable (Old and New Testaments)
3. Slaves and masters 3:22-4:1 (cf. Eph 6:5-9; 1Pe 2:18-25)