Larry Reynolds, Denton, TX

•  Verses 18-19 – The husband/wife relationship
•  Verses 20-21 – The parent/child relationship
•  Verses 22-4:1 – The master/slave relationship

It is important to understand that this paragraph is talking more about responsibilities than privileges. As you read this, focus more on what you are to do than what the other person is to do.

Master/slave relationship (verses 22 – 4:1) – It is interesting that Paul devotes only two verses to husbands/wives and children/parents, but he devotes five verses to masters/slaves. I think that is because it is estimated that nearly 1/3 of population of the ancient world consisted of slaves. Many Christians came from this population. How to relate to their earthly masters was a big issue. Also, this letter was sent back to Colossae along with Onesimus, a run-a-way slave, whose master, Philemon, was in the church at Colossae.

Verses 22-25 are directed toward slaves. (“Slaves, 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. Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men; knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. For he who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that without partiality.”) There are some principles here about how Christians should approach their work, whatever their work may be. Basic thrust of all that is that God's people should do their work with diligence. Look at some of the phrases: 

• "external service" (literally "eye-service") ? Means doing the minimum necessary to get by...working with no real enthusiasm or diligence...
• "merely pleasing men" ? Working just to please person or people for whom working...see no larger purpose in work...fail relate work to God's call on life…
• "sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord" ? Do your work in such a way that it will stand the scrutiny of the Lord...

 Verse 4:1 is directed toward masters. (Masters, grant to your slaves justice and fairness, knowing that you too have a Master in heaven.”) This verse contains an idea which would have been viewed as nothing less than revolutionary in the 1^st century world. “Masters, grant to your slaves justice and fairness...” There was no such requirement of masters by 1^st century law. They were completely free to do whatever they wanted to a slave. But that’s not way should be among God’s people.

• “justice” - Often used in NT describe one’s standing before God...not enough live up to conventional community morality in relation to co-workers...must do what is acceptable to God...
• “fairness” - Simply means to do what is right...

The point is we are to treat our co-workers in right way. For employees, that means giving an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay. For employers, that means compensating those who work for us fairly and treating them with dignity and respect.

For more detailed notes on Colossians go to http://www.larryreynolds.org-a.googlepages.com/home)