Colossians 3:22

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. (Colossians 3:22-25). Probably the presence of Onesimus returning to Colossae with Tychicus made this section about bondservants pertinent. (See notes on Colossians 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 master's eye (or the inspector's 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? (Colossians 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? (Colossians 3:22)

65.

What is singleness of heart?

66.

What does fearing the Lord have to do with a slave's obedience?