Colossians 4:1

Colossians 4:1. Masters, render unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.

Translation and Paraphrase

Colossians 4:1. (You) masters, render to the slaves that which is just and fair, because you know that you also have a master in heaven. (As you treat your slaves, the heavenly Master will treat you.)

Notes

1.

Paul commanded the masters (Gr. kurios, lord) to give to their slaves just and equal treatment. They must treat their slaves as they themselves desired Christ, the master in heaven, to treat them.

2.

If masters gave their slaves just and equal treatment, they would pay the slaves the same wages that they paid other hired workers for the same services. They would allow the slaves the same freedom of movement that they themselves enjoyed.

The practical result of this would be the end of slavery in every household where it was done. Indeed in thousands of Christian homes over the Roman empire slaves became fully or nearly free men. Many slaves desired to stay and work for their masters, but their service became a blessing for both slave and master.

3.

Perhaps the most prominent example of slave-master relationships is the case of Onesimus and Philemon. Philemon was urged to receive back his runaway slave, Onesimus, as a brother in the Lord. (Philemon 1:15-17).

4.

Old Testament law forbade masters to rule over slaves rigorously. (Leviticus 25:43; Leviticus 25:53). New Testament law is an advance even over the benign commandments of God in the Old Testament.

5.

Christ is truly Master of masters, Lord of lords, and King of kings. (Revelation 19:16; 1 Timothy 6:15).

Study and Review

74.

What were slave-masters to give (or render) to their slaves? (Colossians 4:1)

75.

Give specific suggestions as to how masters might give this to their slaves.

76.

Why was it essential that masters give slaves what was just? (Colossians 4:1)

77.

Who is the Master of masters?