Colossians 4:1. Masters. See Ephesians 6:9.

Give (supply on your part) unto your servants that which is just and equal; lit, ‘the equality.' The latter word may suggest the thought of equality as brethren in Christ, since Christian motives are advanced throughout. But associated with ‘just,' the reference seems to be to ‘equity,' to fair, impartial treatment. The other explanation would limit the application to Christian slaves. In any case the justice and equity are those of God's law, not the narrower conceptions of human jurisprudence. Oppression is most severe, when it is legal.

A master in heaven; evidently ‘Christ,' the ‘Lord.' The recognition of Christ as Master is the fundamental principle in Christian social science.

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Old Testament