22. (Ephesians 6:5; Ephesians 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—"simplicity of heart." fearing God—The oldest manuscripts read, "the Lord." read more
23. And—omitted in the oldest manuscripts (compare Ephesians 6:7; Ephesians 6:8). Compare the same principle in the case of all men, Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 31:21; Romans 12:11). do, do it—two distinct Greek verbs, "Whatsoever ye do, work at it" (or "labor at" it). heartily—not from servile constraint, but with hearty good will. read more
1. Wives and husbands 3:18-19 (cf. Ephesians 5:22-33; ; 1 Peter 3:1-7) read more
Husbands have two responsibilities toward their wives. First, they must love them rather than treating them as subjects. Loving here involves doing what is best for the one loved, sacrificing self-interests for those of the one loved (cf. John 15:13), and behaving unselfishly (1 Corinthians 13). The Greek word translated "love" is agapao, the "all give" type of love, not phileo, the "give and take" type, nor erao, the "all take" type.Second, husbands must not allow a bitter attitude to develop... read more
Children are to obey (hypakoute) both parents. The Greek word for obey implies a readiness to listen to and carry out parental instructions. The Greek word for children (tekna) means youths in contrast to babes and toddlers. "All things" is the general principle and would cover 99 percent of the cases involved in a Christian home. However every Christian is primarily responsible to the Lord, of course. Consequently if the parent required the child to disobey God, the child should obey God... read more
2. Children and parents 3:20-21 (cf. Ephesians 6:1-4) read more
While children must obey both parents, the father (pateron) has the primary responsibility for his children as head of the household. For this reason Paul addressed the fathers here. What is in view here is the habitual provoking of children by insensitive parents, especially fathers. Some provocation is necessary in disciplining, but ceaseless irritation causes children to become discouraged, sullen, angry, and even hateful."Paul may have had in mind the regimen of ’don’ts’ that loomed so... read more
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. 1 Corinthians 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... read more
Slaves should do their work primarily for the Lord. This view of work transforms a worker’s attitudes and performance. Even the most servile work thereby becomes a ministry and an act of worship."He means, ’Don’t keep your eye on the clock. Keep your eye on Christ. He is the One whom you are serving.’ This is the way you ought to do your job. "If you are lazy on the job, you are not dedicated to Jesus Christ." [Note: McGee, 5:361.] The Lord will reward such service with an inheritance (1... read more
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Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Colossians 3:21
21. ( :-.) It is a different Greek verb, therefore translate here, "irritate not." By perpetual fault-finding "children" are "discouraged" or "disheartened." A broken-down spirit is fatal to youth [BENGEL]. read more