Colossians 3:21

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Colossians 3:18-25

The apostle concludes the chapter with exhortations to relative duties, as before in the epistle to the Ephesians. The epistles which are most taken up in displaying the glory of divine grace, and magnifying the Lord Jesus, are the most particular and distinct in pressing the duties of the several relations. We must never separate the privileges and duties of the gospel religion. I. He begins with the duties of wives and husbands (Col. 3:18): Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Colossians 3:18-25

3:18-25 Wives, be submissive to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not treat them harshly. Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing in the Lord. Fathers, do not irritate your children, that they may not lose heart. Slaves, obey in all things those who are your human masters, not only when you are watched, like those whose only desire is to please men, but in sincerity of heart, reverencing the Lord. Whatever... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Colossians 3:18-25

Let us look briefly at each of these three spheres of human relationships. (i) The wife is to be submissive to her husband; but the husband is to love his wife and to treat her with all kindness. The practical effect of the marriage laws and customs of ancient times was that the husband became an unquestioned dictator and the wife little more than a servant to bring up his children and to minister to his needs. The fundamental effect of this Christian teaching is that marriage becomes a... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Colossians 3:18-25

(iii) Paul then turns to the greatest problem of all--the relationship between slave and master. It will be noted that this section is far longer than the other two; and its length may well be due to long talks which Paul had with the runaway slave, Onesimus, whom later he was to send back to his master Philemon. Paul says things which must have amazed both sides. He insists that the slave must be a conscientious workman. He is in effect saying that his Christianity must make him a better... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Colossians 3:21

Fathers, provoke not your children to anger ,.... See Gill on Ephesians 6:4 . lest they be discouraged ; or disheartened and dispirited; their spirits be broke through grief and trouble, and they become indolent, sluggish, and unfit for business; or, despairing of having any share in the affections of their parents, disregard their commands, instructions, and corrections, and grow obdurate, stubborn, and rebellious. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Colossians 3:21

Fathers, provoke not - See the notes on Ephesians 6:4 . read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 3:18-21

The Christian view of family life. The spirit which was abroad in the early Colossian Church was at once so ascetic and so pietistic that it undervalued home, depreciated family ties, despised human relationships. We have heard Paul boldly meet this spirit with the great doctrine that Christ is the Fulness of all things, Sustainer of all, Mediator of all, King of all, End of all. Here, and in preceding paragraphs, he is meeting detailed developments of that evil spirit by detailed precepts... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 3:20-21

Children and parents. The family and the Church, the natural and spiritual home, are the two most sacred associations on earth, having as their Head. "the Father from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named" ( Ephesians 3:15 ). The strength of the nation and the welfare of the world are inseparably bound up with families. Madame de Stael, asked by Bonaparte what was the greatest want of France, replied, "Mothers." The gospel brings to families the blessing of Abraham ( ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 3:20-21

Children and parents. (See on Ephesians 6:1-4 .)—W.F.A. Verse 22-Colossians 4:1 Servants and masters. (See on Ephesians 6:5-9 .)—W.F.A. Colossians 3:24 (last clause) The service of Christ. St. Paul is giving directions to bondservants. But if they serve the Lord Christ, so also must all other Christians ( Colossians 4:1 ). The principles of conduct recommended to the slaves may be taken home to ourselves by all of us. I. CHRISTIANITY IS THE SERVICE ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 3:21

Ye fathers, do not irritate your children, lest they be disheartened ( Ephesians 6:4 ). ερεθίζω ("irritate" or "provoke") St. Paul uses once besides ( 2 Corinthians 9:2 ), in a good sense. It implies a use of parental authority which, by continual exactions and complaints, teaches the child to look on the father as his enemy rather than his friend. The synonymous παροργίζω of Ephesians 6:4 , found here in many copies, is, more definitely "to rouse to anger." αθυμέω (only... read more

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