Colossians 4:1 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Colossians 4:1

The apostle proceeds with the duty of masters to their servants, which might have been joined to the foregoing chapter, and is a part of that discourse. Here observe, 1. Justice is required of them: Give unto your servants that which is just and equal (Col. 4:1), not only strict justice, but equity and kindness. Be faithful to your promises to them, and perform your agreements; not defrauding them of their dues, nor keeping back by fraud the hire of the labourers, Jas. 5:4. Require no more of... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Colossians 4:1

Masters, give unto your servants ,.... This verse properly belongs to the preceding chapter, with which it should have been concluded. It is indeed strange, that those who made the division of chapters and verses should separate this from the former chapter, to which it so manifestly belongs, and begin a new one with it, when it has no connection with what follows; for the apostle having observed the duty of servants to their masters, proceeds to direct masters to the discharge of their duty... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Colossians 4:1

Masters, give unto your servants - This verse should have been added to the preceding, to which it properly belongs; and this chapter should have begun with Colossians 4:2 . That which is just and equal - As they are bondmen or slaves of whom the apostle speaks, we may at once see with what propriety this exhortation is given. The condition of slaves among the Greeks and Romans was wretched in the extreme; they could appeal to no law; and they could neither expect justice nor equity.... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Colossians 4:1

Verse 1 1.Masters, what is just. He mentions first, what is just, by which term he expresses that kindness, as to which he has given injunction in the Epistle to the Ephesians. (Ephesians 6:8.) But as masters, looking down as it were from aloft, despise the condition of servants, so that they think that they are bound by no law, Paul brings them under control, (462) because both are equally under subjection to the authority of God. Hence that equity of which he makes mention. And mutual... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 4:1

(See Colossians 3:1-25 .) read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 4:1

The duties of masters. "Masters, render unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven." I. THE DUTY OF MASTERS . It is here enforced only on its positive side. 1 . Justice. Masters must give their servants what is according to contract, or according to what is just in itself, as to work, wages, food, correction, and example. 2 . Equality. Masters sometimes treat servants unequally in demanding inconvenient service, an... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 4:1-18

The coincidences between the Epistle and the incidents in the life of Paul, as recorded in the Acts, is another striking proof of its authenticity. £ In the Acts we read of the persecution to which Paul and Silas were subjected at Philippi, when, in violation of their rights as Roman citizens, they were publicly scourged and cast into prison. In the Epistle, written in the name of Paul and Silas, there is reference to this shameful treatment: "Even after we had suffered before and were... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 4:1-18

We have an account of the origin of the Church of Thessalonica in the Acts of the Apostles. In his second great missionary journey, Paul and his fellow-laborers, Silas and Timothy, had arrived at Alexandria Tress, when he was directed by a vision to cross over the AE gean Sea and repair to Europe. In obedience to this Divine direction, we are informed that loosing from Tress, they came with a straight course to the island of Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis, and from that they... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 4:1-18

With regard to its contents, the Epistle is divided into two parts: the first, comprehending the first three chapters, may be termed historical; the second, including the two last chapters, is practical. The apostle, after saluting the Thessalonians, renders thanks to God for the entrance of the gospel among them, for the mighty efficacy with which it was accompanied, and for the steadfastness of their faith ( 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 .). He alludes to his demeanor when in Thessalonica; how,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 4:1-18

Accordingly the place of writing was Corinth. In our New Testament, at the end of the Epistle, there is appended the note: "The First Epistle to the Thessalonians was written from Athens." Though such a note is found in the most ancient manuscripts, it is evidently a mistake. The Epistle could not have been written from Athens, for Silas and Timothy were not both there with the apostle; and it was not written until the return of Timothy from Thessalonica, which occurred at Corinth; nor is... read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Colossians 4:1

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Colossians 4:1

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Colossians 4:1

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Colossians 4:1

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 4:1

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 4:1

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 4:1-18

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 4:1-18

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 4:1-18

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 4:1-18

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