Colossians 4:1

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 4:1-18

It is erroneous to affirm that this First Epistle to the Thessalonians is devoid of doctrinal statements. The supreme dignity of the Lord Jesus Christ, the spiritual kingdom which he has established in this world, the deliverance from the wrath to come effected by him, the necessity of holiness for salvation, the reign of Christ in heaven, the resurrection of the just, the second advent of Christ, the blessedness of a future state to the righteous and the wrath which awaits the wicked, are all... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Colossians 4:1

Masters, give unto your servants ... - See the notes at Ephesians 6:9.That which is just and equal - What they ought to have; what is fairly their due. The apostle here, probably, refers to bondmen or slaves, and the propriety of this rule is apparent. Such persons were subject to their masters’ control; their time and services were at their disposal, and they could not enforce their just and equal claims by an appeal to the laws. They were, therefore, dependent on the equity and kindness of... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Colossians 4:1

Colossians 4:1. Masters, give unto your servants that which is just Namely, competent food, Proverbs 31:15; wages, James 5:4; and suitable work, neither too much, Proverbs 12:10, nor too little, Proverbs 29:21; and equal Or equitable, distinguishing the most faithful among them by particular rewards. See on Ephesians 6:9. read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Colossians 4:1-6

Life in the home and in society (3:18-4:6)Harmony in the home depends on the husband’s showing understanding love to his wife, and the wife’s showing loyal submission to her husband (18-19). Children are to be obedient to their parents, but parents must treat their children with understanding and not be harsh or unreasonable (20-21). When slaves work for their masters as if they were working for the Lord Christ, they will produce work of good quality. Masters, on their part, must reward their... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Colossians 4:1

Masters. See Colossians 3:22 . unto = to. servants. See Col 8:22 . just . App-191 . knowing. App-132 . in. App-104 . heaven. See Matthew 6:9 , Matthew 6:10 . read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Colossians 4:1

COL. 4The epistle moves quickly to its conclusion in these 18 verses. First, there is the conclusion of the instruction on reciprocal relationships (Colossians 4:1), followed by a brief paragraph on prayer and Christian conduct (Colossians 4:2-6); next, Paul mentions affairs pertaining to himself and his imprisonment (Colossians 4:7-9); then comes the paragraph regarding greetings from and greetings to various persons (Colossians 4:10-17); and finally there stands the apostolic autograph,... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Colossians 4:1

1. give—Greek "render": literally, "afford." equal—that is, as the slaves owe their duties to you, so you equally owe to them your duties as masters. Compare "ye masters do the same things" (see on :-). ALFORD translates, "fairness," "equity," which gives a large and liberal interpretation of justice in common matters ( :-). knowing— ( :-). ye also—as well as they. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Colossians 4:1

Masters should remember that they have a Master too. This view should transform how they regard and treat their slaves. Interestingly throughout history wherever Christians have constituted a significant segment of the population and have followed Paul’s directions here, the slave system has died. The principles in these verses (Colossians 3:22 to Colossians 4:1) are, of course, applicable to employer-employee relationships as well. [Note: Ellis, p. 1344.] William Webb offered an extensive... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Colossians 4:1-6

IV. EXHORTATIONS TO PRACTICAL CHRISTIAN LIVING 3:1-4:6Paul moved from doctrine to practice, from the truth to its application in daily living. He began this next major section of the epistle by setting forth a basic principle. Then he explained the proper method of living. This led him to discuss the Christian’s fundamental relationships. He concluded this section by summarizing the essential practice. read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Colossians 4:1-18

Exhortation and Greeting2-6. Exhortation to prayer and wisdom in dealing with heathen.6. Grace, not divine grace, but graciousness. Their speech must be winning and wise, seasoned with salt.7-18. Commendation of bearers of the letter, and salutations.8. I have sent] i.e. I am (now) sending.He might know your estate] RV ’that ye may know our estate.’10. Sister’s son] RV ’cousin.’ They must have received these commands at an earlier time. 14. From this v., compared with Colossians 4:11, it is... read more

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