Colossians 3:23

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 3:23

And whatsoever ye do ,.... Some have thought that these words, and the two following verses, regard the Colossians in general, and the performance of any, and all good works by them; but by their connection with the preceding verse, and with the beginning of the next chapter, they appear to concern servants only, and what they do under that character, and under the discharge of their duty: do it heartily , not by mere force and necessity, grudgingly, and with murmurings, but from the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 3:22-25

The duties of servants. The apostle enters into fuller detail in his injunctions to servants, because his intercourse with Onesimus, a Colossian slave now returning to his master Philemon in a new character, had turned his thoughts to the condition and difficulties of the whole class of dependants. His injunctions to them imply that they had a right to be instructed out of the Word, and that if men have less consideration for their interests, the Lord redoubles his concern for them. There... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 3:22-25

Religious regulations for master and servant. The length of the paragraph on this topic is probably partly the result of Paul's having then and there so much to do with Onesimus, the runaway slave whom he was sending back to his master. "Bought and adopted and in Christ a brother; claimed and completed, and in Christ a man." But besides this personal reason, Paul must have felt that there was, in the state of the Colossian society of the time, an urgent need for this lengthy and detailed... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 3:23

Whatever ye be doing, work (therein) from (the) soul, as to the Lord, and not to men ( Colossians 3:17 ; Ephesians 6:6 , Ephesians 6:7 ; 1 Corinthians 7:21-23 ). (On the first clause, see Colossians 3:17 .) In the Revised Text, however, the turn of expression differs from that of Colossians 3:17 , πᾶν being cancelled. The writer is thinking, not so much of the variety of service possible, as of the spirit which should pervade it. "Do" is replaced in the second clause by... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Colossians 3:22-25

Servants, obey in all things ... - ; see the notes at Ephesians 6:5-8. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Colossians 3:18-25

Colossians 3:18-25. Wives, submit yourselves Or be subject; to your own husbands Whether they be Christians or heathen. See on Ephesians 5:22. As it is fit Both in regard of God’s command, and the evil that would arise from the neglect of this duty; in the Lord In obedience to the Lord, and in all lawful things. Husbands, love your wives As yourselves, and as Christ loved the church: see Ephesians 5:25; Ephesians 5:28. And be not bitter Harsh and rigorous, either in spirit, word,... read more

Group of Brands