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 discussion of how to apply these instructions. [Note: William J. Webb, Slaves, Women & Homosexuals.] I do not agree with his "redemptive-movement hermeneutic," or what I would call a "trajectory hermeneutic," because I believe it is subjective, though I believe he offers some helpful suggestions. [Note: See Wayne Grudem, "Should We Move Beyond the New Testament to a Better Ethic?" Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 47:2 (June 2004):299-346, for a longer analysis of Webb’s book with similar criticisms as mine.]

The fact that the word "Lord" occurs frequently (seven times) in Colossians 3:18 to Colossians 4:1 highlights the importance of applying the lordship of Christ in all our interpersonal relationships.

"It should be remembered that, while all Christians are on the same level in the Lord, there are still spheres in which subordination must be recognized. In fact, there are four spheres in which believers live: (a) in Christ; (b) in the household; (c) in the church; (d) in the state. In Christ there is no difference between Jew and Greek, bond and free, or male and female (Galatians 3:28). In the household, while there is intrinsic spiritual equality, there are distinctions. The husband is the head of the wife (Ephesians 5:23), and children are to obey both (Ephesians 6:1; cf. Colossians 3:20), the Lord being the supreme illustration (Luke 2:51). The slave, too, is to be subject to his master (Titus 2:9; 1 Peter 2:18). In the church all are subject to the oversight of the elders (1 Thessalonians 5:12; Hebrews 13:7), and to the Lord (Ephesians 5:24). In the state even the believers, although God’s children and heavenly citizens, are subject to the secular authorities and earthly statutes (Romans 13:1; Titus 3:1; 1 Peter 2:13)." [Note: Johnson, 482:109-10. See E. Glenn Hinson, "The Christian Household in Colossians 3:18-4:1," Review and Expositor 70:4 (Fall 1973):495-506.]