Colossians 3:22
Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord.
Slaves
The Greek word used here is "δοῦλοι" (douloi), which can be translated as "slaves" or "bondservants." In the historical context of the Roman Empire, slavery was a common institution, and many early Christians were slaves. This term reflects a social reality of the time, where individuals were bound to serve their masters. From a conservative Christian perspective, this verse is not an endorsement of slavery but rather an instruction for those in servitude to live out their faith within their circumstances.

Obey
The Greek word "ὑπακούετε" (hypakouete) means to listen attentively and to conform to a command or authority. This obedience is not merely external compliance but an internal submission that reflects a heart aligned with God's will. It emphasizes the Christian virtue of humility and submission to authority, as long as it does not contradict God's commands.

Your earthly masters
The phrase "κατὰ σάρκα κυρίοις" (kata sarka kyriois) refers to human or fleshly masters, distinguishing them from the ultimate Master, who is God. This distinction reminds believers that while they may serve human authorities, their ultimate allegiance is to God. It also implies a temporary and earthly nature of such relationships, contrasting with the eternal relationship with Christ.

In everything
This phrase underscores the comprehensive nature of the obedience expected. It calls for a consistent and wholehearted approach to service, reflecting integrity and dedication in all tasks, whether significant or mundane. This comprehensive obedience is a testimony to the transformative power of the Gospel in every aspect of life.

Not only to please them while they are watching
The Greek phrase "μὴ ἐν ὀφθαλμοδουλίᾳ" (mē en ophthalmodoulia) literally means "not with eye-service." This term suggests a superficial or hypocritical form of obedience that is only performed when being observed. Christians are called to a higher standard, serving with genuine commitment rather than seeking to impress or gain favor from human masters.

But with sincerity of heart
The phrase "ἀλλ’ ἐν ἁπλότητι καρδίας" (all’ en haplotēti kardias) emphasizes purity and simplicity of intention. "Sincerity" here implies a singleness of purpose and a genuine, undivided heart. This reflects a deep, internal transformation that aligns one's actions with their faith, serving as unto the Lord rather than for human approval.

And fear of the Lord
The Greek "καὶ φόβῳ Κυρίου" (kai phobō Kyriou) conveys a reverential awe and respect for God. This fear is not about being afraid but about recognizing God's holiness and authority. It serves as the ultimate motivation for obedience, reminding believers that their service is ultimately directed toward God, who sees and rewards all actions. This fear of the Lord is foundational to wisdom and righteous living, guiding believers to act with integrity and devotion.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul the Apostle
The author of the letter to the Colossians, providing guidance to the early Christian community.

2. Colossian Church
The recipients of the letter, a Christian community in the city of Colossae in Asia Minor.

3. Slaves
Individuals in servitude, addressed directly in this passage, representing a significant portion of the early Christian community.

4. Earthly Masters
The human authorities over the slaves, to whom the slaves are instructed to show obedience.

5. The Lord
Refers to Jesus Christ, whose authority and reverence are the ultimate motivation for the behavior of believers.
Teaching Points
Obedience as a Testimony of Faith
Believers are called to demonstrate their faith through obedience, reflecting Christ’s example of submission.

Sincerity of Heart
Actions should be motivated by genuine sincerity and integrity, not merely external compliance.

Reverence for the Lord
Our ultimate allegiance is to Christ, and our earthly duties should reflect our reverence for Him.

Work as Worship
Every task, no matter how mundane, can be an act of worship when done for the Lord.

Transforming Social Structures
While the text addresses a specific social structure, the principles of respect and integrity transcend time and culture, encouraging believers to transform their environments through Christ-like behavior.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the historical context of slavery in the Roman Empire help us interpret Colossians 3:22?

2. In what ways can modern employees apply the principles of this verse in their workplace?

3. How does the call to obey "with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord" challenge our motivations in daily tasks?

4. How can the principles in Colossians 3:22 be applied to relationships where there is an imbalance of power?

5. How do the teachings in Colossians 3:22 relate to the concept of spiritual equality found in Galatians 3:28?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ephesians 6:5-8
Similar instructions are given to slaves, emphasizing obedience and sincerity as service to Christ.

1 Peter 2:18-20
Encourages slaves to submit to their masters, even those who are harsh, as a testimony of their faith.

Galatians 3:28
Highlights the spiritual equality of all believers in Christ, regardless of social status.

Philemon 1:15-16
Paul’s letter to Philemon about Onesimus, a slave, urging a relationship based on brotherhood in Christ.
Servants and MastersW.F. Adneney Colossians 3:22-4:1
Servants and Their MastersE.S. Prout Colossians 3:22-4:1
Faithfulness in WorkH. D. Machay.Colossians 3:22-25
Loving Service is True ServiceC. H. Spurgeon.Colossians 3:22-25
Religious Regulations for Master and ServantU.R. Thomas Colossians 3:22-25
Servants and MastersBishop Davenant.Colossians 3:22-25
The Duties of ServantsG. Barlow.Colossians 3:22-25
The Duties of ServantsT. Croskery Colossians 3:22-25
People
Christians, Colossians, Paul, Timothy
Places
Colossae
Topics
Acts, Aiming, Bondmen, Earthly, External, Eye, Eyeservice, Eye-service, Eye-services, Favor, Fear, Fearing, Flesh, Heart, Masters, Menpleasers, Men-pleasers, Merely, Natural, Obedient, Obey, Orders, Please, Pleasers, Purpose, Reverence, Servants, Service, Simplicity, Sincerity, Singleness, Slaves, Win
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Colossians 3:22

     5395   lordship, human and divine
     5523   servants, good
     5524   servants, bad
     5861   favour, human
     5919   popularity
     8336   reverence, and obedience
     8337   reverence, and behaviour
     8463   priority, of faith, hope and love
     8720   double-mindedness

Colossians 3:18-22

     8242   ethics, personal

Colossians 3:22-23

     5017   heart, renewal

Colossians 3:22-24

     5522   servants, work conditions
     5629   work, ordained by God
     5959   submission
     7448   slavery, in NT
     8344   servanthood, in believers

Colossians 3:22-25

     5909   motives, importance

Library
The Peace of God
Baltimore, U.S., 1874. Westminster Abbey. November 8, 1874. Colossians. iii 15. "Let the peace of God rule in your hearts." The peace of God. That is what the priest will invoke for you all, when you leave this abbey. Do you know what it is? Whether you do or not, let me tell you in a few words, what I seem to myself to have learned concerning that peace. What it is? how we can obtain it? and why so many do not obtain it, and are, therefore, not at peace? It is worth while to do so. For
Charles Kingsley—All Saints' Day and Other Sermons

May 5. "If Ye Then be Risen" (Col. Iii. 1).
"If ye then be risen" (Col. iii. 1). God is waiting this morning to mark the opening hours for every ready and willing heart with a touch of life and power that will lift our lives to higher pleasures and offer to our vision grander horizons of hope and holy service. We shall not need to seek far to discover our risen Lord. He was in advance even of the earliest seeker that Easter morning, and He will be waiting for us before the break of day with His glad "All Hail," if we have only eyes to see
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

February 17. "Your Life is Hid" (Col. Iii. 3).
"Your life is hid" (Col. iii. 3). Some Christians loom up in larger proportion than is becoming. They can tell, and others can tell, how many souls they bring to Christ. Their labor seems to crystallize and become its own memorial. Others again seem to blend so wholly with other workers that their own individuality can scarcely be traced. And yet, after all, this is the most Christ-like ministry of all, for the Master Himself does not even appear in the work of the church except as her hidden Life
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

May 18. "For Ye are Dead" (Col. Iii. 3).
"For ye are dead" (Col. iii. 3). Now, this definite, absolute and final putting off of ourselves in an act of death, is something we cannot do ourselves. It is not self-mortifying, but it is dying with Christ. There is nothing can do it but the Cross of Christ and the Spirit of God. The church is full of half dead people who have been trying, like poor Nero, to slay themselves for years, and have not had the courage to strike the fatal blow. Oh, if they would just put themselves at Jesus' feet, and
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Fifth Sunday after Epiphany
Text: Colossians 3, 12-17. 12 Put on therefore, as God's elect, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, longsuffering; 13 forbearing one another, and forgiving each other, if any man have a complaint against any; even as the Lord forgave you, so also do ye: 14 and above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfectness. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to the which also ye were called in one body; and be ye thankful. 16 Let the Word
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

Easter Wednesday Also Suited to Easter Tuesday.
Text: Colossians 3, 1-7. 1 If then ye were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are upon the earth. 3 For ye died, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall be manifested, then shall ye also with him be manifested in glory. 5 Put to death therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, passion,
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

Risen with Christ
'If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory. 5. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Christian Training of Children.
TEXT: COL. iii. 21. MY devout hearers! Christian families, founded on the holy bond of marriage, are appointed, in the divine order of things, to be the nurseries of the future generation. It is there that the young souls who are to be our successors in cultivating the vineyard of God are to be trained and developed; it is there the process is to begin of restraining and cleansing away the corruption inherent in them as the children of sinful men; there that their earliest longings after fellowship
Friedrich Schleiermacher—Selected Sermons of Schleiermacher

Unity and Peace.
Preached February 9, 1851. UNITY AND PEACE. "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful."--Colossians iii. 15. There is something in these words that might surprise us. It might surprise us to find that peace is urged on us as a duty. There can be no duty except where there is a matter of obedience; and it might seem to us that peace is a something over which we have no power. It is a privilege to have peace, but it would appear
Frederick W. Robertson—Sermons Preached at Brighton

Christ is All
Observe in this chapter that he begins by reminding the saints of their having risen with Christ. If they indeed have risen with him, he argues that they should leave the grave of iniquity and the graveclothes of their sins behind, and act as those who are endowed with that superior life, which accounts sin to be death and corruption. He then goes on to declare that the believer's life is in Christ, "for ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God." He infers holiness from this also. Shall
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871

Christ is All
MY text is so very short that you cannot forget it; and, I am quite certain, if you are Christians at all, you will be sure to agree with it. What a multitude of religions there is in this poor wicked world of ours! Men have taken it into their heads to invent various systems of religion and if you look round the world, you will see scores of different sects; but it is a great fact that, while there is a multitude of false religions, there is but one that is true. While there are many falsehoods,
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 61: 1915

Some General Uses.
Before we come to speak of some particular cases of deadness, wherein believers are to make use of Christ as the Life, we shall first propose some useful consequences and deductions from what hath been spoken of this life; and, I. The faith of those things, which have been mentioned, would be of great use and advantage to believers; and therefore they should study to have the faith of this truth fixed on their hearts, and a deep impression thereof on their spirits, to the end, that, 1. Be their case
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

Cups Running Over
Brokenness, however, is but the beginning of Revival. Revival itself is being absolutely filled to overflowing with the Holy Spirit, and that is victorious living. If we were asked this moment if we were filled with the Holy Spirit, how many of us would dare to answer "yes"? Revival is when we can say "yes" at any moment of the day. It is not egoistic to say so, for filling to overflowing is utterly and completely God's work--it is all of grace. All we have to do is to present our empty, broken self
Roy Hession and Revel Hession—The Calvary Road

What have I to do with Idols?
MUCH is said in reproof of Ephraim by the prophet Hosea. All the wicked dealings and defilement of Ephraim is uncovered--and the Lord said: "I will be unto Ephraim as a lion." Again Jehovah said: "Ephraim is like a cake not turned." "Ephraim is like a silly dove without heart." "Ephraim hath made many altars to sin." "Ephraim is joined to idols, let him alone." But all reproof and chastisement did not bring Ephraim back. Nothing seemed to be able to draw Ephraim's heart away from the idols. At the
Arno Gaebelein—The Lord of Glory

Christ Our Life.
Colossians 3:4.--Christ who is our life. One question that rises in every mind is this: "How can I live that life of perfect trust in God?" Many do not know the right answer, or the full answer. It is this: "Christ must live it in me." That is what He became man for; as a man to live a life of trust in God, and so to show to us how we ought to live. When He had done that upon earth, He went to heaven, that He might do more than show us, might give us, and live in us that life of trust. It is as we
Andrew Murray—The Master's Indwelling

Meditations of the Misery of a Man not Reconciled to God in Christ.
O wretched Man! where shall I begin to describe thine endless misery, who art condemned as soon as conceived; and adjudged to eternal death, before thou wast born to a temporal life? A beginning indeed, I find, but no end of thy miseries. For when Adam and Eve, being created after God's own image, and placed in Paradise, that they and their posterity might live in a blessed state of life immortal, having dominion over all earthly creatures, and only restrained from the fruit of one tree, as a sign
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Christ all and in All.
(Colossians iii. 11.) Christ is all to us that we make Him to be. I want to emphasize that word "all." Some men make Him to be "a root out of a dry ground," "without form or comeliness." He is nothing to them; they do not want Him. Some Christians have a very small Saviour, for they are not willing to receive Him fully, and let Him do great and mighty things for them. Others have a mighty Saviour, because they make Him to be great and mighty. If we would know what Christ wants to be to us, we
Dwight L. Moody—The Way to God and How to Find It

But, after that He had Made Mention of These Evils...
30. But, after that he had made mention of these evils, he added and said, "On account of which cometh the wrath of God on the sons of unbelief." [1923] Surely it was a wholesome alarm that believers might not think that they could be saved on account of their faith alone, even although they should live in these evils: the Apostle James with most clear speech crying out against that notion, and saying, "If any say that he have faith, and have not works, shall his faith be able to save him?" [1924]
St. Augustine—On Continence

"But Now do Ye Also," Saith He, "Put Down All...
31. "But now do ye also," saith he, "put down all;" [1927] and he makes mention of several more evils of that sort. But what is it, that it is not enough for him to say, "Do ye put down all," but that he added the conjunction and said, "ye also?" save that lest they should not think that they did those evils and lived in them with impunity on this account, because their faith set them free from wrath, which cometh upon the sons of unbelief, doing these things, and living in them without faith. Do
St. Augustine—On Continence

Epistle xxxiii. To Dominicus.
To Dominicus. Gregory to Dominicus, Bishop of Carthage. The letter of your Holiness, which we received at the hands of the bearer of these presents, so expressed priestly moderation as to soothe us, in a manner, with the bodily presence of its author. Nor indeed does infrequency of communication cause any harm where the affection of love remains uninterrupted in one's mind. Great, moreover, is the power of charity, beloved brother, which binds hearts one to another in mutual affection with the
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

How Servants and Masters are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 6). Differently to be admonished are servants and masters. Servants, to wit, that they ever keep in view the humility of their condition; but masters, that they lose not recollection of their nature, in which they are constituted on an equality with servants. Servants are to be admonished that they despise not their masters, lest they offend God, if by behaving themselves proudly they gainsay His ordinance: masters, too, are to be admonished, that they are proud against God with respect
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

How Subjects and Prelates are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 5.) Differently to be admonished are subjects and prelates: the former that subjection crush them not, the latter that superior place elate them not: the former that they fail not to fulfil what is commanded them, the latter that they command not more to be fulfilled than is just: the former that they submit humbly, the latter that they preside temperately. For this, which may be understood also figuratively, is said to the former, Children, obey your parents in the Lord: but to
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Third Sunday after Trinity Humility, Trust, Watchfulness, Suffering
Text: 1 Peter 5, 5-11. 5 Likewise, ye younger, be subject unto the elder. Yea, all of you gird yourselves with humility, to serve one another: for God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble. 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time; 7 casting all your anxiety upon him, because he careth for you. 8 Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 whom withstand stedfast
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III

What the Scriptures Principally Teach: the Ruin and Recovery of Man. Faith and Love Towards Christ.
2 Tim. i. 13.--"Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus." Here is the sum of religion. Here you have a compend of the doctrine of the Scriptures. All divine truths may be reduced to these two heads,--faith and love; what we ought to believe, and what we ought to do. This is all the Scriptures teach, and this is all we have to learn. What have we to know, but what God hath revealed of himself to us? And what have we to do, but what
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

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