Colossians 3:18
Verse
Context
Sermons
Keith Daniel
David Ravenhill
Stephen Olford
Annie Poonen
David Servant
W.F. AndersonArthur VessSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Wives, submit yourselves - Having done with general directions, the apostle comes to particular duties, which are commonly called relative; because they only belong to persons in certain situations; and are not incumbent on all. No woman has the duty of a wife to perform but she who is one, and no man has the duty of a husband to perform but he who is married. The directions here to wives, husbands, children, parents, servants, and masters, are so exactly the same in substance with those in Eph 5:22-33 (note); Eph 6:1-9 (note), that there is no need to repeat what has been said on those passages; and to the notes there the reader is requested to refer. As it is fit in the Lord - God commands it; and it is both proper and decent.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
unto your own husbands--The oldest manuscripts omit "own," which crept in from Eph 5:22. as it is fit in the Lord--Greek, "was fit," implying that there was at Colosse some degree of failure in fulfilling this duty, "as it was your duty to have done as disciples of the Lord."
John Gill Bible Commentary
Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands,.... The apostle proceeds from those duties which related to them as church members one towards another, for their mutual good and edification, and the glory of God, to such as concerned them in their own houses and families, as in a natural relation to each other; as husbands and wives, parents and children, masters and servants; showing hereby, that the Gospel does not at all break in upon, but establishes the duties of common and civil life. Concerning the duty wives to their husbands, here exhorted to; see Gill on Eph 5:22. The reason urging to a regard to it is, as it is fit in the Lord; that is, Christ, as the Syriac version reads it. Subjection of wives to their own husbands is "fit" and proper in its own nature, by reason of the original creation of man, and of the woman from him: man was made first, and then the woman; and the woman was made out of the man, out of one of his ribs; and so, though not to be trampled under his feet, but to be by his side, and an help meet to him, yet not to be head, or to rule over him. Moreover, the woman was made for the man, and not the man for the woman; add to this, that the woman was in the transgression, and the means of the fall of man, which gave a fresh reason for, and made the obligation to subjection to him the stronger: and it is also a "decent" and becoming thing for wives to be subject to their husbands; for as it is giving honour to them, it is a real ornament to themselves, and is one of those good works which women professing godliness should adorn themselves with; and makes more comely and beautiful than broidered hair; gold, pearls, or costly array, yea, than their natural favour and beauty: it is what is fitting "in the Lord": it is what he requires, not only what the law of God requires, see Co1 14:34 and which was enjoined originally, see Gen 3:16 and was charged as a duty under the legal dispensation; but is what is commanded by Christ under the Gospel dispensation, and is to be observed by all those that are "in" him, that profess to be new creatures, converted persons, that so the word of God be not blasphemed, and the enemy have no occasion to reproach, see Tit 2:5 though this phrase may also be considered as a restriction and limitation of this subjection; that though it reaches to all things, yet only to such as are agreeable to the will of the Lord, and not contrary to the Gospel of Christ; for in these they are not to be subject to them, but to Christ the Lord; but in all other things they are, even as the church is subject to Christ: and when this is the case, such subjection is regarded by Christ as if it was done to himself; and indeed his honour and glory should be the governing view in it; see Eph 5:22.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
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 it is fit in the Lord. Submission is the duty of wives, hupotassesthe. It is the same word which is used to express our duty to magistrates (Rom 13:1, Let every soul be subject to the higher powers), and is expressed by subjection and reverence, Eph 5:24, Eph 5:33. The reason is that Adam was first formed, then Eve: and Adam was not deceived, but the woman, being deceived, was in the transgression, Ti1 2:13, Ti1 2:14. He was first in the creation and last in the transgression. The head of the woman is the man; and the man is not of the woman, but the woman of the man; neither was the man created for the woman, but the woman for the man, Co1 11:3, Co1 11:8, Co1 11:9. It is agreeable to the order of nature and the reason of things, as well as the appointment and will of God. But then it is submission, not to a rigorous lord or absolute tyrant, who may do his will and is without restraints, but to a husband, and to her own husband, who stands in the nearest relation, and is under strict engagements to proper duty too. And this is fit in the Lord, it is becoming the relation, and what they are bound in duty to do, as an instance of obedience to the authority and law of Christ. On the other hand, husbands must love their wives, and not be bitter against them, Col 3:19. They must love them with tender and faithful affection, as Christ loved the church, and as their own bodies, and even as themselves (Eph 5:25, Eph 5:28, Eph 5:33), with a love peculiar to the nearest relation and the greatest comfort and blessing of life. And they must not be bitter against them, not use them unkindly, with harsh language or severe treatment, but be kind and obliging to them in all things; for the woman was made for the man, neither is the man without the woman, and the man also is by the woman, Co1 11:9, Co1 11:11, Co1 11:12. II. The duties of children and parents: Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing unto the Lord, Col 3:20. They must be willing to do all their lawful commands, and be at their direction and disposal; as those who have a natural right and are fitter to direct them than themselves. The apostle (Eph 6:2) requires them to honour as well as obey their parents; they must esteem them and think honourably of them, as the obedience of their lives must proceed from the esteem and opinion of their minds. And this is well-pleasing to God, or acceptable to him; for it is the first commandment with promise (Eph 6:2), with an explicit promise annexed to it, namely, That it shall be well with them, and they shall live long on the earth. Dutiful children are the most likely to prosper in the world and enjoy long life. And parents must be tender, as well as children obedient (Col 3:21): "Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged. Let not your authority over them be exercised with rigour and severity, but with kindness and gentleness, lest you raise their passions and discourage them in their duty, and by holding the reins too tight make them fly out with greater fierceness." The bad temper and example of imprudent parents often prove a great hindrance to their children and a stumbling-block in their way; see Eph 6:4. And it is by the tenderness of parents, and dutifulness of children, that God ordinarily furnishes his church with a seed to serve him, and propagates religion from age to age. III. Servants and masters: Servants, obey your masters in all things according to the flesh, Col 3:22. Servants must do the duty of the relation in which they stand, and obey their master's commands in all things which are consistent with their duty to God their heavenly Master. Not with eye-service, as men-pleasers - not only when their master's eye is upon them, but when they are from under their master's eye. They must be both just and diligent. In singleness of heart, fearing God - without selfish designs, or hypocrisy and disguise, as those who fear God and stand in awe of him. Observe, The fear of God ruling in the heart will make people good in every relation. Servants who fear God will be just and faithful when they are from under their master's eye, because they know they are under the eye of God. See Gen 20:11, Because I thought, Surely the fear of God is not in this place. Neh 5:15, But so did not I, because of the fear of God. "And whatsoever you do, do it heartily (Col 3:23), with diligence, not idly and slothfully:" or, "Do it cheerfully, not discontented at the providence of God which put you in that relation." - As to the Lord, and not as to men. It sanctifies a servant's work when it is done as unto God - with an eye to his glory and in obedience to his command, and not merely as unto men, or with regard to them only. Observe, We are really doing our duty to God when we are faithful in our duty to men. And, for servants' encouragement, let them know that a good and faithful servant is never the further from heaven for his being a servant: "Knowing that of the Lord you shall receive the reward of the inheritance, for you serve the Lord Christ, Col 3:24. Serving your masters according to the command of Christ, you serve Christ, and he will be your paymaster: you will have a glorious reward at last. Though you are now servants, you will receive the inheritance of sons. But, on the other hand, He who does wrong will receive for the wrong which he has done," Col 3:25. There is a righteous God, who, if servants wrong their masters, will reckon with them for it, though they may conceal it from their master's notice. And he will be sure to punish the unjust as well as reward the faithful servant: and so if masters wrong their servants. - And there is no respect of persons with him. The righteous Judge of the earth will be impartial, and carry it with an equal hand towards the master and servant; not swayed by any regard to men's outward circumstances and condition of life. The one and the other will stand upon a level at his tribunal. It is probable that the apostle has a particular respect, in all these instances of duty, to the case mentioned 1 Cor. 7 of relations of a different religion, as a Christian and heathen, a Jewish convert and an uncircumcised Gentile, where there was room to doubt whether they were bound to fulfil the proper duties of their several relations to such persons. And, if it hold in such cases, it is much stronger upon Christians one towards another, and where both are of the same religion. And how happy would the gospel religion make the world, if it every where prevailed; and how much would it influence every state of things and every relation of life!
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:18–4:1 This series of exhortations is called a household code. Paul gives instructions to wives (3:18), husbands (3:19), children (3:20), fathers (3:21), slaves (3:22-25), and masters (4:1). Such codes appear in Greco-Roman writers and elsewhere in the New Testament (see Eph 5:22–6:9; 1 Pet 2:18–3:7). 3:18 To submit is to recognize one’s place under someone else in a social order. Such submission always implies that God is at the top and that his will is paramount (cp. Acts 4:19-20; 5:29).
Colossians 3:18
Christian Households
17And whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.18Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(2008 Usa Tour) Marriage! the Scriptures!
By Keith Daniel6.0K1:45:50MarriageGEN 1:1GEN 1:26COL 3:18In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of love and obedience within the family. He emphasizes that husbands should love their wives as they love themselves, and wives should submit to their husbands. The preacher also highlights the significance of children obeying their parents and warns fathers not to provoke their children to anger. The sermon references biblical passages from Colossians and Ephesians to support these teachings.
Spiritual Warfare
By David Ravenhill3.4K1:04:23ACT 13:11COL 3:18In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of submission in various areas of life. He starts by emphasizing the need for children to obey their parents, as they are the authority placed over them by God. He then addresses fathers, urging them not to provoke or threaten their children, as God is watching and expects them to treat their children with respect. The preacher also talks about the concept of serving masters, encouraging slaves to be obedient not just outwardly, but from the heart, as they are ultimately serving God. Additionally, the sermon touches on the idea of tackling principalities and powers in the spiritual realm, highlighting the need for a corporate body to rise up and confront these forces. The preacher shares examples of individuals who have experienced breakthroughs in spiritual warfare through prayer and intercession.
(The Sufficiency of the Saviour) 3. for Home Life
By Stephen Olford1.7K1:00:10Sufficiency Of The SaviourFamily RolesChristian HomeCOL 3:18Stephen Olford emphasizes the significance of the Christian home, urging that it should be a place of peace, enlightenment, and enablement under the Lordship of Christ. He discusses the roles and duties of wives, husbands, and children, highlighting the importance of love, respect, and obedience within the family structure. Olford warns against the dangers of broken homes and stresses that a strong Christian family is foundational to society. He encourages parents to nurture their children with love and discipline, while also calling for a commitment to rebuild the altar of worship in homes. Ultimately, he reminds the congregation that the sufficiency of the Savior is essential for a thriving home life.
Sisters Blessing the Body of Christ
By Annie Poonen1.1K51:21PRO 14:1PRO 31:26LUK 10:42COL 3:18JAS 3:171PE 3:4
This sermon emphasizes the importance of building the body of Christ as women in the church. It discusses the significance of having a meek and quiet spirit, forgiving others, being a Mary in a martyr world, and seeking godly wisdom to build godly homes that contribute to a godly church. The speaker shares personal experiences and insights on prayer life, obedience, and surrendering all aspects of life to the Lord.
Crash Course to a Wonderful Family - Part 2
By David Servant58959:09EPH 5:33COL 3:18
This sermon emphasizes the importance of traditional family values and the need for husbands and wives to communicate openly and make efforts to understand and support each other. It touches on the differences between men and women in roles and responsibilities within the family, highlighting the need for mutual respect and appreciation. The sermon encourages husbands and wives to seek constructive feedback from each other to improve their relationship and commitment to serving one another.
Studies in James - Part 1
By W.F. Anderson38600:00ROM 10:9COL 3:18HEB 3:18HEB 5:9JAS 1:2In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of James, specifically chapter 1, verses 1-8. He emphasizes the importance of facing trials and temptations with joy, as they can lead to spiritual growth. The preacher also discusses the concept of faith and how it is not just about intellectual belief, but also about committing oneself to living out that belief through actions. He encourages the listeners to see challenges as opportunities for growth and to have a mindset of scattering seeds and multiplying the impact of their faith wherever they go.
The Choice of Your Life Companion
By Arthur Vess0PRO 18:22PRO 22:6PRO 31:10MAT 19:61CO 13:42CO 6:14EPH 5:22EPH 5:25COL 3:181TI 5:8Arthur Vess preaches on the importance of choosing a life companion wisely, emphasizing the need for a kindred and harmonious relationship with common goals and values. He highlights the significance of being equally yoked with a Christian companion to avoid conflicts and maintain a peaceful home. Vess also discusses the considerations of financial standing, cultural backgrounds, age levels, church relationships, and temperaments in choosing a life partner. He concludes by stressing the essential role of love as the foundation of a lasting and fulfilling marriage.
Devils in Their Homes!
By Thomas Brooks0True PietyDomestic DutiesCOL 3:181TI 5:8Thomas Brooks emphasizes that true Christianity is demonstrated through one's behavior in domestic relationships, arguing that many may appear godly in public but fail to embody that same piety at home. He warns that a person's true character is revealed in their private life, where many may act like 'devils' despite their public persona. Brooks asserts that fulfilling domestic duties with diligence and sincerity is a stronger indicator of genuine faith than public displays of religion. He encourages believers to strive for godliness within their homes, as this reflects their true relationship with God.
A Christian Home (A Spirit-Filled, Praying Husband, and a Gentle, Loving Wife)
By Hans R. Waldvogel0Christian MarriageFamily Dynamics1CO 11:3EPH 5:29COL 3:181PE 3:4Hans R. Waldvogel emphasizes the significance of a spirit-filled husband and a gentle, loving wife in creating a Christian home. He highlights that the husband must have Christ as his head to lead the family effectively, while the wife should embody a meek and quiet spirit, nurturing her home. Waldvogel stresses that a family rooted in prayer and love reflects God's design for marriage, serving as a foundation for the church. He warns against the consequences of broken homes and the importance of mutual respect and love between spouses. Ultimately, he calls for homes to be places where God is recognized and honored.
Bobbed Hair
By John R. Rice0DEU 22:51CO 6:91CO 11:3EPH 5:22COL 3:181PE 3:7John R. Rice preaches on the importance of men and women embracing their God-given differences, as outlined in 1 Corinthians 11:3-15. He emphasizes that men and women have distinct roles and appearances, with men symbolizing their authority by having short hair and women symbolizing their submission with long hair. Rice highlights the significance of these symbolic gestures in honoring God's design for gender distinctions and the importance of women embracing their femininity and submission to authority.
The Happy Christian Home
By Bakht Singh0PRO 3:5EPH 5:22COL 3:18JAS 4:71PE 5:6Bakht Singh emphasizes the importance of accepting the Headship of the Lord Jesus Christ in a happy home. He highlights the need for couples to surrender their hearts, lives, and plans to Jesus, seeking His will above their own. By acknowledging Jesus as the ultimate authority in their home, conflicts and quarrels can be avoided, leading to a harmonious and joyful marriage. Bakht Singh encourages husbands and wives to submit to Jesus' will daily, trusting in His love and wisdom to guide them in all aspects of their married life.
A Gift From God
By Ed Wrather0PRO 12:4PRO 19:14PRO 31:10EPH 5:25COL 3:18Ed Wrather reflects on the importance of having a prudent spouse, highlighting the wisdom and guidance that comes from the Lord in relationships. He contrasts a prudent wife with a reckless individual, emphasizing the impact of having Godly wisdom in one's life. Through a personal story and reflection on his own marriage, Ed emphasizes the transformative power of God in shaping character and values. He encourages listeners to seek God's guidance to develop inner beauty and prudence in their own lives, becoming a gift to others.
1 Peter 3:2
By John Gill0Respect in RelationshipsMarriagePRO 31:10EPH 5:33COL 3:18HEB 13:41PE 3:2John Gill emphasizes the significance of a wife's chaste conduct in marriage, which includes cheerful submission, deep affection, and a commitment to honor the sanctity of the marital relationship. He highlights the importance of showing reverence to husbands and maintaining a respectful demeanor, driven by both love and the fear of God. This behavior not only strengthens the marital bond but also serves as a witness to others of the beauty of a God-centered marriage.
Human Authorities—god’s Servants
By Denny Kenaston0EPH 6:1COL 3:18COL 3:22HEB 13:71PE 2:13Denny Kenaston preaches about the importance of recognizing and submitting to human authorities as God's servants, emphasizing the role of authority in building character, providing protection, giving direction, offering encouragement, and bringing discipline in our lives. He delves into the five types of human authority - parental, marital, governmental, ministerial, and occupational - highlighting the biblical principles and responsibilities associated with each type. Through various examples like the role of a small-town policeman and experiences working for UPS, he illustrates how God uses imperfect human authorities to work in our lives for our growth and development.
1 Peter 3:5
By John Gill0Faith and SubmissionInner Beauty1SA 16:7PRO 31:301CO 11:3GAL 5:22EPH 5:22COL 3:181TI 2:9HEB 11:111PE 3:4John Gill emphasizes the importance of inner beauty over outward adornment in his sermon on 1 Peter 3:5. He reflects on the examples of holy women from the Old Testament, such as Sarah and Ruth, who exemplified faith and trust in God while maintaining a humble and submissive spirit. Gill encourages women to prioritize their spiritual adornment, which is characterized by meekness and humility, rather than focusing on external appearances. He asserts that true beauty in God's eyes comes from a heart that is devoted to Him and in alignment with His design for relationships. This inward adornment is not only pleasing to God but also serves as a powerful witness to others.
Day 187, 1 Peter 3
By David Servant0PSA 34:12EPH 5:22COL 3:181PE 3:1David Servant discusses the New Testament teachings on wives being submissive to their husbands, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect and understanding in marriage. He highlights that submission does not mean blind subservience, but rather a reflection of Christ's love and grace. Servant also delves into the correlation between obedience and blessings in marriage and life, urging husbands to honor their wives to avoid hindering their prayers. Additionally, he explores the early Christians' role in spreading the gospel through holy living and being ready to share the hope of Jesus when asked.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Wives, submit yourselves - Having done with general directions, the apostle comes to particular duties, which are commonly called relative; because they only belong to persons in certain situations; and are not incumbent on all. No woman has the duty of a wife to perform but she who is one, and no man has the duty of a husband to perform but he who is married. The directions here to wives, husbands, children, parents, servants, and masters, are so exactly the same in substance with those in Eph 5:22-33 (note); Eph 6:1-9 (note), that there is no need to repeat what has been said on those passages; and to the notes there the reader is requested to refer. As it is fit in the Lord - God commands it; and it is both proper and decent.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
unto your own husbands--The oldest manuscripts omit "own," which crept in from Eph 5:22. as it is fit in the Lord--Greek, "was fit," implying that there was at Colosse some degree of failure in fulfilling this duty, "as it was your duty to have done as disciples of the Lord."
John Gill Bible Commentary
Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands,.... The apostle proceeds from those duties which related to them as church members one towards another, for their mutual good and edification, and the glory of God, to such as concerned them in their own houses and families, as in a natural relation to each other; as husbands and wives, parents and children, masters and servants; showing hereby, that the Gospel does not at all break in upon, but establishes the duties of common and civil life. Concerning the duty wives to their husbands, here exhorted to; see Gill on Eph 5:22. The reason urging to a regard to it is, as it is fit in the Lord; that is, Christ, as the Syriac version reads it. Subjection of wives to their own husbands is "fit" and proper in its own nature, by reason of the original creation of man, and of the woman from him: man was made first, and then the woman; and the woman was made out of the man, out of one of his ribs; and so, though not to be trampled under his feet, but to be by his side, and an help meet to him, yet not to be head, or to rule over him. Moreover, the woman was made for the man, and not the man for the woman; add to this, that the woman was in the transgression, and the means of the fall of man, which gave a fresh reason for, and made the obligation to subjection to him the stronger: and it is also a "decent" and becoming thing for wives to be subject to their husbands; for as it is giving honour to them, it is a real ornament to themselves, and is one of those good works which women professing godliness should adorn themselves with; and makes more comely and beautiful than broidered hair; gold, pearls, or costly array, yea, than their natural favour and beauty: it is what is fitting "in the Lord": it is what he requires, not only what the law of God requires, see Co1 14:34 and which was enjoined originally, see Gen 3:16 and was charged as a duty under the legal dispensation; but is what is commanded by Christ under the Gospel dispensation, and is to be observed by all those that are "in" him, that profess to be new creatures, converted persons, that so the word of God be not blasphemed, and the enemy have no occasion to reproach, see Tit 2:5 though this phrase may also be considered as a restriction and limitation of this subjection; that though it reaches to all things, yet only to such as are agreeable to the will of the Lord, and not contrary to the Gospel of Christ; for in these they are not to be subject to them, but to Christ the Lord; but in all other things they are, even as the church is subject to Christ: and when this is the case, such subjection is regarded by Christ as if it was done to himself; and indeed his honour and glory should be the governing view in it; see Eph 5:22.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
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 it is fit in the Lord. Submission is the duty of wives, hupotassesthe. It is the same word which is used to express our duty to magistrates (Rom 13:1, Let every soul be subject to the higher powers), and is expressed by subjection and reverence, Eph 5:24, Eph 5:33. The reason is that Adam was first formed, then Eve: and Adam was not deceived, but the woman, being deceived, was in the transgression, Ti1 2:13, Ti1 2:14. He was first in the creation and last in the transgression. The head of the woman is the man; and the man is not of the woman, but the woman of the man; neither was the man created for the woman, but the woman for the man, Co1 11:3, Co1 11:8, Co1 11:9. It is agreeable to the order of nature and the reason of things, as well as the appointment and will of God. But then it is submission, not to a rigorous lord or absolute tyrant, who may do his will and is without restraints, but to a husband, and to her own husband, who stands in the nearest relation, and is under strict engagements to proper duty too. And this is fit in the Lord, it is becoming the relation, and what they are bound in duty to do, as an instance of obedience to the authority and law of Christ. On the other hand, husbands must love their wives, and not be bitter against them, Col 3:19. They must love them with tender and faithful affection, as Christ loved the church, and as their own bodies, and even as themselves (Eph 5:25, Eph 5:28, Eph 5:33), with a love peculiar to the nearest relation and the greatest comfort and blessing of life. And they must not be bitter against them, not use them unkindly, with harsh language or severe treatment, but be kind and obliging to them in all things; for the woman was made for the man, neither is the man without the woman, and the man also is by the woman, Co1 11:9, Co1 11:11, Co1 11:12. II. The duties of children and parents: Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing unto the Lord, Col 3:20. They must be willing to do all their lawful commands, and be at their direction and disposal; as those who have a natural right and are fitter to direct them than themselves. The apostle (Eph 6:2) requires them to honour as well as obey their parents; they must esteem them and think honourably of them, as the obedience of their lives must proceed from the esteem and opinion of their minds. And this is well-pleasing to God, or acceptable to him; for it is the first commandment with promise (Eph 6:2), with an explicit promise annexed to it, namely, That it shall be well with them, and they shall live long on the earth. Dutiful children are the most likely to prosper in the world and enjoy long life. And parents must be tender, as well as children obedient (Col 3:21): "Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged. Let not your authority over them be exercised with rigour and severity, but with kindness and gentleness, lest you raise their passions and discourage them in their duty, and by holding the reins too tight make them fly out with greater fierceness." The bad temper and example of imprudent parents often prove a great hindrance to their children and a stumbling-block in their way; see Eph 6:4. And it is by the tenderness of parents, and dutifulness of children, that God ordinarily furnishes his church with a seed to serve him, and propagates religion from age to age. III. Servants and masters: Servants, obey your masters in all things according to the flesh, Col 3:22. Servants must do the duty of the relation in which they stand, and obey their master's commands in all things which are consistent with their duty to God their heavenly Master. Not with eye-service, as men-pleasers - not only when their master's eye is upon them, but when they are from under their master's eye. They must be both just and diligent. In singleness of heart, fearing God - without selfish designs, or hypocrisy and disguise, as those who fear God and stand in awe of him. Observe, The fear of God ruling in the heart will make people good in every relation. Servants who fear God will be just and faithful when they are from under their master's eye, because they know they are under the eye of God. See Gen 20:11, Because I thought, Surely the fear of God is not in this place. Neh 5:15, But so did not I, because of the fear of God. "And whatsoever you do, do it heartily (Col 3:23), with diligence, not idly and slothfully:" or, "Do it cheerfully, not discontented at the providence of God which put you in that relation." - As to the Lord, and not as to men. It sanctifies a servant's work when it is done as unto God - with an eye to his glory and in obedience to his command, and not merely as unto men, or with regard to them only. Observe, We are really doing our duty to God when we are faithful in our duty to men. And, for servants' encouragement, let them know that a good and faithful servant is never the further from heaven for his being a servant: "Knowing that of the Lord you shall receive the reward of the inheritance, for you serve the Lord Christ, Col 3:24. Serving your masters according to the command of Christ, you serve Christ, and he will be your paymaster: you will have a glorious reward at last. Though you are now servants, you will receive the inheritance of sons. But, on the other hand, He who does wrong will receive for the wrong which he has done," Col 3:25. There is a righteous God, who, if servants wrong their masters, will reckon with them for it, though they may conceal it from their master's notice. And he will be sure to punish the unjust as well as reward the faithful servant: and so if masters wrong their servants. - And there is no respect of persons with him. The righteous Judge of the earth will be impartial, and carry it with an equal hand towards the master and servant; not swayed by any regard to men's outward circumstances and condition of life. The one and the other will stand upon a level at his tribunal. It is probable that the apostle has a particular respect, in all these instances of duty, to the case mentioned 1 Cor. 7 of relations of a different religion, as a Christian and heathen, a Jewish convert and an uncircumcised Gentile, where there was room to doubt whether they were bound to fulfil the proper duties of their several relations to such persons. And, if it hold in such cases, it is much stronger upon Christians one towards another, and where both are of the same religion. And how happy would the gospel religion make the world, if it every where prevailed; and how much would it influence every state of things and every relation of life!
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:18–4:1 This series of exhortations is called a household code. Paul gives instructions to wives (3:18), husbands (3:19), children (3:20), fathers (3:21), slaves (3:22-25), and masters (4:1). Such codes appear in Greco-Roman writers and elsewhere in the New Testament (see Eph 5:22–6:9; 1 Pet 2:18–3:7). 3:18 To submit is to recognize one’s place under someone else in a social order. Such submission always implies that God is at the top and that his will is paramount (cp. Acts 4:19-20; 5:29).