Chapter Seventeen
Colossians 3:22-4:1 Respect Authority, Govern with Respect
Previously, in Colossians chapter two, Paul urged all those that have received Jesus to walk in Him, what we might define as a call to action (see Colossians 2:6-7) and now in chapter three, Paul has been explaining what a Christian is and how one should act, summarizing with “whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (portion of Colossians 3:17, ESV). Paul is saying that Jesus has given us power and authority to act on His behalf, but how do we do that? How do we represent Him? Throughout His ministry on earth, Jesus gave us a model of how to live and treat others, in simple terms, we are to emulate Jesus in everything we do. This is where Christianity often experiences a disconnect between the church and the world. When we think of others outside our family, we unfortunately think we can treat them differently, but God does not differentiate.
3:22 Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord.
Verse 22 begins with the Greek word, ‘doulos’ and like many words (regardless of language), the word ‘doulas’ has different meanings based on textual context. Most English Bibles make available a statement regarding translation rules, especially for unique words or like this one, a word that can have several meanings. In the 2016 edition of the ESV, the publisher offers this statement in their preface:
Third, a particular difficulty is presented when words in biblical Hebrew and Greek refer to ancient practices and institutions that do not correspond directly to those in the modern world. Such is the case in the translation of ‘ebed (Hebrew) and doulos (Greek), terms which are often rendered “slave.” These terms, however, actually cover a range of relationships that requires a range of renderings—“slave,” “bondservant,” or “servant”—depending on the context. Further, the word “slave” currently carries associations with the often brutal and dehumanizing institution of slavery particularly in nineteenth-century America. For this reason, the ESV translation of the words ‘ebed and doulos has been undertaken with particular attention to their meaning in each specific context. Thus in Old Testament times, one might enter slavery either voluntarily (e.g., to escape poverty or to pay off a debt) or involuntarily (e.g., by birth, by being captured in battle, or by judicial sentence). Protection for all in servitude in ancient Israel was provided by the Mosaic Law, including specific provisions for release from slavery. In New Testament times, a doulos is often best described as a “bondservant”—that is, someone in the Roman Empire officially bound under contract to serve his master for seven years (except for those in Caesar’s household in Rome who were contracted for fourteen years). When the contract expired, the person was freed, given his wage that had been saved by the master, and officially declared a freedman. The ESV usage thus seeks to express the most fitting nuance of meaning in each context. Where absolute ownership by a master is envisaged (as in Romans 6), “slave” is used; where a more limited form of servitude is in view, “bondservant” is used (as in 1 Corinthians 7:21–24); where the context indicates a wide range of freedom (as in John 4:51), “servant” is preferred. Footnotes are generally provided to identify the Hebrew or Greek and the range of meaning that these terms may carry in each case. The issues involved in translating the Greek word doulos apply also to the Greek word sundoulos, translated in the text as “fellow servant.”[1]
Even though we probably would not normally define our employment as being a servant or a slave, we can certainly see as Christians, that regardless of serving in freedom or in slavery, all relationships should be godly. So, in that sense it does not matter whether the Greek word ‘doulos’ means slave, servant or bondservant, thus allowing the following verses to apply to modern-day employer and employee relationships (see Titus 2:9-10).
Paul says we are not to give eye-service (Greek word ‘opthalmoulia’), in other words don’t do things that are done just for appearance sake. This reminds me of the saying, “People do what is inspected, not expected.” It is unfortunate that many treat God in this way, by doing things and going places with the wrong heart. If someone thinks they can, “go through the motions,” and just show up for church or be seen wearing a cross is Christianity, it is not, it doesn’t work that way. Paul continues by saying we should also not be just trying to be people-pleasers, we need to have a sincere heart when we do things for other people, fearing the Lord.
What does it mean to “fear the Lord?” Here the Greek word ‘phobeō’ is used (meaning to scare away) while in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, he adds, “fear and trembling,” (Greek word ‘phobos’ meaning ‘fear’, see Ephesians 6:5). To fear someone first requires us to recognize the person’s authority over us and how that authority can influence us in what we should be doing (see 1 Peter 2:18-19). Then we need to take them seriously, if we act out of irreverence or disrespectful behavior, our obedience would be nothing more than a form of mockery. To summarize, we respect Jesus, therefore we respect our bosses.
3:23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. 25 For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.
In a way these verses reflect verse 17, Paul says that whatever you do, work heartily as for Jesus (see 1 Timothy 6:1-2). Not only are we to do our jobs properly, we should give our full effort in whatever we are doing, just as we would if we were doing it for Jesus. Paul then reminds us that we will receive our inheritance of salvation as a reward. You may be thinking, I already know that! I believe this is a reminder for those potentially apathetic or lazy Christians that are looking for the easier life. However, as Christians, we need to be willing to be used by God, because the next thing Paul says is a strong reminder that, “You are serving the Lord Christ!” We are to keep our eyes on Jesus and not worry about what others are getting away with or doing, since the wrongdoer (those that have not accepted Jesus) will be paid back at judgment day (see Galatians 6:7-10).
Interestingly, Paul points out that God will not judge with partiality, a subject that the Bible speaks loudly against (see Romans 2:11; Ephesians 6:9 and James 2:1). There is only one thing that will condemn a person and that is their rejection of Jesus (see John 10:7-9; 11:25; 14:6; Acts 4:12; 13:38-39; Romans 5:12; Ephesians 2:18; Hebrews 10:19-23; 1 John 5:20). Here Paul is reminding us that we belong to Jesus.
4:1 Masters, treat your bondservants justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.
Paul summarizes with the first verse of chapter four, which probably should have been the concluding verse for chapter three. Masters (and employers) are to treat their slaves, servants or bondservants (and employees) justly and fairly. The Greek word Paul uses that is translated in this verse as ‘justly’ (‘dikaios’) implies a righteous temperament, perhaps the best way to remember this would be to ask yourself if you are reflecting Jesus. Then Paul brings to light a key point, we all have a Master in heaven! If you have authority over another, remember life is not about us but our Lord and Master in heaven. We are owned by Jesus (see Acts 20:28; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 7: 17-24; Hebrews 9:11-14; 2 Peter 2:1), if He gave you authority over others, He wants you to treat them as He treats you.
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[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.