Colossians 4:1

1 Masters,^a give your bondservants what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.

Christian Graces

2 ^aContinue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it ^bwith thanksgiving;

3 ^ameanwhile praying also for us, that God would ^bopen to us a door for the word, to speak ^cthe mystery of Christ, ^dfor which I am also in chains,

4 that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

5 ^aWalk in ^bwisdom toward those who are outside, ^credeeming the time.

6 Let your speech always be ^awith grace, ^bseasoned with salt, ^cthat you may know how you ought to answer each one.

Final Greetings

7 ^aTychicus, a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me.

8 ^aI am sending him to you for this very purpose, that¹ he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts,

Commentaries:

Adam Clarke

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Colossians 4:1

Masters, give unto your servants - This verse should have been added to the preceding, to which it properly belongs; and this chapter should have begun with Colossians 4:2.

That which is just and equal - As they are bondmen or slaves of whom the apostle speaks, we may at once see with what propriety this exhortation is given. The condition of slaves among the Greeks and Romans was wretched in the extreme; they could appeal to no law; and they could neither expect justice nor equity. The apostle, therefore, informs the proprietors of these slaves that they should act towards them both according to justice and equity; for God, their Master, required this of them, and would at last call them to account for their conduct in this respect. Justice and equity required that they should have proper food, proper raiment, due rest, and no more than moderate work. This is a lesson that all masters throughout the universe should carefully learn. Do not treat your servants as if God had made them of an inferior blood to yours.

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