Col 4:1 | MHM | STEP | Relative Duties Paul continues his teaching on how Christians should live in their daily relationships. Here, he focuses on the duties of masters toward their servants. He reminds masters that they have responsibilities and must treat their servants fairly and kindly. This is part of the Christian life, where all are accountable to God. v. 1 : Paul commands, Give unto your servants that which is just and equal (Colossians 4:1 ). Masters must be fair and honest with their servants. They should not cheat them or keep back their wages, as James warns against keeping back by fraud the hire of the labourers (James 5:4 ). Masters should not demand more work than servants can do, and they should provide proper care, including food, medicine, and reasonable freedoms. This kindness should be shown even if servants are from different countries or religions. Paul gives a strong reason for this: Knowing that you also have a Master in heaven . Masters themselves serve God and will be judged by Him. They must treat their servants as they would want to be treated, remembering that God shows no favoritism (Ephesians 6:9 ). All are accountable to the same Lord, whether master or servant.

‏ Colossians 4:1

Relative Duties

Paul continues his teaching on how Christians should live in their daily relationships. Here, he focuses on the duties of masters toward their servants. He reminds masters that they have responsibilities and must treat their servants fairly and kindly. This is part of the Christian life, where all are accountable to God.

v. 1: Paul commands, Give unto your servants that which is just and equal (Colossians 4:1 ^a). Masters must be fair and honest with their servants. They should not cheat them or keep back their wages, as James warns against keeping back by fraud the hire of the labourers (James 5:4 ^b). Masters should not demand more work than servants can do, and they should provide proper care, including food, medicine, and reasonable freedoms. This kindness should be shown even if servants are from different countries or religions.

Paul gives a strong reason for this: Knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. Masters themselves serve God and will be judged by Him. They must treat their servants as they would want to be treated, remembering that God shows no favoritism (Ephesians 6:9 ^c). All are accountable to the same Lord, whether master or servant.