Colossians 3:18-4:1 – Slaves & Masters
Slavery was very common in the ancient world and although the practice was allowed under Old Testament law Gen. 15:16, Lev. 25:44-46, Ex. 22:1-3, it was always strictly controlled and its harshness mitigated Ex.21:7-11; Ex. 21:26-27. In the Roman world it is estimated that at one time about one third of the inhabitants belonged to the slave class through debt, kidnapping, purchase, birth from slave parents or as prisoners of war or convicts. The apostle Paul does not seek to overthrow the slave system nor yet encourage slaves to revolt against their masters; his message to both slaves and masters is designed to make the system as acceptable and pleasant as possible. He urged slaves to wholeheartedly serve and obey their masters and for the masters to be kind to their slaves.
The instruction Paul gives to the slave is very relevant for workers and students today! He tells them that they are to do their work for one purpose alone, and that is to please the Lord. What a revolution in working practices there would be if even professing Christians were really to do their work ‘as to the Lord’. Whatever work is done, says Paul, must not be done merely to gain advantage, whether that be promotion at work or good grades at school or university, but to gain the approval and the reward of the Lord.
Masters too, are to recognise that they also have a master to whom they must answer. Masters or employers are to be fair and just, not making unreasonable demands on their employees and giving them a fair recompense for work done. The same principle applies to them as to the slave/employee ‘whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord, rather than for men’.
Questions
- In the light of Paul’s injunction, should a Christian be involved in Trades Unions and if so, how can he bring these principles to bear?
Prayer Points
- Pray that you would be faithful in your work.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.