Colossians 3:22
What is written? (ESV)
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.
What does it say?
Slaves, obey your earthly masters in all things, not only when they are watching lest you simply please man, but with a sincere heart to please and obey God.
What is its immediate context?
Paul is encouraging the Colossians to “keep seeking the things above” (vs 1) and imploring them to “put off” (vs 8) the sins of the world. In this immediate context he is giving specific “in the Lord” behavioral instructions for members of a household.
How Colossians 3:22 is applied across Bible answers
Does the Bible condone slavery?
Paul makes the same point as Job4, but to slaves -- that our motivation for treatment of others is based on subjection to God.
