Col 3:22-25 | RWP | e4.org | Your masters according to the flesh ( τοις κατα σαρκα κυριοις ). "Lords" really, but these Christian slaves ( δουλο ) had Christ as lord, but even so they were to obey their lords in the flesh. Not with eye-service ( μη εν οφθαλμοδουλιαις ). Another Pauline word (here only and ), elsewhere only in Christian writers after Paul, an easy and expressive compound, service while the master's eye was on the slave and no longer. Men-pleasers ( ανθρωπαρεσκο ). Late compound only in LXX and Paul (here and ). In singleness of heart ( εν απλοτητ καρδιας ). So in . Old and expressive word from απλους (simple, without folds). See . Fearing the Lord ( φοβουμενο τον Κυριον ). Rather than the lords according to the flesh.

‏ Colossians 3:22-25

Your masters according to the flesh ( τοις κατα σαρκα κυριοις ). "Lords" really, but these Christian slaves ( δουλο ) had Christ as lord, but even so they were to obey their lords in the flesh.

Not with eye-service ( μη εν οφθαλμοδουλιαις ). Another Pauline word (here only and Eph 6:6), elsewhere only in Christian writers after Paul, an easy and expressive compound, service while the master's eye was on the slave and no longer.

Men-pleasers ( ανθρωπαρεσκο ). Late compound only in LXX and Paul (here and Eph 6:6).

In singleness of heart ( εν απλοτητ καρδιας ). So in Eph 6:5. Old and expressive word from απλους (simple, without folds). See 2Co 11:3.

Fearing the Lord ( φοβουμενο τον Κυριον ). Rather than the lords according to the flesh.

Whatsoever ye do ( ο εαν ποιητε ). See same idiom in 3:17 except ο instead of παν οτ.

Heartily ( εκ ψυχης ). From the soul and not with mere eye service. In Eph 6:7 Paul adds μετ' ευνοιας (with good will) in explanation of εκ ψυχης.

As unto the Lord ( ως τω Κυριω ). Even when unto men. This is the highest test of worthwhile service. If it were only always true!

Ye shall receive ( απολημψεσθε ). Future middle indicative of απολαμβανω, old verb, to get back ( απο ), to recover.

The recompense ( ανταποδοσιν ). "The full recompense," old word, in LXX, but only here in N.T., but ανταποδομα twice (Lu 14:12; Ro 11:9). Given back ( απο ) in return ( αντ ).

Ye serve the Lord Christ ( το Κυριω Χριστω δουλευετε ). As his slaves and gladly so. Perhaps better as imperatives, keep on serving.

Shall receive again for the wrong that he hath done ( κομισετα ο ηδικησεν ). It is not clear whether ο αδικων (he that doeth wrong) is the master or the slave. It is true of either and Lightfoot interprets it of both, "shall receive back the wrong which he did." This is a general law of life and of God and it is fair and square.

There is no respect of persons ( ουκ εστιν προσωπολημψια ). There is with men, but not with God. For this word patterned after the Hebrew see Ro 2:11; Eph 6:9; Jas 2:1 The next verse should be in this chapter also.