Children and Parents
The relationship between parents and children should reflect...
The relationship between parents and children should reflect their devotion to the Lord. Christian children should obey their parents, and Christian parents should discipline their children gently (see Colossians 3:20–21).
1Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
Children who honor and respect their parents also...
Children who honor and respect their parents also honor and respect God. This leads to blessings.
2“Honor your father and mother” (which is the first commandment with a promise), 3“that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on the earth.”†
4Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
Serving with Honor
(Colossians 3:22–25; 1 Timothy 6:1–2)
The relationship between slaves and masters (and similarly,...
The relationship between slaves and masters (and similarly, between employees and employers) should be guided by their commitment to the Lord and their desire to support each other in Christ. Christian slaves should obey their masters, and Christian masters should treat their slaves kindly (see Colossians 3:22–4:1).
Paul was not promoting slavery. Paul was teaching Christians how to live with it as a reality in that culture (for Paul’s views on slavery, see Philemon Book Introduction, "Meaning and Message").
The relationship between slaves and masters (and similarly, between employees and employers) should be guided by their commitment to the Lord and their desire to support each other in Christ. Christian slaves should obey their masters, and Christian masters should treat their slaves kindly (see Colossians 3:22–4:1).
Paul was not promoting slavery. Paul was teaching Christians how to live with it as a reality in that culture (for Paul’s views on slavery, see Philemon Book Introduction, "Meaning and Message").
5Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.
as servants of Christ: Believers have been bought...
as servants of Christ: Believers have been bought by Christ's sacrifice. Because of this, believers do not belong to themselves anymore (see 1 Corinthians 6:19–20; 7:22; compare Romans 1:1; Galatians 1:10; Philippians 1:1). For Christian slaves, God's will is for them to honor him by serving their human masters faithfully and with entusiasm.
6And do this not only to please them while they are watching, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. 7Serve with good will, as to the Lord and not to men, 8because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.
9And masters, do the same for your slaves. Give up your use of threats, because you know that He who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him.
The Full Armor of God
Paul's final message reminds believers about the devil's...
Paul's final message reminds believers about the devil's opposition. Paul urges believers to protect themselves with all of God's armor.
10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
13Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand.
Paul uses the armor worn by Roman soldiers...
Paul uses the armor worn by Roman soldiers as a metaphor for the spiritual armor of believers. Most of this armor is for defense, not attack. Paul is not mainly focused on the exact use of each piece, but on the gifts God gives to protect his people. Trusting in Christ and knowing the Scriptures help believers stand firm against the devil’s attacks (compare James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8–9).
14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness arrayed, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints.
Paul's mission was to help non-Jews (gentiles) understand...
Paul's mission was to help non-Jews (gentiles) understand they are now accepted by God and welcomed into God's church.
I am an ambassador in chains: Although writing as a prisoner (see 3:1; 4:1), Paul knew his role as God's ambassador was to continue speaking boldly for God (compare 2 Corinthians 5:20) .
Paul's mission was to help non-Jews (gentiles) understand they are now accepted by God and welcomed into God's church.
I am an ambassador in chains: Although writing as a prisoner (see 3:1; 4:1), Paul knew his role as God's ambassador was to continue speaking boldly for God (compare 2 Corinthians 5:20) .
19Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will boldly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it fearlessly, as I should.
Final Greetings
(Philippians 4:21–23; 2 Timothy 4:19–22)
Paul ends this letter with personal words and...
Paul ends this letter with personal words and a blessing that repeats the desires expressed at the beginning of the letter.
21Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know about me and what I am doing. 22I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about us, and that he may encourage your hearts.
Peace … love … faith … grace: These...
Peace … love … faith … grace: These qualities are mentioned at the start of the letter (1:2, 15). Peace, love, faith, and grace are what Paul most desired for believers.
to the brothers: Paul uses this term to refer to all members of the same family, both male and female.
to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love: Another way of translating this is "be eternally upon all who love our Lord Jesus Christ."
Peace … love … faith … grace: These qualities are mentioned at the start of the letter (1:2, 15). Peace, love, faith, and grace are what Paul most desired for believers.
to the brothers: Paul uses this term to refer to all members of the same family, both male and female.
to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love: Another way of translating this is "be eternally upon all who love our Lord Jesus Christ."
23Peace to the brothers and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
24Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.