Colossians 3:18-25
The Household, Named One at a Time
Read the passage
18Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
19Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.
20Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord.
21Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they will not become discouraged.
22Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord.
23Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, as for the Lord and not for men,
24because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
25Whoever does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.
Berean Standard Bible
Read aloud
Paul speaks directly to members of the household. Wives are to submit to their husbands as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands must love their wives and not be harsh with them. Both instructions place marriage under Christ's authority.
Children are to obey their parents because this pleases the Lord. Fathers must not provoke their children and leave them discouraged. A child's obedience and a father's patience each matter to God. Parental authority should help a child grow rather than wear down the child's hope.
Paul next addresses slaves, people whose work was not freely chosen employment. He calls them to serve sincerely in fear of the Lord, rather than working only when watched. Even under earthly masters, they can direct their service toward Christ.
They are to work with their whole being because the Lord will give them an inheritance as their reward. Their standing before Him is not determined by the status others impose on them. The Lord Christ is the One they ultimately serve.
The warning applies without favoritism: whoever does wrong will be repaid. No place in the household exempts a person from God's judgment. The next verse addresses masters directly, requiring what is right and fair because they too have a Master in heaven.
Questions
1 What does Paul require of wives and husbands?
AnswerWives are to submit as is fitting in the Lord; husbands are to love their wives and avoid harshness. Both answer to Christ.
2 What are the responsibilities of children and fathers?
AnswerChildren are to obey their parents to please the Lord, and fathers must not provoke their children so that they become discouraged.
3 What hope does Paul give the slaves he addresses?
AnswerThe Lord will give them an inheritance as a reward. They serve Christ, whose care and judgment are not controlled by their earthly status.
4 What does Paul say about wrongdoing and favoritism?
AnswerWhoever does wrong will be repaid for it, without favoritism. Authority or low status does not remove responsibility before God.
What This Means for Us
Each reader can begin with the instruction addressed to them. Children can obey a parent's ordinary request; husbands can examine the tone they use with their wives; parents can correct without belittling. Our conduct at home belongs under Christ's rule.
These commands do not authorize abuse or make slavery good. A person being harmed should seek safety and trustworthy help. The Lord who sees sincere service also judges wrongdoing without favoritism, including wrongdoing by those with power.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, help each of us hear the responsibility You give us. Teach us love, willing obedience and patience. Protect those who are mistreated, and make our homes places of faithful care. Amen.