Masters,In the Roman world, masters had significant authority over their slaves. The term "masters" here refers to those in positions of authority, particularly in a household or business context. This reflects the social structure of the time, where slavery was a common institution. The Bible addresses masters directly, indicating their responsibility and accountability before God.
supply your slaves with what is right and fair,
This phrase emphasizes the ethical treatment of slaves, which was countercultural in a society where slaves had few rights. The call to provide what is "right and fair" suggests a standard of justice and equity that transcends cultural norms. This aligns with the biblical principle of loving one's neighbor and treating others as one would want to be treated (Matthew 7:12). It also reflects the Old Testament laws that called for fair treatment of servants (Deuteronomy 24:14-15).
since you know that you also have a Master in heaven.
This phrase reminds masters of their own accountability to God, who is the ultimate authority. It underscores the Christian belief that all people, regardless of social status, are equal before God and will be judged by Him (Romans 2:6-11). This serves as a humbling reminder that earthly authority is temporary and subject to divine oversight. The concept of God as a Master also points to the servanthood of Christ, who, though Lord of all, came to serve and give His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MastersIn the context of the Roman Empire, masters were those who owned slaves and had authority over them. Paul addresses them directly, urging them to treat their slaves justly.
2.
SlavesIndividuals who were under the authority of masters. In the early Christian church, slaves were part of the congregation and were often addressed in the epistles.
3.
PaulThe apostle who wrote the letter to the Colossians. He was instrumental in spreading the Gospel to the Gentiles and establishing early Christian communities.
4.
ColossaeA city in Phrygia, Asia Minor, where the church to whom Paul wrote this letter was located.
5.
Master in HeavenRefers to God, who is the ultimate authority over all, including earthly masters.
Teaching Points
Justice and FairnessAs Christians, we are called to act justly and fairly in all our dealings, recognizing that we are accountable to God for how we treat others.
Accountability to GodEarthly authority is temporary and subject to the ultimate authority of God. This should influence how we exercise any power or leadership we have.
Equality in ChristIn Christ, social distinctions such as master and slave are transcended. We are all equal before God and should treat each other with respect and love.
Christian LeadershipTrue Christian leadership involves serving others and ensuring their well-being, reflecting the servant leadership of Christ.
Reflecting Christ's LoveOur interactions with others should reflect the love and grace we have received from Christ, promoting peace and unity.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Colossians 4:1?
2.How can Colossians 4:1 guide employers in treating their employees fairly?
3.What does "just and fair" mean in the context of Colossians 4:1?
4.How does Colossians 4:1 connect to Ephesians 6:9 about masters and servants?
5.How can you apply Colossians 4:1 in your workplace relationships today?
6.What does knowing you have a Master in heaven imply for daily conduct?
7.How does Colossians 4:1 address the relationship between masters and slaves in a modern context?
8.What historical context influenced Paul's message in Colossians 4:1?
9.How does Colossians 4:1 reflect the broader theme of justice in the Bible?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Colossians 4?
11.Why does Colossians 4:1 seem to accept slavery instead of condemning it outright?
12.How should Christians perceive their employers at work?
13.In 1 Timothy 6:1–2, why does the text address slaves in a way that seems to endorse their subjugation rather than condemn it?
14.Titus 2:9 – Why does Paul instruct slaves to obey their masters, seemingly endorsing slavery in the process?What Does Colossians 4:1 Mean
Masters,• Paul is speaking directly to believers who possess social or economic authority.
• Scripture never excuses abuse of power; it calls those in charge to Christ-like oversight (Ephesians 6:9).
• Even positions of influence are stewardship, not ownership (Luke 12:48).
supply your slaves• “Supply” means intentional provision—meeting needs, not merely avoiding harm.
• The command reorients work relationships toward generosity (Luke 10:7;Deuteronomy 24:14-15).
• In Philemon Paul urges a master to view a slave “no longer as a slave, but better…as a beloved brother” (Philemon 16), showing practical outworking of this charge.
with what is right and fair• “Right” points to moral correctness; “fair” stresses impartial justice (Micah 6:8).
• Withholding wages or dignity is sin (James 5:4).
•Proverbs 3:27 challenges us: “Do not withhold good from the needy when it is within your power to act.”
• The standard is God’s own righteousness, never culture’s lowest bar.
since you know• Knowledge of truth is motivation for obedience (John 13:17).
• Awareness of coming accountability shapes daily choices (2 Corinthians 5:10;Hebrews 4:13).
• Those who truly “know” act; faith without works is dead (James 2:17).
that you also have a Master in heaven• Earthly rank never erases personal submission to Christ (Matthew 23:8-10).
• He shows “no favoritism” (Ephesians 6:9); status here doesn’t sway His judgment (Romans 14:12).
• Recognizing the Lordship of Jesus levels every hierarchy (Galatians 3:28) and fuels humble leadership.
summary• Authority is a trust from God, not a platform for power.
• Masters must actively provide for those under them, mirroring God’s generous care.
• Justice and fairness are non-negotiable marks of Christian leadership.
• Consciousness of Christ’s watchful eye transforms how we treat others.
• Remembering we all serve the same heavenly Master keeps hearts humble and hands open.
IV.
(1)Just and equal.--The word "equal," or, rather, the substantive so translated, has the sense either of "equity" or "equality." The former is far commoner (especially in connection with justice), and probably all that is intended here. At the same time, the idea running through the passage is of a common fellow-service to Christ of all alike, and inColossians 3:11 we are reminded that "in Christ Jesus there is neither bond nor free." Perhaps, therefore, St. Paul desired that his readers should remember that in some points all are literally equal before God.
Verse 1. - (See Ch 3.)
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Masters,
κύριοι(kyrioi)
Noun - Vocative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2962:Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.
supply
παρέχεσθε(parechesthe)
Verb - Present Imperative Middle - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 3930:From para and echo; to hold near, i.e. Present, afford, exhibit, furnish occasion.
[your]
τοῖς(tois)
Article - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.
slaves
δούλοις(doulois)
Noun - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1401:(a) (as adj.) enslaved, (b) (as noun) a (male) slave. From deo; a slave.
with what
τὸ(to)
Article - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.
[is] right
δίκαιον(dikaion)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 1342:From dike; equitable; by implication, innocent, holy.
and
καὶ(kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.
fair,
ἰσότητα(isotēta)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2471:Equality; equality of treatment, fairness. Likeness; by implication, equity.
since you know
εἰδότες(eidotes)
Verb - Perfect Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1492:To know, remember, appreciate.
that
ὅτι(hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754:Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.
you
ὑμεῖς(hymeis)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.
also
καὶ(kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.
have
ἔχετε(echete)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 2192:To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.
a Master
Κύριον(Kyrion)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962:Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.
in
ἐν(en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.
heaven.
οὐρανῷ(ouranō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3772:Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel.
Links
Colossians 4:1 NIV
Colossians 4:1 NLT
Colossians 4:1 ESV
Colossians 4:1 NASB
Colossians 4:1 KJV
Colossians 4:1 BibleApps.com
Colossians 4:1 Biblia Paralela
Colossians 4:1 Chinese Bible
Colossians 4:1 French Bible
Colossians 4:1 Catholic Bible
NT Letters: Colossians 4:1 Masters give to your servants that which (Coloss. Col Co)
