Colossians 4:1 — Masters, Too, Have a Master

1 Masters, tender that which is just and equitable to your slaves, being aware that you also have a Master in the heavens.

The chapter division gives the impression that a new subject begins here, but verse 1 actually concludes what precedes it. Beginning in Colossians 3:18, Paul successively addressed wives, husbands, children, fathers, and slaves. Finally, he now turns to the masters. This completes the circle. First, he reminded the slaves that they are serving the Lord Christ. Now he also impresses upon the masters that they themselves have a Master in heaven.

Paul does not call the existing social relationships into question, but addresses the masters concerning their responsibility. They are to act justly and equitably toward their slaves. The latter word points to fairness and impartiality. Anyone who has authority must never use that position to deprive another of what is due. After all, a master too is under authority.

What stands out is the reason Paul gives. He does not appeal to a social ideal, but to Christ. The earthly master himself has a Master in heaven. That realization places all human relationships in their proper perspective. The evangel is not a political program. The realization that the master himself also has a Master in heaven transforms the relationship between master and slave from within.

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