Colossians 3:18-4:6
Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. (v. 20) I’m sure we’ve shared a few times with you all that Carol and I had a broken engagement for almost two years. The fifth (fourth) commandment specifically tells us to “Honor your father and mother…” (Exodus 20:12) Paul makes an even stronger statement, telling us to obey them (not just honor them), which is what we did. After we had been engaged for about seven months Carol’s parents asked us not to get married. They didn’t feel that we were a good match and they had their reasons. Even though we disagreed with them and their reasons, we broke our engagement based on obedience. After almost two years and many events in that time they gave us their blessing and, frankly, came to love me dearly. We’ve never regretted the growing time we each had in those two years.
Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters… (vv. 3-22-4:1) My Study Bible again gave me insight into today’s reading. I had noticed in my reading that Paul spoke many more words to bondservants (slaves) than he did to wives, husbands, or children. My Study Bible pointed out that this letter to the Colossians and the letter to Philemon were being delivered by Onesimus, about whom we read in Philemon. Onesimus was Philemon’s slave, so with the slave delivering the letter Paul spent more time with instructions for slaves than he did for other household members. He also added an additional verse to masters, presumably hoping to get Philemon’s attention!
Slava Bohu!
Yes, I picked up on Col 4:1, treat slaves (employees) fairly.