What does Colossians 3:22 mean?

Explanation

Colossians 3:22 is an instruction given by the Apostle Paul to Christian servants or slaves, exhorting them to obey their earthly masters in everything they do.

This obedience is described as being sincere and respectful, not performed solely when being watched (not with "eyeservice") to gain their approval (as "menpleasers").

Instead, it is to be carried out with a pure heart and reverence for God.

The deeper meaning of this passage points to an ethic that transcends social status: it calls for service done out of genuine commitment to God rather than human recognition, suggesting that the ultimate master for a Christian is God, and earthly service is a way to honor Him.

Historical Context

During the time Paul wrote the epistle to the Colossians, the Roman Empire was a society with a well-established hierarchical structure, including a vast system of slavery.

Slavery in this context was often more a matter of social status than the chattel slavery of later periods; nevertheless, it was still a condition of servitude.

Masters had significant control over the lives of their slaves, but there was also a societal expectation that masters would treat their slaves with a degree of humanity.

Paul's letters are often addressing the conditions of the early Christian communities within this social framework, encouraging believers to navigate their circumstances in ways that reflected their new faith.

Theological Insights

From different theological viewpoints, this verse may be interpreted variously.

A traditional Evangelical perspective emphasizes the principle of working as for the Lord rather than for human masters.

Liberation theology might take issue with the apparent endorsement of the slave-master relationship but may reinterpret the message to be one of subverting the power structures by rendering service to God over human authorities.

Catholic social teaching might view this passage in the light of the dignity of work and its sanctifying nature when done in the spirit of service to God.

Practical Applications

Practically, Colossians 3:22 can be applied beyond the context of servitude to all forms of employment or service.

It suggests performing duties with integrity and dedication, regardless of who is watching.

In modern terms, it might encourage employees to work diligently and wholeheartedly, even in the absence of supervision, and to offer service as if to God Himself.

This teaching promotes a strong work ethic and an inward driven motivation for quality and faithfulness in one's responsibilities.

Cross-References

• Ephesians 6:5-7: "Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;"
• Titus 2:9-10: "Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things."

Language Study

In the original Greek, several key words stand out:

• "Servants" (δοῦλοι, douloi): often denoting bond-servants or slaves.
• "Obey" (ὑπακούετε, hypakouete): to listen attentively, to heed or conform to a command or authority.
• "Eyeservice" (ὀφθαλμοδουλία, ophthalmodoulia): service performed only under the master's watchful eye.
• "Menpleasers" (ἀνθρωπάρεσκοι, anthrōpareskoi): those who try to please men, seeking human approval.
• "Singleness" (ἁπλότης, haplotēs): simplicity, sincerity, mental honesty, the virtue of one who is free from pretense and hypocrisy.
• "Fearing" (φοβούμενοι, phoboumenoi): being afraid or respectful, indicative of reverential obedience.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the broader cultural and religious context of the ancient world, many societies had systems of servitude or slavery.

Unlike the teachings of Paul, which instructed servants in the way of sincere obedience and respect as a form of divine service, many ancient cultures had no such spiritual framework for service.

In other religions, duties might be performed out of fear of punishment or in hope of earthly rewards, with less emphasis on inner virtue or serving a divine purpose.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives typically do not directly intersect with historical or theological discussions of scriptures like Colossians 3:22.

However, the psychological aspect of "not with eyeservice, as menpleasers" can be related to studies on intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation, where intrinsic motivation corresponds to doing something for its own sake (in this case, for God) rather than for external rewards or acknowledgment.

Commentaries

Commentators have approached this verse from varied perspectives.

Some, like Matthew Henry, note the importance of doing our duty to God in all conditions of life, suggesting that even servants can please God by a conscientious performance of their tasks.

John Calvin emphasizes the idea that God is the true judge of our work, not men, and therefore we should serve sincerely as unto the Lord.

Contemporary scholars might discuss the difficulties in applying Paul's instructions to modern employment relationships but generally agree on the underlying principle of working sincerely as to the Lord rather than for human accolades.