Verse 1. Masters, give unto your servants, etc.
See Barnes "Ephesians 6:9". That which is just and equal. What they ought
to have; what is fairly their due. The apostle here, probably, refers to
bondmen or slaves--and the propriety of this rule is apparent. Such
persons were subject to their masters' control; their time and services
were at their disposal, and they could not enforce their just and equal
claims by an appeal to the laws. They were, therefore, dependent
on the equity and kindness of their masters. There can be no
doubt that not a few who were converted to the Christian faith
were held to involuntary servitude, 1 Corinthians 7; and it is as
clear that the apostles did not design to make a violent disruption
of these bonds, or to lead the slaves to rise and murder their masters.
See Barnes "1 Timothy 6:1", also 1 Timothy 6:2-4. But it is equally clear
that they meant to represent slavery as a hard and undesirable
condition; that they intended to instruct the slaves to embrace the
earliest opportunity to be free which was presented,
1 Corinthians 7:21; and that they meant to suggest such considerations, and
to lay down such principles, as would lead masters to emancipate
their slaves, and thus ultimately to abolish it. Among these principles
are such as these.
(1.) That all men were of one and the same blood, Acts 17:26.
(2.) That they were all redeemed by the same Saviour, and were brethren,
1 Timothy 6:2;; Philemon 1:16.
If redeemed; if they were "brethren", if they were heirs of glory,
they were not "chattels," or "things": and how could a Christian
conscientiously hold or regard them as property?
(3.) That they were to "render them that which was just and equal."
What would follow from this if fairly applied? What would be just
and equal to a man in those circumstances? Would it not be
(a.) to compensate him fairly for his labour--to furnish him an
adequate remuneration for what he had earned? But this would strike a
blow at the root of slavery--for one of the elementary principles
of it is, that there must be "unrequited labour;" that is,
the slave must earn as much more than he receives as will do his
part in maintaining the master in idleness, for it is of the very
essence of the system that he is to be maintained in indolence by the
slaves which he owns --or just so far as he owns a slave. If he were
disposed to earn his own living, he would not need the labour of slaves.
No man ever yet became the permanent owner of a slave from
benevolence to him, or because he desired to pay him fully for his
work, or because he meant himself to work in order to maintain
his slave in indolence.
(b.) If a man should in fact render to his slaves "that which is just
and equal," would he not restore them to freedom? Have they not been
deprived of their liberty by injustice, and would not "justice"
restore it? What has the slave done to forfeit his liberty? If he
should make him "equal" in rights to himself, or to what he is by
nature, would he not emancipate him? Has he not been reduced to his
present condition by withholding that which is "equal?" Has he "equal"
rights, and "equal" privileges with other men? Has he not been cut off
from them by denying him the equality to which he is entitled in the
arrangements of God's government? Can he be held at all without
violating all the just notions of equality? Though, therefore, it
may be true that this passage only enjoins the rendering of that which
was "just" and "equal" in their condition as slaves, yet it contains
a principle which would "lay the axe at the root" of slavery, and
would lead a conscientious Christian to the feeling that his slaves
ought to be free. These principles actually effected the freedom of
slaves in the Roman empire in a few centuries after Christianity was
introduced, and they are destined to effect it yet all over the world.
Knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.
See Barnes "Ephesians 6:9".
{a} "Masters" Ephesians 6:9
Verse 2. Continue in prayer. That is, do not neglect it; observe it
at all stated times; maintain the spirit of prayer, and embrace all
proper occasions to engage in it. Comp. See Barnes "Luke 18:1";
See Barnes "Ephesians 6:18"; See Barnes "1 Thessalonians 5:17".
And watch in the same with thanksgiving. Watch for favourable
opportunities; watch that your mind may be in a right frame when you
pray; and watch, that when your mind is in a right frame you may not
neglect to pray. See Barnes "Ephesians 6:1"; See Barnes "Ephesians 6:8";
See Barnes "Philippians 4:6".
{*} "Continue" "Persevere"
{b} "in prayer" Luke 18:1
{c} "watch" Mark 13:33
Verse 3. Withal. With all the supplications which you offer for
other persons and things; or at the same time that you pray for them.
Praying also for us. See Barnes "Ephesians 6:19,20". Comp.
2 Corinthians 1:11; Philippians 1:19; Hebrews 13:18,19.
That God would open unto us a door of utterance. To preach the
gospel. He earnestly desired to have liberty to: preach the gospel, and
asked them to pray that this might be restored to him.
See Barnes "Ephesians 6:19".
To speak the mystery of Christ. Called, in Ephesians 6:19, the
"mystery of the gospel. See Barnes "Ephesians 6:19".
For which I am also in bonds. A prisoner at Rome,
See Barnes "Ephesians 6:20".
{+} "praying" "praying at the same time"
{d} "open unto us" 2 Thessalonians 3:1
Verse 4. That I may make it manifest, etc. See Barnes "Ephesians 1:20".
{++} "manifest" "so that I may show it"
Verse 5. Walk in wisdom. That is, conduct upright and honest.
Deal with them on the strictest principles of integrity, so that they
may not have occasion to reproach the religion which you profess.
Toward them that are without. Without the pale of the church,
or who, are not professing Christians. See Barnes "1 Corinthians 5:12".
They were surrounded by heathens, as Christians now are by men
of the world. The injunction is one that requires us to act with
prudence and propriety (\~en sofia\~) towards them; and there is,
perhaps, not a more important direction in the New Testament than
this. Among the reasons for this are the following:
(1.) Men of the world judge of religion, not from the profession,
but from the life of its friends.
(2.) They judge of religion, not from preaching, or from books, or from
the conduct of its Founder and his apostles, but from what they see in
the daily walk and conversation of the members of the church.
(3.) They understand the nature of religion so well as to know when
its friends are or are not consistent with their profession.
(4.) They set a much higher value on honesty and integrity than they do
on the doctrines and duties of religion; and if the professed friends of
religion are destitute of the principle of truth and honesty, they think
they have nothing of any value. They may be very devout on the Sabbath;
very regular at prayer-meetings; very strict, in the observance of
rites and ceremonies--but all these are of little worth in the
estimation of the world, unless attended with an upright life.
(5.) No professing Christian can possibly do good to others who does not
live an upright life. If you have cheated a man out of never so small a
sum, it is vain that you talk to him about the salvation of his soul; if
you have failed to pay him a debt when it was due, or to finish a piece
of work when you promised it, or to tell him the exact truth in
conversation, it is vain for you to endeavour to induce him to be a
Christian. He will feel, if he does not say-- and he might
very properly say--that he wants no religion which will not make a man
honest.
(6.) No man will attempt to do much good to others whose own life is
not upright. He will be sensible of the inconsistency, and will feel
that he cannot do it with any sense of propriety; and the honour of
religion, therefore, and the salvation of our fellow-men, demand that,
in all our intercourse with others, we should lead lives of the
strictest integrity.
Redeeming the time. See Barnes "Ephesians 5:16".
{e} "wisdom" Psalms 90:12; Ephesians 5:15,16
Verse 6. Let your speech. Your conversation. In the previous verse
the apostle had given a general direction that our conduct towards
those who are not professing Christians should be wise and prudent; he
here gives a particular direction in regard to our conversation.
Be alway with grace. Imbued with the spirit of religion.
It should be such as religion is fitted to produce; such as to show
that the grace of God is in our hearts. Bloomfield supposes that
this means "courteous and agreeable, not morose and melancholy."
But though this may be included, and though the rule here laid
down would lead to that, it cannot be all that is intended. It
rather means that our conversation should be such as to show that
we are governed by the principles of religion, and that there is
unfeigned piety in the heart. This will indeed make us mild,
courteous, agreeable, and urbane in our conversation; but it will do
more than this. It will imbue our discourse with the spirit of
religion, so as to show hat the soul is under the influence of love
to the Redeemer.
Seasoned with salt. Salt, among the Greeks, was the emblem of wit.
Here the meaning seems to be, that our conversation should be seasoned
with piety or grace in a way similar to that in which we employ salt in
our food. It makes it wholesome and palatable. So with our conversation.
If it be not imbued with the spirit of piety, it is flat, insipid,
unprofitable, injurious. The spirit of piety will make it what it should
be--useful, agreeable, beneficial to mankind. This does not mean that
our conversation is to be always, strictly speaking, religious
--wherever we may be--any more than our food should be mere salt; but it
means that, whatever be the topic, the spirit of piety should be
diffused through it--as the salt in our food should properly season it
all, whatever the article of food may be.
That ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. He imbued with
the spirit of piety, that you may not utter anything that would be rash
and foolish, but be prepared to answer any one who may question you
about your religion in a way that will show that you understand
its nature, and that will tend to edification. This remark may be
extended farther. It may be understood as meaning also, "be imbued with
the spirit of religion, and you will be able to answer man appropriately
on any subject. If he asks you about the evidence of the nature of
religion, you will be able to reply to him; if he converses with you on
the common topics of the day, you will be able to answer him in a mild,
kind, affable spirit; if he asks you of things of which you are
ignorant--if he introduces some topic of science with which you are not
acquainted, you will not be ashamed to confess your ignorance, and to
seek instruction; if he addresses you in a haughty, insolent, and
overbearing manner, you will be able to repress the risings of your
temper, and to answer him with gentleness and kindness." Comp.
Luke 2:46.
{&} "speech" "words"
{f} "seasoned with salt" Mark 9:50
Verse 7. All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you. See these
verses explained in the Notes, See Barnes "Ephesians 6:21",
See Barnes "Ephesians 6:22".
Verse 8. See Barnes "Colossians 4:7".
{*} "estate" "no definition given"
Verse 9. With Onesimus. Who had been formerly a servant of Philemon,
an inhabitant of Colosse. See Barnes "Philemon 1:10". Onesimus
had probably been recently converted; and Paul felt towards him
the warm attachment of a brother, Philemon 1:16. In what way he
became acquainted with him is unknown. A more full account of
him will be found in the Notes on the epistle to Philemon.
Who is one of you. That is, either who is from your city, or one of
your own people and nation. It is clear from this, that Onesimus was
from Phrygia, and probably from the city of Colosse itself. It
would seem, also, that he was of a higher rank than is designated
by the word "slave" now. He was, indeed, a "servant" \~doulov\~
--of Philemon; but would the apostle have addressed the Colossians, and
said that he was "one of them," if he had occupied precisely the
condition which is now denoted by the word slave? Would a minister of
the gospel now in the Northern States, who should send a letter by a
runaway slave to a community of masters at the South, say of him that he
was "one of them?" Would it be kindly received, or produce a good
impression, if he did? There is reason, therefore, to think that
Onesimus was not a slave in the proper sense, but that he might have
been a respectable youth, who had bound himself to service for a term of
years, Comp. Philemon 1:18.
They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.
Relating to Paul himself, and the state of the church in Rome. As the
epistle which Paul sent was designed not only for them, but to be a part
of the volume of revealed truth, he wrote only those things which
would be of permanent interest. Other matters he left for those who
carried the epistle to communicate. It would also serve to give Tychius
and Onesimus more respectability in view of the church at Colosse, if he
referred the church to them for information on important points.
{b} "a faithful" Philemon 1:10
Verse 10. Aristarchus my fellow-prisoner. Aristarchus was of
Thessalonica, and is mentioned in Acts 19:29; 20:4, as Paul's
companion in his travels. In Acts 27:2, it is said that he
accompanied him in his voyage to Rome, and from the passage before us
it appears that he was there imprisoned with him. As he held the
same sentiments as Paul, and was united with him in his travels
and labours, it was natural that he should be treated in the same
manner. He, together with Gaius, had been seized in the tumult
at Ephesus, and treated with violence; but he adhered to the
apostle in all his troubles, and attended him in all his perils.
Nothing further is certainly known of him, though the Greeks say
that he was bishop of Assamea in Syria, and was beheaded with
Paul at Rome, under Nero." Calmet.
And Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas. John Mark, in relation to whom
Paul and Barnabas had formerly disagreed so much as to cause a
separation between Barnabas and Paul. The ground of the disagreement
was, that Barnabas wished to take him, probably on account of
relationship, with them in their travels; Paul was unwilling to take
him, because he had, on one occasion, departed from them.
See Barnes "Acts 15:37"; See Barnes "Acts 15:38";
See Barnes "Acts 15:39". They afterward became reconciled, and Paul
mentions Mark here with affection. He sent for him when he sent
Tychicus to Ephesus, and it seems that he had come to him in
obedience to his request, 2 Timothy 4:11. Mark had probably become more
decided, and Paul did not harbour unkind and unforgiving feelings
towards any one.
Touching whom ye received commandments. What these directions were,
and how they were communicated, whether verbally or by writing, is now
unknown. It was, not improbably, on some occasion when Paul was with
them. He refers to it here in order that they might know distinctly whom
he meant.
If he come unto you, receive him. In Philemon 1:24, Mark is
mentioned as a "fellow-labourer" of Paul. It would seem probable,
therefore, that he was not a prisoner. Paul here intimates that he was
about to leave Rome, and he enjoins it on the Colossians to receive him
kindly. This injunction may have been necessary, as the Colossians may
have been aware of the breach between him and Paul, and may have been
disposed to regard him with suspicion. Paul retained no malice, and now
commended in the warmest manner, one from whom he was formerly
constrained to separate.
{c} "Aristarchus" Acts 27:2
{d} "Marcus" Acts 15:37
{++} "touching" "respecting"
Verse 11. And Jesus which is called Justus. The name Jesus was
probably that which he bore among the Jews. Justus is a Roman
name, and was probably that by which he was known among the
Romans. It was not uncommon thus to assume another name
when one went among a foreign people. Comp. See Barnes "Acts 13:9".
Who are of the circumcision. Jews, or Jewish Christians.
Nothing more is knows of Justus.
These only are my fellow-workers unto the kingdom of God. The word
"only," here, probably refers to the fact that they only of all the Jews
Who were at Rome assisted Paul in his work. Epaphras and Luke were also
with him at Rome, and doubtless aided him.
Which have been a comfort unto me. The more so because they were
Jews. The other Jews in Rome stood aloof, and doubtless endeavoured to
augment the trials of the apostle. Comp. Acts 28:23-29.
{&} "fellow-workers" "Labourers"
Verse 12. Epaphras. See Barnes "Colossians 1:7".
Always labouring fervently for you in prayers. Marg., "or,
striving." Gr., agonizing. The word denotes the intense desire
which he had for their salvation; his fervent, earnest pleading for
their welfare.
That ye may stand perfect and complete. Marg., as in Greek,
filled. The desire was, that they might maintain their Christian
principles unadulterated by the nature of philosophy and error, and
completely perform the will of God in every respect. This is the
expression of a pious wish in regard to them, without any
affirmation that any had been absolutely perfect, or that they
would be perfect in this world. It is, however, a command of God that we
should be perfect, (see Matthew 5:48;) and it is the highest wish of
benevolence in reference to any one, that he may be complete in moral
character, and may do all the will of God. See Barnes "2 Corinthians 13:9".
{1} "labouring" "serving"
{e} "fervently" James 5:16
{f} "stand perfect" Matthew 5:48
{2} "complete" "filled affairs"
Verse 13. For I bear him record. Paul had had abundant opportunity
to know what were his feelings in regard to these churches.
A great zeal for you. A great desire to promote your welfare.
And them that are in Laodicea. Laodicea was the capital of Phrygia,
and not far from Colosse. There was a church there. See the
Introduction, and See Barnes "Colossians 4:16".
And them in Hierapolis. This was also a city in Phrygia, and not far
from Laodicea and Colosse. It was situated under a hill to the north,
and had on the south a large plain about five miles over. On the south
of that plain, and opposite to Hierapolis, was Laodicea, with the river
Lycus running in between them, nearer to Laodicea than to Hierapolis.
This place is now called by the Turks Pambuck-Kulasi, or the
Cotton-Tower, on account of the white cliffs which lie round about
it. It is now utterly forsaken and desolate, but the ruins are so
magnificent as to show that it was once one of the most splendid
cities in the East. It was celebrated for the hot springs in its
vicinity; and, on account of the numerous temples erected there, it
received the name of Hierapolis, or the holy city. The principal
deity worshipped there was Apollo. See Travels by T. Smith,
B. D. 1678. Comp. See Barnes "Colossians 4:16". From the allusion to it
here it would seem that there were Christians there in the time of Paul,
though there is no mention of a church there. It is nowhere else
mentioned in the New Testament.
{|} "record" "witness"
Verse 14. Luke, the beloved physician. This was undoubtedly the
author of the gospel which bears his name, and of the Acts of the
Apostles. He is mentioned as the travelling companion of Paul in
Acts 16:10, and appears to have accompanied him afterwards until his
imprisonment at Rome. See 2 Timothy 4:11. From verse 11 of this
chapter, it is evident that he was not by birth a Jew, but was probably
a proselyte. He is supposed to have been a native of Cyrene, and to have
died in Achaia, soon after the martyrdom of Paul, at the advanced age of
eighty-four. See Rob. Cal. Art. Luke. He is here mentioned as a
physician; and in his Gospel, and in the Acts, there are incidental
evidences that he was acquainted with the science of medicine, and that
he observed the events which he has recorded with the eye of one who
practised the healing art. It is easy to imagine that the presence of a
physician might have been of important service to the apostle Paul in
his travels, and that his acquaintance with the art of healing may have
aided not a little in the furtherance of the gospel. The miraculous
power of healing, possessed by the Saviour and his apostles, contributed
much to the success of their preaching; for the power of alleviating
pain of body, of restoring to health by miracles, would not only
be an evidence of the Divine origin of their mission--a credential
that they were sent from God--but would dispose those who had received
such important benefits to listen attentively to the message of
salvation. One of the best qualifications in missionaries in modern
times, in order to gain access to the heathen, is an acquaintance with
the healing art.
And Demas. Demas is mentioned in two other places, Philemon 1:24,
and 2 Timothy 4:10. He is here spoken of with commendation as one in whom
the apostle had confidence. Afterwards, when troubles thickened, he was
not found proof to the trials which threatened him in Rome, and
forsook the apostle and went to Thessalonica. He did this under the
influence of the "love of this present world," or of life evidently
unwilling to lay down his life in the cause for which Paul suffered.
See Barnes "2 Timothy 4:10". His departure, and that of the others
on whom Paul relied in Rome, was one of the severest trials which
he was called there to endure. See Barnes "2 Timothy 4:16".
{a} "Luke" 2 Timothy 4:10,11
Verse 15. Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea.
See Barnes "Colossians 2:1".
And Nymphas. This person is nowhere else mentioned, and
nothing more is known of him.
And the church which is in his house. See Barnes "Romans 16:5".
Verse 16. And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be
read also in the church of the Laodiceans. Laodicea was near to
Colosse, and the church there was evidently exposed to the same dangers
from philosophy and false teachers as that at Colosse. The counsels in
this epistle, therefore, would be equally applicable to both.
In 1 Thessalonians 5:27, the apostle also charges those to whom that
epistle was addressed to see that it be "read unto all the holy
brethren." It is evident that the apostles designed that the letters
which they addressed to the churches should be read also by others,
and should become the permanent source of instruction to the friends
of Christ. Laodicea, here referred to, was the seat of one of the
"Seven churches" of Asia, (Revelation 3:14;) was a city of Phrygia,
and was its capital. It was situated on the river Lycus, (hence
called \~laodikeia epi lukw\~ --Laodicea on the Lycus,) and stood at the
south-western angle of Phrygia. Its early name appears to have been
Diospolis, changed subsequently to Rhoas. The name Laodicea was given to
it by Antiochus Theos, in honour of his wife, Laodice. Under the Romans
it became a very flourishing commercial city. It was often damaged by
earthquakes, but was restored by the Roman emperors. It is supposed to
have been destroyed during the inroad of Timur Leng, A.D. 1402. The
ruins are called by the Turks Eski Hissar. These ruins, and the
ruins of Hierapolis, were visited by Mr. Riggs, an American missionary,
in 1842, who thus speaks of them: "These spots, so interesting
to the Christian, are now utterly desolate. The threatening expressed in
Revelation 3:16 has been fulfilled, and Laodicea is but a name. In the
midst of one of the finest plains of Asia Minor, it is entirely without
inhabitant. Sardis, in like manner, whose church had a name to live, but
was dead, is now an utter desolation. Its soil is turned up by the
plough, or overgrown by rank weeds; while in Philadelphia, since the
clay when our Saviour commended those who had there "kept the word of
his patience," there has never ceased to be a nominally Christian
church. The ruins of Laodicea and Hierapolis are very extensive. The
stadium of the former city, and the gymnasia and theatres of both, are
the most complete which I have anywhere seen. Hierapolis is remarkable
also for the so-called frozen cascades, a natural curiosity, in its
kind probably not surpassed for beauty and extent in the world.
It consists of a deposit of carbonate of lime, white as the driven
snow, assuming, when closely examined, various forms, and covering
nearly the whole southern and western declivities of the elevation on
which the city was built. It is visible for many miles, and
has procured for the place the name, by which alone Hierapolis is
known among the Turks, of the Cotton Castle." The engraving
on the preceding page will illustrate the ruins of Laodicea.
And that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea. In regard to
this epistle, see Introduction, & 6.
{c} "epistle" 1 Thessalonians 5:27
Verse 17. And say to Archippus. Archippus is mentioned also in
Philemon 1:2. He is not elsewhere referred to in the New Testament,
and nothing further is known of him.
Take heed to the ministry, etc. The Greek here is, \~thn diakonian\~
meaning the office of ministering in Divine things; but it is not certain
precisely what office he held there. It seems probable, from the
language which the apostle applies to him--"the ministry"--(comp.
Acts 1:17,25; 6:4; 20:24; 21:19; Romans 11:13; 1 Corinthians 12:5; 2 Corinthians 3:7-9; 4:1; 5:18;
2 Corinthians 6:3; Ephesians 4:12) that he was not a deacon, properly so called,
but that he was a preacher of the word. In Philemon 1:2, he is mentioned
by Paul as his "fellow-soldier," and it is evident that the apostle
meant to speak of him with honour. There is no evidence, as has been
supposed by some, that he intended to imply, by what he said, that he
had been remiss in the performance of his duties; but the apostle
doubtless meant to encourage him, and to excite him to increased ardour
and zeal in the work of the Lord. Comp. See Barnes "Acts 20:28". It is
always proper to caution even the most faithful and self-denying
servants of the Lord to "take heed," or see to it, that they perform
their duties with fidelity. The office of the ministry is such, and the
temptations to unfaithfulness are so great, that we need constant
watchfulness.
That thou fulfil it. That there be nothing wanting, or lacking, in
any of the departments of labour which you are called to perform.
{d} "Archippus" Philemon 1:2
{e} "heed" 1 Timothy 4:14
Verse 18. The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Probably the rest
of the epistle was written by an amanuensis. As was his custom,
Paul affixed his own hand to it in the form of a salutation. Comp
See Barnes "1 Corinthians 16:21"; See Barnes "2 Thessalonians 3:17".
Remember my bonds. Also evidently written by his own hand, to make
the injunction more impressive. Comp. See Barnes "Hebrews 13:3". The
meaning is that they should not forget him in his confinement. They
should remember that he was suffering on their account,
See Barnes "Colossians 1:24", and that he was entitled to every expression
of sympathy and love.
Grace be with you. See Barnes "Romans 16:20".
The subscription to this epistle is undoubtedly correct. See the
Introduction.
{f} "salutation" 2 Thessalonians 3:17
{g} "remember my bonds" Hebrews 13:3,25
End of Barnes Notes on Colossians
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