Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Colossians 4:1

"Masters, render unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven." — Colossians 4:1 (ASV)

Now Paul turns to the duty of masters toward their slaves in terms of dealing justly and equitably with them. Though in the Roman world slaves had few rights, Paul does not hesitate to teach that duty is not all on the side of slaves. Masters too have obligations. Paul’s reason for their being completely fair with their slaves is a compelling one: “because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.” It is to God that Christian masters are accountable for how they treat their slaves. Both master and slave alike bow before one Master, with whom there is no “favoritism.”