Matthew Henry Commentary Colossians 3:18-25

"Wives, be in subjection to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing in the Lord. Fathers, provoke not your children, that they be not discouraged. Servants, obey in all things them that are your masters according to the flesh; not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing the Lord: whatsoever ye do, work heartily, as unto the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that from the Lord ye shall receive the recompense of the inheritance: ye serve the Lord Christ. For he that doeth wrong shall receive again for the wrong that he hath done: and there is no respect of persons." — Colossians 3:18-25 (ASV)

The epistles most concerned with displaying the glory of Divine grace and magnifying the Lord Jesus are also the most particular in emphasizing the duties of the Christian life. We must never separate the privileges and duties of the gospel. Submission is the duty of wives. However, it is submission not to a severe lord or stern tyrant, but to her own husband, who is committed to affectionate duty.

And husbands must love their wives with tender and faithful affection. Dutiful children are the most likely to prosper. Parents must be tender, and children obedient. Servants are to do their duty and obey their masters' commands in all things consistent with their duty to God, their heavenly Master. They must be both just and diligent, without selfish designs, or hypocrisy and disguise.

Those who fear God will be just and faithful even when not under their master's eye, because they know they are under the eye of God. They do all with diligence, not idly or slothfully, and cheerfully, not discontented with the providence of God that placed them in that relation. And to encourage servants, let them know that in serving their masters according to the command of Christ, they serve Christ, and He will give them a glorious reward at last. But, on the other hand, he who does wrong will receive for the wrong which he has done.

God will punish the unjust as well as reward the faithful servant; and the same is true if masters wrong their servants. For the righteous Judge of the earth will deal justly between master and servant. Both will stand on a level at His tribunal.

How happy true religion would make the world if it prevailed everywhere, influenced every state of things, and every relation of life! But the profession of those persons who are neglectful of duties, and give just cause for complaint to those they are connected with, deceives themselves and also brings reproach upon the gospel.