Commentary

What follows are a series of specific examples of putting all the characteristics of the new man (3:10ff) and doing everything in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ (17). He addresses three corresponding relationships in the typical household of Paul's day: wives and husbands (18-19), children and parents with a special focus on the father (20-21). In the next unit (3:22-4:1) he will address slaves and masters. It is not surprising that he would call the wives, children and slaves to submit to the authorities in their lives. However, the Christ-centeredness of their submission transforms everything (18b, 20a, and throughout verses 22-24). What is equally radical is his instructions to the ones in authority. With these qualifications the relationships must never be abusive.

notes

Arc

editing

NT

Colossians 3:18-21

na27

esv

Αἱ γυναῖκες, ὑποτάσσεσθε τοῖς ἀνδράσιν

Wives, submit to your husbands,

ὡς ἀνῆκεν ἐν κυρίῳ.

as is fitting in the Lord.

ground

Οἱ ἄνδρες, ἀγαπᾶτε τὰς γυναῖκας

( and ) husbands, love your wives,

καὶ μὴ πικραίνεσθε πρὸς αὐτάς,

and do not be harsh with them.

negativepositive

series

Τὰ τέκνα, ὑπακούετε τοῖς γονεῦσιν κατὰ πάντα,

( and ) children, obey your parents in everything,

τοῦτο γὰρ εὐάρεστόν ἐστιν ἐν κυρίῳ.

for this pleases the Lord.

Οἱ πατέρες, μὴ ἐρεθίζετε τὰ τέκνα ὑμῶν,

( and ) fathers, do not provoke your children,

ἵνα μὴ ἀθυμῶσιν.

lest they become discouraged.

actionpurpose

na27

discourse