Colossians 3:24 - Printer Friendly

ESV: knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.

NIV: since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

NASB: knowing that it is from the Lord that you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.

CSB: knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord. You serve the Lord Christ.

NLT: Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.

KJV: Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

NKJV: knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.

In Paul's day and time, bondservants were not entitled to any inheritance from a wealthy family member. From a material standpoint, these slaves had little to look forward to in life. Yet Paul encourages them with a reminder that this mortal life is not where their real rewards will be given. God's inheritance, our eternal dwelling place with Him, will far exceed the trials and limitations of this life. Paul sought once again to focus readers on things above (Colossians 3:1–2) rather than the daily concerns of life.

Paul concludes this teaching with a reference to the bondservant's true master: Jesus Christ. Even the lowliest slave, when they accept faith in Christ, becomes a servant of the greatest person in the universe. There is no higher honor or privilege. With this perspective, a mistreated servant can live with joy, knowing his true Master and the eternal joy that awaits (1 Peter 1:8–9).

The next two verses will also provide crucial balance for this perspective on servants and masters. Verse 25 reminds the reader that God will not show favoritism: those who do evil will suffer the consequences, whether they are slave or master. Colossians 4:1 will continue that thought by warning masters not to be unfair towards those who serve under them.

Colossians 3:18—4:1 gives specific instructions from Paul for those living in Christian homes. This passage includes directions for husbands, wives, children, and servants. Paul makes a point of reminding believers not to merely ''get by'' with the bare minimum of what we are obligated to do. Rather, we should serve knowing that Christ is our ultimate judge. Paul also places ''masters'' under the same obligation to kindness and fairness as slaves and servants: both are equal in the eyes of Christ.

In this chapter, Paul gives clear instructions to Christians about living out faith in Christ. Since believers have been saved by Christ, they should not participate in the sins which trap unbelievers. Sexual immorality, jealousy, slander, and revenge are not to be part of the Christian's life. Instead, believers ought to demonstrate compassion, humility, patience, and forgiveness. Above all, followers of Christ should show love. Paul also gives specific instructions for those living in Christian homes, including husbands, wives, children, and servants.

Prior chapters in Colossians emphasized the supremacy of Jesus, and the inferiority of worldly teachings. Paul's explanation of Christ as the ultimate authority, and the only source of truth, is key to understanding the difference between godly wisdom and worldly deceptions. In this chapter, Paul will apply those earlier ideas using practical instructions. This application runs through the beginning of chapter 4, which will end with various news about fellow Christian ministers.

The book of Colossians describes Christ as superior to all other teachers, faiths, and philosophies. In this letter, written from prison, Paul once again tackles false teachings. Among these errors are claims that Christians need to give up all physical enjoyments, that they should worship angels, and that they need to rely on the wisdom of an elite few. These problems are consistent with an ancient heresy known as Gnosticism. In response, Paul explains that Christ is supreme, and sufficient for our salvation.