Colossians 3:25 - Printer Friendly

ESV: For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.

NIV: Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.

NASB: For the one who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that without partiality.

CSB: For the wrongdoer will be paid back for whatever wrong he has done, and there is no favoritism.

NLT: But if you do what is wrong, you will be paid back for the wrong you have done. For God has no favorites.

KJV: But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

NKJV: But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality.

Paul concludes his words to bondservants with a promise regarding God's future justice toward those who are prejudiced. This serves more than one purpose. First, it comforts those bondservants who suffer under unfair, harsh, or abusive masters. Paul reminds them that a servant's obligation to obey does not mean their masters are justified, by God, for being evil. On the contrary, God sees no moral difference between the slave and the master.

Secondly, believers are not to show favoritism, partiality, or discrimination (James 2:1–7). God is not unfair, so we ought not be unfair. Yet when discrimination does happen, God sees it and has a much better way of dealing with it than human revenge (Romans 12:19). This is a crucial verse to remember in any discussion of slavery in the Bible. Regardless of what society may tell a person about their power over others, God shows no favoritism: those who do evil cannot point to society or culture as an excuse for what they have done.

Partiality or favoritism was a frequently mentioned sin in the Old Testament. It is often associated with corruption (Deuteronomy 16:19; 2 Chronicles 19:7; Proverbs 24:23; 28:21). It is sinful to show favoritism or unfairness in our obedience to God (Malachi 2:9). Jesus was known for not showing partiality (Luke 20:21), something Peter and Paul would come to understand regarding God's love for the Gentiles (Acts 10:34; Romans 2:11; Galatians 2:6; Ephesians 6:9; 1 Timothy 5:21).

Verse 1 of chapter 4 will compete these thoughts, warning masters to treat their servants fairly. Just as the bondservants have a master, there is a greater Master in heaven, who will judge all men based on their actions.

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.