Colossians 3:21 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.

NIV: Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.

NASB: Fathers, do not antagonize your children, so that they will not become discouraged.

CSB: Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they won't become discouraged.

NLT: Fathers, do not aggravate your children, or they will become discouraged.

KJV: Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.

NKJV: Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.

After addressing wives, husbands, and children, Paul adds additional instructions for Christian fathers. This closely resembles the instruction Paul gives in Ephesians 6:4 warning fathers not to provoke anger in their children. Some render the phrase Paul uses here in Colossians as "do not cause your children to become resentful." The idea is that of stirring up or causing problems for your child. Unfairness and aggression, in particular, are to be avoided. Fathers are not to be problem-makers for their children, but rather providers and examples for their sons and daughters.

Fathers who provoke their children can cause discouragement. Children rely on their father to offer encouragement. When fathers fail in this aspect, it can have long-lasting impact on the well-being of their child. Once again, Ephesians 6:4 mirrors this part of Colossians. Fathers are called to both offer discipline and to teach God's ways to their children. This is not to be delegated to a mother or other influencers. Spiritual instruction may involve the support of all family members, but it is ultimately the personal responsibility of the father.

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.