Paul's Epistle To The Colossians

The relationship between a figure in authority and one who is subordinate is a focus of Paul’s epistle to the Colossians. One of the relationships discussed is that between a slave and his master. It is also the main theme of Paul’s letter to Philemon, his fellow brother in Christ. In his letter Paul urges Philemon to accept his earthly slave, Onesimus, back in love and as a brother rather than merely a slave. It is evident in both epistles that Paul seeks to enlighten his audience to a new perspective on these relationships. While he addresses both the master and the slave, he often puts the core of the responsibility on the master. On the other hand, he often even refers to himself as a prisoner in chains or a slave to God so that the function

In Colossians Paul advises the slaves to obey in everything but to do it in genuine way and not simply to please men (3:22). It is for anyone who is in a subordinate position to fool those in authority in order to gain their trust, however Paul is advising that one must serve their earthly masters as if they were serving the Lord Himself! By drawing the distinction however between the earthly and heavenly masters, one is instructed to obey even those who are not worthy of that obedience. The only reason to do so is because we view it as a service to the Lord, which is the reward itself. To ease this burden, Paul often refers to himself as a prisoner of the Lord. Specifically in Philemon he introduces himself in that manner. The effect is twofold. By using the title himself he is showing that there is no shame in servitude for the Lord. In fact the Apostle uses it almost to brag of his position, which will reflect greatly on the subordinate as well as change the mindset of the one in authority. This is really the heart of the message, that the role of a servant has been completely altered after the incarnation of Christ. For even Christ himself was a “servant” to God the Father and therefore has elevated the role even beyond anyway that Paul could have done so. Once Christ assumed our humanity, He was able to purify and sanctify every aspect of it including slavery! While this idea may seem odd, we see numerous times in scriptures where Christ glories in this fact. Paul makes this connection clearly in Philippians by stating, “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of