Col 3:22-24 | JFB | STEP | 22. ( , .) This is to fear God, when, though none sees us, we do no evil: but if we do evil, it is not God, but men, whom we fear. singleness-- "simplicity of heart." fearing God-- The oldest manuscripts read, "the Lord."

‏ Colossians 3:22-24

22. (Ep 6:5, 6.) This is to fear God, when, though none sees us, we do no evil: but if we do evil, it is not God, but men, whom we fear.

singleness--"simplicity of heart."

fearing God--The oldest manuscripts read, "the Lord."

23. And--omitted in the oldest manuscripts (compare Ep 6:7, 8). Compare the same principle in the case of all men, Hezekiah (2Ch 31:21; Ro 12:11).

do, do it--two distinct Greek verbs, "Whatsoever ye do, work at it" (or "labor at" it).

heartily--not from servile constraint, but with hearty good will.

24. the reward of the inheritance--"Knowing that it is from the Lord (the ultimate source of reward), ye shall receive the compensation (or recompense, which will make ample amends for your having no earthly possession as slaves now) consisting of the inheritance" (a term excluding the notion of meriting it by works: it is all of grace, Ro 4:14; Ga 3:18).

for ye serve--The oldest manuscripts omit "for," then translate as Vulgate, "Serve ye the Lord Christ;" compare Col 3:23, "To the Lord and not unto men" (1Co 7:22, 23).