Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Colossians 4:1

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

What is "just"? What is "equal"? To place them in plenty of everything, and not allow them to stand in need of others, but to recompense them for their labors. For, because I have said that they have their reward from God, do not thou therefore deprive them of it. And in another place he saith, "forbearing threatening" (Eph. vi. 9), wishing to make them more gentle; for those were perfect men; that is, "with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured unto you." (Matt. vii. …

Homily on Colossians 10 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

What does "due" mean? It means to reward them for their labors, to supply everything in abundance, and not to allow them to be in need of outside help. You should not, after having heard that they have a reward from God, deprive them on your part of what they ought to have from you. As they have you, so you too have the Lord. Therefore, "with what measure you mete" to your servants, "it shall be measured to you" by your Lord (Matt. 7:2). …

Commentary on Colossians ↗

Western Saints

Thomas Aquinas

Next, Paul shows how masters should treat their slaves. He does two things: first, he gives his instructions, secondly, the reason for them. There are two ways a master can oppress his slaves. First, by acting unjustly against them by violating the laws, for according to the laws a master cannot be cruel to his slaves. And so Paul says that masters should treat their slaves justly. …

Commentary on Colossians ↗