1.

Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.

Verse 1
This direction, and that contained in Ephesians 6:9, prescribe very distinctly the duty of masters to slaves. The one forbids that they should employ any violence, even that of words, in exacting service; and the other enjoins the making of an equitable return to them for their labors. The Christian master, therefore, who will not coerce his servants, nor even threaten coercion, who pays them what is justly their due, and treats them kindly, remembering that he has himself a Master in heaven, fulfils the duties of this relation as enjoined upon him in the word of God.

2.

Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

3.

Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:

Verse 3
The mystery of Christ; the truth long hidden, but now revealed, that Jesus Christ was the spiritual Redeemer of mankind.

4.

That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

5.

Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

Verse 5
Them that are without; unbelievers.

6.

Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

Verse 6
Salt; the salt of piety.

7.

All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:

Verse 7
Tychicus; the bearer of this letter, and also of the one written at the same time to the Ephesians. (Ephesians 6:21.)

8.

Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts;

9.

With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.

Verse 9
Onesimus. This Onesimus was the servant of Philemon, who returned with Tychicus to his master at Colosse, with the letter known as the Epistle to Philemon.

10.

Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)

Verse 10
Aristarchus. In Acts 19:29,Acts 20:4, Aristarchus is mentioned as Paul's companion and fellow-sufferer. He accompanied Paul to Rome, as is stated Acts 27:2.--Marcus; Mark John, in regard to whom Paul and Barnabas disagreed, as related Acts 15:37-39. Paul had become afterwards reconciled to him, and had sent for him to come to Rome. (2 Timothy 4:11.)

11.

And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.

Verse 11
Jesus. This was not an uncommon name among the Jews. It was the Greek form of the word Joshua. (Hebrews 4:8.) Justus is a Latin form, being the name, probably, which he received among the Romans.--Of the circumcision; of the Jewish nation.--These only are, &c.; that is, from among the Jews.

12.

Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

13.

For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.

Verse 13
Zeal for you; affectionate interest in you.--Hierapolis; a city near Laodicea and Colosse.

14.

Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.

Verse 14
Luke; probably the same Luke who wrote the Gospel which bears his name, and the book of the Acts. He went with the apostle to Rome, as appears from his account of the voyage, in which he uses language which includes himself as one of the company. (Acts 27:1,Acts 27:2.)

15.

Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.

16.

And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.

Verse 16
The epistle from Laodicea. We have no other information, in respect to this Epistle, than what is implied in this allusion.

17.

And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.

18.

The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.

Verse 18
The salutation by the hand of me Paul; the Epistle itself having been written by a person employed as an amanuensis.