Colossians 3:23

23 And whatever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men,

Colossians 3:23 Meaning and Commentary

Colossians 3:23

And whatsoever ye do
Some have thought that these words, and the two following verses, regard the Colossians in general, and the performance of any, and all good works by them; but by their connection with the preceding verse, and with the beginning of the next chapter, they appear to concern servants only, and what they do under that character, and under the discharge of their duty:

do it heartily,
not by mere force and necessity, grudgingly, and with murmurings, but from the heart, and with good will, having a true, real, and hearty affection for their masters, having their good and interest at heart, and a delight in their service; like the Hebrew servant, that loved his master, as also his wife and children, and therefore would not depart from him, see ( Exodus 21:5 ) ,

as to the Lord, and not unto men; (See Gill on Ephesians 6:7).

Colossians 3:23 In-Context

21 Fathers, provoke not your children lest they become disheartened.

22 Slaves, in all things hearken unto your masters according to the flesh, not serving to be seen as those who only please men, but in simplicity of heart, fearing God;

23 And whatever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men,

24 knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance, for ye serve the Lord Christ.

25 But he that does wrong shall receive the wrong which he has done, now that there is no respect of persons.