How we cite our quotes:
Quote #7
Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and never treat them harshly. (Colossians 3:18-19, NRSV)
Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. (Colossians 3:18-19, KJV)
Sure, Paul thinks that different social groups should treat each other kindly, but that doesn't mean he's quite ready to tear down the entire patriarchal system just yet. P.S. We've heard this one at weddings before. How romantic?
Quote #8
Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything […] Masters, treat your slaves justly and fairly, for you know that you also have a Master in heaven. (Colossians 3:22, 4:1, NRSV)
Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh […] Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven. (Colossians 3:22, 4:1, KJV)
Or free the slaves. It would take about 1,500 more years before people started feeling bad about that.
Quote #9
Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer everyone. (Colossians 4:5-6, NRSV)
Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. (Colossians 4:5-6, KJV)
Social norms are out…but also kind of in. Notice that Paul's walking a fine line here. He wants everyone to know they're equal in God's eyes, but he can't risk making trouble with outsiders. Here, he even tells Christians to be careful what they say. Society is a dangerous thing.