Ephesians 6:5
Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The text isn't just telling slaves to obey, but to obey "as unto Christ," meaning their service to their earthly masters was to be a direct expression of their devotion to God. This shifts the focus from simply doing a job to performing a sacred act, transforming mundane tasks into opportunities for profound worship.
Paul is addressing the practical implications of Christian life within existing social structures, moving from the general duties of believers to specific relationships. Following instructions for children and fathers, he now turns to slaves and masters, outlining how they should interact within the framework of their faith, with the core principle being mutual service and respect in Christ.
Who are your 'masters according to the flesh,' and why does Paul even use this phrase?
Paul uses the phrase 'masters according to the flesh' to gently remind both slaves and servants that their earthly masters have authority only over their physical bodies and worldly responsibilities. This authority is temporary and limited to this life ('the flesh'), distinguishing it from the ultimate authority of God. It implies that while obedience is required in worldly matters, it doesn't extend to violating one's conscience or spiritual obligations. This distinction was crucial, offering a sense of inner freedom and spiritual dignity even within oppressive systems.
Does 'fear and trembling' sound like healthy Christian behavior? What's really going on here?
When Paul speaks of 'fear and trembling,' he’s not advocating for a fearful, cowering attitude. Instead, he's describing a deep reverence and conscientiousness. It's the kind of awe that recognizes the gravity of obedience and the serious consequences of failure, not just in the eyes of the earthly master, but before God. This implies a sincere, earnest effort to do the job well, free from laziness or defiance, because the servant understands they are ultimately accountable to the Lord.
How can serving a human master become serving Jesus?
The core of Paul's instruction is the shift in perspective: 'as you would Christ.' This transforms everyday labor into an act of worship. When servants obey with a 'sincere heart' (or 'singleness of heart'), they are not just performing a task for a person; they are doing it out of a genuine desire to please God. Their actions become a testimony to their faith, demonstrating that their ultimate loyalty and motivation lie with Christ, who sees and values their faithful service, regardless of their earthly position.
Understand the original words
douloi · Greek Noun
Individuals bound to the service of another; in New Testament times, it referred to those in a position of subservience or slavery, whom the apostles exhorted to serve with integrity as unto Christ.
phobō kai tromō · Greek Noun phrase
A state of profound reverence, humility, and seriousness; it describes an attitude of deep respect and caution in performing one's duties, stemming from a consciousness of God's presence.
haplotēs · Greek Noun
Single-mindedness or purity of intent; acting without duplicity or hypocrisy, reflecting a character that is unified in its devotion to God.
c. 27 BC - AD 180
Pax Romana
The Roman Empire experienced a long period of relative peace and stability. This era shaped the social structures and legal frameworks within which the New Testament was written, including the widespread practice of slavery.
c. AD 30-33
Crucifixion of Jesus
The central event of Christianity, the death and resurrection of Jesus, laid the theological groundwork for Paul's teachings on love, service, and spiritual freedom.
c. AD 48-49
Council of Jerusalem
This council addressed the inclusion of Gentiles in the early church, impacting the diverse social backgrounds of early Christian communities, including those with enslaved members.
c. AD 50s— this verse
Paul's Ministry in Ephesus
The Apostle Paul spent a significant period ministering in Ephesus, a major Roman city where the letter to the Ephesians was likely written. This context implies his familiarity with the social dynamics, including slavery, within the Ephesian church.
c. AD 60-62
This passage directly parallels Ephesians 6:5, commanding 'bondservants' to obey their 'masters according to the flesh' in all things, as serving Christ, highlighting the same theme of righteous conduct within existing social structures.
1 Peter 2:18Peter echoes Paul's instruction, telling 'servants' to be subject to their masters 'with all fear,' not only to the good but also to the froward, emphasizing the Christian's duty of submission and respectful conduct regardless of the master's character.
Philippians 2:5This verse establishes the mindset urged in Ephesians 6:5: 'Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.' It calls believers to adopt Christ's humble, obedient attitude, which is the ultimate model for how servants should approach their earthly masters.
1 Corinthians 7:21-23Paul addresses a similar situation, advising slaves who are called as Christians not to worry about their condition but to remain in it, or if they can gain freedom, to use it. This shows the biblical approach of transforming lives from within rather than immediately dismantling societal structures, much like Ephesians 6:5.
Matthew 6:24barnesEphesians 6:5: "Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;"
Servants - οἵ δοῦλοι hoi douloi. The word used here denotes one who is bound to render service to another, whether that service be free or voluntary, and may denote, therefore, either a slave, or one who binds himself to render service to another. It is often used in these senses in the New Testament, just as it is elsewhere. It c…
calvinEphesians 6:5-9: "Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;"
- Servants, be obedient. His exhortation to servants is so much the more earnest, on account of the hardship and bitterness of their condition, which renders it more difficult to be endured. And he does not speak merely of outward obedience, but says more about fear willingly rendered; for it is a very rare occurrence to find one w…
The text isn't just telling slaves to obey, but to obey "as unto Christ," meaning their service to their earthly masters was to be a direct expression of their devotion to God. This shifts the focus from simply doing a job to performing a sacred act, transforming mundane tasks into opportunities for profound worship.
Paul is addressing the practical implications of Christian life within existing social structures, moving from the general duties of believers to specific relationships. Following instructions for children and fathers, he now turns to slaves and masters, outlining how they should interact within the framework of their faith, with the core principle being mutual service and respect in Christ.
Paul is addressing the practical implications of Christian life within existing social structures, moving from the general duties of believers to specific relationships. Following instructions for children and fathers, he now turns to slaves and masters, outlining how they should interact within the framework of their faith, with the core principle being mutual service and respect in Christ.
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Paul's Imprisonment in Rome
Paul's imprisonment during this time allowed him to write letters, including Ephesians, which offered guidance to the early church on various aspects of Christian living within their existing social structures.
Jesus' teaching that 'no one can serve two masters' illuminates the 'sincere heart' instruction in Ephesians 6:5. It warns against divided loyalties and emphasizes the need for a singular devotion, which here is directed towards serving Christ even through obedience to an earthly master.
"Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ," — The text isn't just telling slaves to obey, but to obey "as unto Christ," meaning their service to their earthly masters was to be a direct expression of their devotion to God. This shifts the focus…
