Ephesians 6:5 Commentary and Bible Study

Paul now considers the third great relationship in society, that between masters and slaves, or its equivalent for most of us, employers and employees. If the slave is to render conscientious service to his master, how much more the free man? In New Testament days slavery was prevalent in society and in the Roman world this was a far less well regulated and humane form of slavery than that prescribed by the law of Moses. Slaves were traded and were subject to forms of cruelty that were forbidden by Old Testament law. They had no prospect of release and were regarded as the permanent possession of their masters who had power over their lives. Some were called by God in this state and grasped the essential equality of all men and women before God. Paul however does not teach converted slaves to overthrow even this tyrannical institution but rather to give no cause for offence and to be model slaves, just as Christians should be model citizens in every other respect. The New Testament’s attitude to slavery is that freedom should be obtained where it can, but only by legitimate means. Christians must give no excuse to the world for accusing them of being disorderly or of trying to ferment revolution or anarchy. Though slavery will be banished from heaven and though the Christian is passing through this world and only here for a time, while he is in the world he must be subject to governments and laws of this world as long as they do not directly contradict the commandments of God. He is to accept injustice for a time in this life do so patiently and in hope that he will finally arrive in God’s perfect society, free from all sinful and oppressive traits. In the meantime slaves are to obey their earthly masters according to the flesh. The last phrase distinguishes such masters from Christ who is our Master according to the spirit. The fact that he is our master does not imply we are free from all lesser masters, for it is the will of Christ that in this world we submit to the institutions of men. We are to give the highest quality of service and the highest degree of respect for earthly masters, even though they are unconverted. Fear and trembling. What is this? It is a figure of speech meaning great respect and conscientious care. The flesh does not want to do that. Many of those slaves had very hard circumstances. They performed some menial job to enable someone else to be more comfortable, and live in luxury. They were not improving the world at large. That sort of work does not motivate much, but still they are told to do it. Certainly we should keep out of jobs that are unethical (we do it ‘as unto the Lord’). Some run down their place of work. But even if all the others are lazy we must work hard, whether anyone else does or not, whether anyone notices or not, cares or not. This is good for us in a free and easy age. This fear and trembling is for the sake of the gospel. It removes all possibility of suspicion that the gospel has made us defiant or unruly. The Christian sees Christ even in his unconverted slave master because it is the will of God that he should serve well. Of course there will be other advantages. He will be noticed in the end, his job will be less boring, he will overcome irritation, and strengthen his witness, but actually the real reason is because it is done for the Lord, and he will reward you, now and in eternity. This is one of the great acts of faith. We work far longer than we spend in worship. The Lord gives us a way of turning a wholly unprofitable activity into something that brings an eternal reward.