Ephesians 6:9 Commentary and Bible Study

Masters have a corresponding duty to their slaves and are not free because of their earthly status to behave as they like. Paul says, ‘do the same things to them’, obviously not meaning that masters are to obey or serve their slaves but that they are have the same awareness that they are subject to the will of God and, out of the same reverence for Christ, they are to treat their slaves as fellow human beings to whom they owe a debt of benevolence, fairness and even respect. Is it possible for a master to show these considerations towards his slave and not dissolve the bond of slavery? Yes, because he can see it as part of this world’s order while recognizing that in the world to come all such service will be done away with. In days when evangelical effort has brought an end to the tyranny of slavery we may still apply these words to the employment situation where the same situations arise but in a less extreme form.In particular Paul singles out what must have been a particular evil in his day, the threatening of slaves. This went hand in hand with a low regard for the slave which allowed the master to oppress his slave as a mere possession owned by him. In his mind he had rights over the slave that justified almost any form of inducement to obedience, and therefore he could give way to cursing and bullying. Threats might be issued to encourage compliance, with the obvious implication that the master had the right to punish or use violence. These threats were not measured warnings and admonitions deserved because of some failure, but were intended to create an atmosphere of harshness and fear which forced the unwilling to comply. They made the slaves’ life a misery. But the believing master must be known for his benevolence and kindness even to a slave. Yes, he may have to warn and take to one side, but he must also encourage. How much more should a Christian employer act fairly to his employees. In fact, true kindness is rare even in today’s liberal employment atmosphere. Few understand the need to encourage in any real and sincere way, and few can be bothered to show kindness to those in their employment, preferring to let the system run its natural course. Patience is part of this, and should be shown towards those who are slow to understand or who make mistakes. A genuine regard to the personal circumstances and pressures of others will communicate a sense of real concern. This is not only the duty of every believer, but will often pay dividends when the employee responds by making a renewed effort and learns the pleasure of working hard in order to please.