1 Peter 2:18

Servants. Gr. oiketai, “domestic slaves” (see on Rom. 14:4; Eph. 6:5-8).

Be subject. Or, “continue in subjection” (see on Eph. 6:5).

Masters. Gr. despotai (see on Luke 2:29; Acts 4:24). The word here stresses absolute lordship over slaves. Because many converts in the early church lived in physical bondage to earthly masters the church leaders found it necessary to approach the problem of slavery from a practical, rather than an ideal, point of view (see on Deut. 14:26). Christian slaves were to win the esteem and kindness of their masters by manifesting faithfulness, loyalty, humility, patience, and a forgiving spirit.

Good. Gr. agathos, “good,” from a moral point of view.

Gentle Gr. epieikes, “fair,” “reasonable,” “mild in conduct.” Peter here reflects Christ’s counsel given in the Sermon on the Mount (see on Matt. 5:43-48).

Froward. Literally, “crooked,” here, metaphorically, a “twisted mind” as revealed in dealings with others. It may not be hard to serve a good and reasonable master, but much Christian fortitude is required to serve faithfully a crooked and perverse one.

Nevertheless, a “froward” master is no excuse for discourtesy or disobedience. The Christian slave daily confronted perplexing situations. Often he was required to carry out the preparations for his master’s idol worship, or to serve harmful food and drink, or to witness demoralizing entertainment. Nevertheless, the Christian slave was to carry out his duties faithfully.