1 Timothy 6:1

Servants. Gr. douloi, “slaves” (see on John 8:34; Eph. 6:5). Slavery was an integral part of the Roman economy, and it was on this level of society that many of Christianity’s first converts were made. However, the Christian church contained both slaves and slaveowners. Concerning Paul’s counsel to Christian masters and slaves see on Eph. 6:5–9; Col. 3:22 to 4:1.

Under the yoke. That is, legally bound to their masters. Our Lord Himself refused to be a judge of civil matters, that is, to interfere forcibly with the established social order (Luke 12:14).

Worthy of all honour. Compare on Eph. 6:5.

Name of God. That is, the person and authority of the Godhead. In both the Greek and the Hebrew the “name” of any person commonly refers to the person himself and his character. All that the person represented, all that he intrinsically was in character, was wrapped up in the name by which he was called.

His doctrine. Or, “the teaching” (see on chs. 4:6, 16; 5:17). Christianity would have been no more than a philosophical theory if its teachings did not change the moral fiber of man and could not instill within him a hope that transcends all earthly disappointment. Thus, the worthiness of the gospel “teaching” rested on the quality of character developed in the lives of its adherents.

Blasphemed. If the early Christian ministers had actively attacked the institution of slavery, which was permitted by Roman law, they would have made Christianity appear as opposed to law and order and as fomenting insurrection and bloodshed. Thus God and the gospel would have been blasphemed.