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Scripture focus
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;
Ephesians 6:5 — KJV
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Ephesians 6:5
King James Version (KJV)
“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody
Commentary
Commentary on Ephesians 6:5
Theological / DevotionalServants. Gr. douloi, “slaves,” “bond servants” (see on Rom. 1:1). This expression is used frequently by Paul both to describe his own relation to Christ and to give counsel concerning the slavery and servitude that existed throughout the Roman world (see 1 Cor. 7:21, 22; Col. 3:22–25; 1 Tim. 6:1, 2; Philemon; 1 Peter 2:18–25). Slavery was anciently practiced, not only by pagans, but also by Christians in the early Christian church. Nowhere in the Scriptures is this unnatural practice specifically condemned, but in both the OT and the NT principles are enunciated that would tend in time to eradicate it (see on Deut. 14:26; 1 Cor. 7:20–24; Philemon).
Be obedient. By following Paul’s instruction on their relations with their masters, the large number of Christian slaves within the empire would have a powerful influence on the upper class, who were the slaveowners. Thus, in their own way, the vast number of slaves would form a mission body whose power would be felt throughout society. Inevitably, with slave and master truly brethren, a social and religious revolution would be under way.
According to the flesh. This phrase, which also appears in Col. 3:22, differentiates between their physical servitude to their masters and their spiritual allegiance to Christ. Human slavery may imprison the body, but it never can subjugate the spirit. Paul is here incidentally declaring the limitations of human slavery, which was able to demand the service of the body but could not command the spirit.
Fear and trembling. This is a typical Pauline phrase (cf. 1 Cor. 2:3; 2 Cor. 7:15; Phil. 2:12) connoting great care and earnestness. It is used when a solemn responsibility before God is enjoined, in this case, the servants’ responsibility to have every possible anxiety to please their masters. They were not released by Christianity from their obligations to their legal masters, and should have a deep sense of their duty.
Singleness. Gr. haplotēs (see on Rom. 12:8). The one aim should be to please Christ in the discharge of duty to the slave master. “Doubleness” of heart would mean seeking to please outwardly while avoiding proper service whenever possible. A slave might be tempted to rationalize that since his servitude was unjust, it was only proper that he should gain his rights by subterfuge if necessary. To do right because it is right is a high Christian principle.
As unto Christ. Servants were to look on the service to their masters as part of their service to Christ.
By SdaBc
Devotional
Ephesians 6:5
Devotional on Ephesians 6:5
Key Verse
Ephesians 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;"
Biblical Context
The Apostle Paul wrote the letter to the Ephesians while imprisoned, aiming to encourage and instruct the early Christian community in Ephesus on how to live a life worthy of their calling. Ephesians 6:5 is part of a larger section where Paul addresses various household relationships, including those between husbands and wives, parents and children, and servants and masters. This passage, specifically Ephesians 6:5-9, focuses on the relationship between servants and masters, urging both parties to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects their commitment to Christ.
In the Roman world, slavery was a common institution, and many early Christians were either slaves or slave owners. The context often involved domestic slaves who were integral to household operations. Paul’s instructions to servants to obey their earthly masters "with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ" underscores a revolutionary idea: that their service is ultimately to God, not merely to human masters. This teaching elevates the dignity of all work and service, transforming it into an act of worship and devotion to God.
Paul’s message is not about endorsing the institution of slavery but rather about transforming the hearts and attitudes of both servants and masters. He emphasizes sincerity and integrity in service, encouraging believers to serve wholeheartedly as if serving the Lord, not people. This teaching is echoed in other New Testament writings, such as Colossians 3:22 and 1 Peter 2:18, which also stress the importance of genuine service and respect within these relationships. Titus 2:9 further highlights the transformation from sullen disobedience to cheerful helpfulness, emphasising the Christian call to serve with goodwill.
Daily Application
The principles found in Ephesians 6:5 extend beyond the historical context of servants and masters to our modern-day work environments and relationships. At its core, this verse challenges us to examine the motivations behind our actions and to serve others with sincerity, integrity, and reverence, as if serving Christ Himself.
1. Acknowledge Your Role in Your Relationships Whether you are an employee, a volunteer, a student, or a leader, each of us holds roles that require us to serve others in some capacity. Recognising the significance of our roles and the impact of our actions on those around us is the first step in aligning our service with the teachings of Ephesians 6:5. By acknowledging our responsibilities, we can approach our tasks with a sense of purpose and dedication, knowing that our service is ultimately for God’s glory.
2. Serve with Sincerity and Goodwill Paul’s instruction to serve "with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ" calls us to serve with sincerity and genuine care. This means performing our duties not just to meet expectations or to gain approval, but because we are committed to doing our best as an expression of our faith. In practical terms, this could mean going the extra mile in our work, being attentive to the needs of others, and maintaining a positive attitude even in challenging situations.
Consider how you approach your daily tasks. Are you motivated by a desire to please others, or are you driven by a commitment to serve God through your work? By cultivating a heart of sincerity, we can transform even the most mundane tasks into acts of worship and devotion.
3. Remember That Your Ultimate Master is in Heaven Ephesians 6:5 reminds us that our ultimate accountability is to God. While we may have earthly supervisors or leaders, our true Master is in heaven, and it is His approval that we should ultimately seek. This perspective can be incredibly freeing, as it shifts our focus from seeking validation from people to pleasing God with our service.
When faced with difficult situations or challenging relationships, remembering that we are serving Christ can provide the strength and encouragement needed to persevere. It also helps us to maintain our integrity, knowing that God sees our efforts and will reward us accordingly. As Paul writes in Ephesians 6:8, "knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free."
A Short Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the opportunity to serve others in our daily lives. Help us to approach our work and relationships with sincerity and integrity, as if serving You. Remind us that our ultimate accountability is to You, and guide us to serve with a heart full of goodwill and reverence. May our actions reflect our devotion to Christ, and may we find joy and fulfilment in knowing that our service is an act of worship to You.
In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.