Ephesians 6:9

Masters. It is here clearly indicated that there were slave owners in the Christian church, converted men, who were living according to their measure of spiritual knowledge and had a sense of Christian responsibility. Such a one no doubt was Philemon (see comments on the book). In turning to the duties of masters, Paul does not hold them up to condemnation, but, as in dealing with servants, he lays down principles that would, in due course of time, remedy the evil of servitude (see on Deut. 14:26).

Do the same. This is Paul’s version of the golden rule. Masters are to have the same spirit toward servants that he has been counseling the servants to have toward masters; and no master could ever complain that Paul’s advice to servants would encourage rebellion. The apostle has insisted that servants act conscientiously and with fidelity, knowing that the eye of God was upon them; masters should do the same. The interest of their servants would be paramount in their minds, and in treating them rightly they would be serving God also (cf. on Col. 4:1). Although Paul is dealing primarily with slavery, all that he has to say may be applied also to employer-employee relations in our modern society.

Forbearing threatening. Special instruction had been given the Hebrews on the treatment of servants (Lev. 25:39–43; Deut. 15:12–14; Jer. 34:14), and even more was expected of Christians, who had a fuller revelation of God in Christ Jesus as regards human relationships. Threatening implies fear and force, whereas the way of the gospel is the way of love. Threatening is usually the beginning of cruelty and must be entirely eliminated. It is a tremendous challenge to any administrator to exercise his authority in love rather than through power and force. It does not mean that he should not expect just service, but his warnings and discipline must be exercised with self-control and Christian charity. Respect for the personalities of others is one of the first evidences of the converted life.

Your Master. Textual evidence attests (cf. p. 10) the reading “the Master of both them and you.” Both, regardless of the disparity in social positions, owe allegiance to the one Master. This fact should influence masters in their treatment of servants, because certainly any injustice would be punished, and because all who have a common Lord are fellow servants.

Respect of persons. Gr. prosōpolēpsia, literally, “receiving of face” (see on Rom. 2:11; cf. Col. 3:25). God will not be influenced by externals, by rank or position.