Romans 6:16

Know ye not? Paul illustrates his answer to the question raised in v. 15 by referring to the customs of slavery, with which his readers could not but be familiar.

Servants. Greek douloi, “slaves,” “bond servants.” Among the Greeks and Romans a slave was regarded as his master’s property, and his owner could dispose of him as he pleased. Under a cruel master the lot of the slave was most oppressive, and he was sometimes treated worse than a beast. Such is the condition of every miserable sinner. He is the slave of Satan, and his own evil desires and appetites are his relentless taskmasters (v. 12).

Paul uses the same word “slave” to describe the servants of Christ (see on Romans 1:1). By this he makes it clear that they are indeed their Master’s property. But since Christ is infinitely good and benevolent, His service is actually perfect freedom, for He requires no obedience that He does not turn to the eternal advantage of His servants.

His servants ye are. We show by our conduct which master we are serving. No man can serve two masters at the same time (Matthew 6:24; Luke 16:13; cf. John 8:34).

Unto death. That is, leading to death.

Obedience. That is, of course, obedience to God, as implied by the context. Such obedience is the obedience of faith (see on Romans 1:5; cf. Romans 16:26).

Righteousness. Here, perhaps, meaning right character. Acts of obedience lead to habits of obedience, and such habits make up a right character.