Eph 6:5-9 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Eph 6:5-9: 6:5-9 The relationship between slaves and masters (and, by analogy, between employees and employers) is to be shaped by their commitment to the Lord and their desire to build one another up in Christ. Christian slaves are to obey their masters, and Christian masters are to treat their slaves kindly (see Col 3:22–4:1 ). • Paul was not promoting slavery but teaching Christians how to live in it as a fact of life in that culture (for Paul’s treatment of slavery, see Philemon Book Introduction, “Meaning and Message”). 6:5 Obedient service to earthly masters expresses a Christian slave’s service to Christ (see Col 3:22-23 ; 1 Tim 6:1-2 ; Titus 2:9-10 ; 1 Pet 2:18-23 ).

Summary for Eph 6:5-9: 6:5-9 ^a The relationship between slaves and masters (and, by analogy, between employees and employers) is to be shaped by their commitment to the Lord and their desire to build one another up in Christ. Christian slaves are to obey their masters, and Christian masters are to treat their slaves kindly (see Col 3:22–4:1 ^b).

• Paul was not promoting slavery but teaching Christians how to live in it as a fact of life in that culture (for Paul’s treatment of slavery, see Philemon Book Introduction, “Meaning and Message”). 6:5 ^c Obedient service to earthly masters expresses a Christian slave’s service to Christ (see Col 3:22-23 ^d; 1 Tim 6:1-2 ^e; Titus 2:9-10 ^f; 1 Pet 2:18-23 ^g).
Summary for Eph 6:6-7: 6:6-7 ^h As slaves of Christ: As those who have been bought by the blood of Christ, believers no longer belong to themselves (see 1 Cor 6:19-20 ⁱ; 7:22 ^j; cp. Rom 1:1 ^k; Gal 1:10 ^l; Phil 1:1 ^m). For Christian slaves, the will of God is that they honor him by serving their human masters faithfully and with enthusiasm.
6:8 ⁿ The master of all believers is the Lord, and he will reward those who are faithful (see 1 Cor 3:12-15 ^o).
6:9 ^p in the same way: That is, with integrity and concern for their welfare (see Col 4:1 ^q).

• Don’t threaten them: Christian masters, too, will be held accountable by the same Master in heaven for their lives on earth. Pleasing him requires treating their slaves humanely and kindly.

• he has no favorites: God judges all people by the same standard (see Deut 10:17 ^r; Acts 10:34 ^s; Rom 2:11 ^t; Col 3:25 ^u).