From 5:21 to 6:9 Paul deals with the issue of mutual submission between husbands and wives, children and parents, slaves and masters. In the section before us he deals with the responsibilities of slaves and masters. The whole section is held together by the exhortation "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ", 5:21. Instead of insisting on our own way, believers should consider the interests of others. Christ is our pattern for such self-giving, cf. Phil.2:3-8.

v5. Paul encourages slaves to obey their masters with "fear and trembling". The phrase is often used in the scriptures and on many occasions refers to a right attitude toward God. The phrase simply means "respect". Slaves are to respect their masters. This respect is given literally "as Christ." That is, it is given to the master as it would be given to Christ. In fact, when it is done to the master it is done to Christ.

Respectful service is done "with sincerity of heart." The Bible commentator J.B. Lightfoot said the phrase meant "with undivided service", ie. without divided loyalties.

v6. The slave is not to serve their master as a "man-pleaser". Such a person works hard in the master's gaze, but slacks when out of it. In contrast, the slave should work "heartily" - from the heart. They should work as if they were a slave for Christ.

v7. The slave is to serve as if doing it for Jesus. This develops a "wholehearted" approach to service rather than a service of drudgery. The slave will develop a "ready good will, which does not wait to be compelled", J.A. Robinson.

v8. Paul goes on to remind his readers, whether "slave or free", of something they know well. Christian service is rewarded, just as unfaithfulness is punished. This Biblical principle comes from Christ who said that on his return "he will render to everyone according to what he has done", Matt.16:27. This principle will apply even to a slave's work-ethic. The concept of reward is an interesting one. Clearly it is not the reward of salvation. A believer is saved on the basis of faith in Christ. They may fail miserably in their service to Christ and not lose their salvation, 1Cor.3:12-15. Could the reward be greater responsibility in eternity, Luke 16:10-12, 19:26?

v9. As for masters, they are to respond toward their slaves "in the same way." That is, they are to apply principles of Christian concern toward their slaves. This will involve not "threatening" them and not showing "favoritism". To "threaten" is to threaten punishment, to use violent and harsh words in dealing with their slaves. Masters are reminded that they have a Master in heaven and he doesn't show favoritism between slaves or masters.

Paul says nothing of the evil of slavery itself. He, like Christ, works within the social system of the day. The Bible, none-the-less, promotes the release of slaves, particularly within the family of God, Jer.34:9.

The wide acceptance of economic rationalism has resulted in a dog-eat-dog mentality in the business community. All that matters is "the bottom line", profit. Social equity, "a fair days pay for a fair day's work", is no longer of any interest to management. Reward is now given, not because of skill or effort, but rather on the capacity to scam, lie, cajole...... Marketing, selling, is what it's all about. The product itself is marketed, not on value, but rather on the basis of what the market can bear. Little reward is seen in the finished product. Profit is what matters, and so success is rated on the profit level alone. "How much did it make", that's what matters.

Economic rationalism, or "the bottom line", abandons Biblical ethics and moves away from the "do unto others as you would have them do unto you" ethic that was once accepted practice in Western countries. Sadly, even those political parties that once promoted social justice, equity, have adopted the economic god of rationalism.

Paul reminds his readers that employees should give their boss "wholehearted" service. They are not to work "to win their favor". The worker should be "sincere", showing genuine "respect" toward the boss, not servile pretence. In fact, a believer should see their effort, not so much as service to their employer, but rather as service to Christ. Very few people find fulfillment in their employment, yet a believer can find value in any form of honest work, for their work is offered to Christ. Jesus is well able to appreciate the true value of their effort, even if others don't. The knowledge of our Lord's appreciation is warming indeed.

Employers should apply the same principles toward their workers. Dehumanizing work-practices which degrade the employee, which are demeaning, are not to be used. There should be no favoritism. The "master" needs always to remember that he has a heavenly "Master".

1. Consider the issue of slavery. Given that it is a social evil, why is Paul content only to regulate it?

2. Discuss present work and management practices in light of the Biblical principles found in this passage.