1 Timothy 6:1-2 1As many who are under the yoke as slaves regard their own masters as worthy of all honor in order that the name of God and the teaching will not be blasphemed. 2And those who have believing masters must not be disrespectful because they are brothers [and sisters], but let them serve even more, because believers are also beloved who are benefited. Teach and encourage these things.
The last group relationship Paul addresses in the Ephesian church is between slaves and master. Slavery was a way of life throughout the Roman Empire and Mediterranean region. People became slaves because of economic hardship, war, or birth. The larger households in many cities like Ephesus had slaves. A slave’s life could be harsh and life threatening or plush with relative freedoms, depending on the situation or household. Many of the earliest Christians were slaves. This is the third passage specifically giving directions to slaves (Ephesians 6:5-8; Colossians 3:22-25). Although slaves were owned by another person, they could be free from the spiritual bonds of sin (Romans 6:1-11).
Slaves were under a yoke, the instrument used for animals to guide them as they pull a load. Slavery deprives a person of freedom and is a heavy burden not intended by God. Most slaves had little recourse to gain their freedom. So, Paul directs them to make the best of their situation. By honoring their masters, they could make the situation better for themselves. How they respected their masters was a direct testimony about their faith. Paul emphasizes that this honor should be complete and not partial.
The situation at home can affect outsiders and the church. If a slave who professes to be a Christian lacked honor, it could impact their testimony by blaspheming the name of God and the message in which they have believed. By honoring their masters, slaves honored God and the message of Jesus Christ. Slaves had little freedom to be a witness outside of their responsibilities, but by having integrity and a godly character, their lives could become a living message to the faith they profess.
Verse 2 warns slaves not to show contempt or disrespect (kataphroneitōsan) to their masters. The reason for this (hina) is because their master are also believers, which implies that they are part of the church. The masters are described in three ways: believers, brothers, and beloved. Although slaves were powerless in the general society, they had the power to honor and love as their gifts. In a culture where honor and shame were power forces to give or receive benefits, Paul flips the common expectations over and shows how Christian slaves were in positions of power and honor. Paul tacks on the reminder to Timothy to teach and encourage these things. These things could refer to the directions thus far in the letter or as preparation for the final exhortations in chapter 6.
Although slavery is outlawed in most places in the world today, the timeless principle behind this passage is applicable for many situations. A Christian who is repressed politically or economically or who is in a bad work or family situation can have a powerful testimony by honoring all people. Honoring those who are the repressors can be difficult. Jesus taught us to love even our enemies. Often those who cause problems for us serve in the role of enemy. We will be weak in our own abilities to love and serve the enemy, task-master, boss, abusive family member, or whoever might cause us troubles. But with God’s love in us through the Holy Spirit, we are liberated from earthly bondage and freed to love unconditionally.
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