1 Timothy 6:1 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Let all who are under a yoke as bondservants regard their own masters as worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and the teaching may not be reviled.

NIV: All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect, so that God’s name and our teaching may not be slandered.

NASB: All who are under the yoke as slaves are to regard their own masters as worthy of all honor so that the name of God and our doctrine will not be spoken against.

CSB: All who are under the yoke as slaves should regard their own masters as worthy of all respect, so that God’s name and his teaching will not be blasphemed.

NLT: All slaves should show full respect for their masters so they will not bring shame on the name of God and his teaching.

KJV: Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.

NKJV: Let as many bondservants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and His doctrine may not be blasphemed.

The end of chapter 5 dealt with the proper way for Christians to honor good church elders and how to discipline those who went astray. The first two verses of chapter 6 provide instructions to Christians in Ephesus who lived as bondservants or slaves. This was an extremely common status in the first century.

Paul encouraged slaves to obtain freedom whenever possible (1 Corinthians 7:21). He pled for the freedom of the runaway slave Onesimus in his letter to Philemon (Philemon 1:8–16). However, Paul did not focus the major portion of his ministry on the abolition of slavery. Rather, Paul's words here are a direction towards godly behavior, no matter one's circumstances. He commands slaves to give their masters honor. Why? For the honor of God: "so that the name of God and the teaching may not be reviled."

As important as each person is to God (Genesis 1:27), God's honor is to be the utmost priority to the believer. In addition, Paul wanted there to be no excuse for people to reject the gospel based on the negative actions of Christians. Instead of Christian slaves rebelling against their masters, they were to live godly lives to help bring glory to the Lord and reach people for Christ. This, along with the New Testament's powerful teaching of human equality (Galatians 3:28; Colossians 3:11), created an approach which weakened and eventually defeated chattel slavery in Western culture.

First Timothy 6:1–2 gives a brief note of instruction to Christians who find themselves in the role of a slave, or bondservant. Paul's command is that these men and women serve with integrity and respect. This is to prevent others from associating the name of Christ with bad behavior. Other passages of the Bible, such as Paul's letter to Philemon, show how slavery is meant to be overcome with Christ-like attitudes, rather than open revolution.

This chapter completes Paul's highly practical instructions to his friend and student, Timothy. The major focus of this passage is proper Christian conduct, and the avoidance of evil. Paul gives several character flaws common in those who teach false doctrine. He also provides a stark warning about the dangers of greed and materialism. Those who become obsessed with wealth open themselves to virtually any other sin one can imagine. Timothy is given a clear mandate to uphold his faith and testimony, along with Paul's blessings and encouragement.

The book of 1 Timothy is full of very practical advice, from Timothy's mentor, the apostle Paul. Chapter 6 rounds out the instructions given in the first five chapters. Building on the ideas laid down earlier in the letter, Paul reminds Timothy of the importance of godly living and avoiding the snares of evil and temptation. This chapter provides a strong encouragement for Timothy to apply the wisdom of this letter, both in his personal life and in the churches he is leading.

First Timothy is one of Paul's three ''Pastoral Epistles.'' Paul's other letters, such as Romans, Ephesians, and Colossians, are meant for a broader audience. First Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus are written to specific people whom Paul is advising on how to best lead their local churches. These three letters present a close look at the form and function of church leadership. First Timothy, like 2 Timothy and Titus, is less formal and systematic, and more personal. This gives great insight into the way pastors, deacons, and elders ought to prioritize their time and energy.