Ephesians 6:5 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ,

NIV: Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.

NASB: Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ;

CSB: Slaves, obey your human masters with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as you would Christ.

NLT: Slaves, obey your earthly masters with deep respect and fear. Serve them sincerely as you would serve Christ.

KJV: Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;

NKJV: Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ;

Verses 5 through 9 provide Paul's instructions for servants and masters. In this verse, Paul notes the importance of obedience to one's master: Three specific aspects are noted. First, Paul mentions "fear and trembling." The terms do not imply terror or living in dread. Rather, this carries the idea of respect and reverence.

Second, Paul adds that service should be done with "a sincere heart." A servant should not attempt to deceive a master, but rather genuinely work hard to do his or her best.

Third, Paul sets the highest standard possible in stating that a servant's obedience should be as serving Christ. This would have been a difficult challenge, especially for servants under the rule of harsh masters. Though servants in Ephesus lived with relatively pleasant conditions, compared to the African slavery experienced in America, not all did. Even in the worst situations, Paul wanted servants to show the love of Christ. Paul often sought freedom for slaves (Philemon 1:15–16), yet also encouraged those in bondage to still live for Christ.

Paul will specifically address those who command servants, or who own slaves, in verse 9. There, he will remind them that they are no better than those they oversee, and God will not show favoritism.

Ephesians 6:5–9 gives specific instructions for both servants and masters. Servants should give a good effort, more than just for show, in all things they are required to do. This shows respect for their master, but it also provides a good example of one's relationship to Christ. At the same time, masters are explicitly told not to be abusive to their underlings. God sees masters as no better than those they command, and He is the ultimate Master of both.

Paul gives specific instructions to children and fathers, stressing obedience and patience, respectively. He also directs servants to serve with sincerity and good intentions, as if they were working for Christ. Masters are warned not to be harsh: the same God who judges all will not give them preference over those they supervised. All Christians are called on to use the tools given us by God for surviving the attacks of the devil. These are imagined as pieces of a suit of armor. Paul ends this letter in his typical style, with prayer, blessings, and news about his plans.

Ephesians opens with three chapters of doctrine, followed by three chapters of practical application. This final chapter of Paul's letter focuses on specific ways Christians should live. It also summarizes the spiritual tools we are given by God, imagining them as a suit of armor. Paul pulls the same basic ideas from the rest of letter together, showing how Christians should live out their knowledge of what salvation in Christ really means.

Ephesians follows a theme common in Paul's writings: connecting theory with practice. In this book, however, he goes into greater depth before making the transition. As a letter meant to be read by more than just the believers at Ephesus, this is an important look at how Christian belief should translate into Christian action. The first three chapters lay out spiritual ideas, the last three chapters show how these truths should be applied in the life of a mature believer. Paul focuses heavily on love, the unity of the Christian church, and the incredible value of our salvation through Christ.