Ephesians 6:9 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him.

NIV: And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.

NASB: And masters, do the same things to them, and give up threatening, knowing that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.

CSB: And masters, treat your slaves the same way, without threatening them, because you know that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.

NLT: Masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Don’t threaten them; remember, you both have the same Master in heaven, and he has no favorites.

KJV: And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.

NKJV: And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.

Verse 5 through 8 focused on the spiritual obligations of servants. In this verse, the masters of these servants are specifically addressed. Interestingly, they are given the exact same charge. Namely, they are supposed to be doing the will of God, for the good of others, from a pure and willing heart (Ephesians 6:6). Masters may be in charge, but they are also to lead others according to God's ways.

In addition, Paul commanded "stop your threatening." In a culture where masters and slave owners were given freedom to abuse their servants, Paul taught directly against this practice. His reason is based on their common Lord. This is a powerful incentive for the master, or slave owner, to be careful how they treat those over whom they have power. Masters were (and are) accountable to God for their actions toward those they lead. While Paul elsewhere appeals for slaves to be freed (Philemon 1:15–16), the basic idea applies regardless of culture or laws.

Paul then reminds masters "there is no partiality" with God. He will not show favor to those with more money or influence. God judges perfectly and righteously, reminding masters that godly actions are required of them regardless of their earthly status. Abuse of another, in the eyes of God, is not excused by a master-slave relationship, nor by an employer-employee relationship. This fits cleanly with Paul's similar teaching on the mutual responsibilities of husbands and wives (Ephesians 5:22–33), and children and parents (Ephesians 6:1–4).

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.