“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; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men; knowing that whatsoever geed thing any man doeth, the same shall be receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free” (Eph. 6:5-85Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; 6Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; 7With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: 8Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. (Ephesians 6:5‑8)).
“Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and His doctrine be not blasphemed. And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit” (1 Tim. 6:1-21Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. 2And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort. (1 Timothy 6:1‑2)).
“Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully” (1 Peter 2:18-2018Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. 19For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. 20For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. (1 Peter 2:18‑20)).
There are more instructions given in the Scriptures for the direction and welfare of servants than for any other class. This is no small honor, and is an evidence of God's love and tender care for all who occupy this position. The reason may perhaps be also found in the fact that in every age of the church, from the days of the apostles until the present time, large numbers of servants have ever been, by the grace of God, numbered among His children. And since from the situation they fill they must be exceedingly influential for good or for evil—in commending the gospel to those with whom they live, or in dishonoring the name of Christ—these counsels and admonitions are doubtless given, that they might see the stress which is divinely laid upon their adorning the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.
The term servant, as employed in Paul's epistles, is somewhat wider than as used among ourselves. “Slave” or “bondsman,” is the exact equivalent in language, though servant is the best interpretation of its meaning; for the slaves of the East were in no way like the slaves of the West. They were, to speak generally, the household servants, whether male or female; differing from our servants in this, that they belonged to their masters, who acquired them by purchase or by war. But though slaves, they were for the most part—kindly treated; indeed they often became members of the family, occupying posts of trust and influence, its in the cases of Eliezer the steward of Abraham, and Joseph in the house of Potiphar. They were really domestics; that is, members of the household; and hence, whatever the actual differences between their position and that of servants now, we shall be most in harmony with the spirit of the injunctions given if we understand them to apply to household servants. Peter, indeed, uses a different word—one that really means a “domestic.” This is, no doubt, because he was writing to Jewish believers, in whose houses fewer slaves than “domestics” would be found. All classes of servants therefore are really included; and hence servants of all stations and in every degree will find much in this chapter to apply to their needs and position; for whoever is under an earthly master will find God's will as to his service, in the directions given in this portion of His word. Nor should it be forgotten that all believers are, in one aspect, the Lord's servants; and hence, that while these scriptures have their primary application to the special class to whom they are addressed, there is instruction and edification for all. Even He who has left us an example that we should follow in His steps took upon Him “the form of a servant” (Phil. 2), and thereby has taught us that the true place of every believer is in subjection to the —will of another. “For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth” (Luke 22:2727For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth. (Luke 22:27)).
(1.) As might be expected from the very name, the primary duty of the servant is obedience. In five different epistles (Eph. 6:55Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; (Ephesians 6:5); Col. 3:2222Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: (Colossians 3:22); 1 Tim. 6:1,21Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. 2And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort. (1 Timothy 6:1‑2); Titus 2:99Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; (Titus 2:9); 1 Peter 2:1818Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. (1 Peter 2:18)) is this duty enjoined; and, as in the case of children, the obedience demanded is almost unlimited. “Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh” (Col. 3:2222Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: (Colossians 3:22)). The only limitation is found in their higher obligations to the Lord; for though this is not directly stated, it is clearly implied when it is said, “Ye serve the Lord Christ” (Col. 3:2424Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3:24)). Up to this point—so long as the command given does not trench upon what the servant owes to the Lord as His servant—entire obedience is to be given to the master or mistress. We say master or mistress; though every one will observe that mistresses are not mentioned in these Scriptures. This is either because the term master, in God's sight, includes that of mistress, just as men and women are often comprehended under the term man, or, more probably, because the authority of the mistress is delegated to her from her husband—he being the head of the household, and responsible for its rule before God, but entrusting its domestic arrangements to the wife as mistress. It must therefore be understood that masters and mistresses are both included in the former term, and that the obedience to be rendered is due to either or both, according to the position of the servant.
It is possible, that there may be a little hesitation in accepting such a description of the duty of servants as this almost unlimited obedience. But the words of Scripture will not admit of any narrower interpretation. Examine them as closely as you may, the meaning is simple and distinct. Obedience, indeed, is necessitated by the relative position. The master governs and the servant must obey, or the household would be a scene of continual distraction and strife. This will be more plainly seen when it is remembered that every Christian household should be a presentation of the rule or government of God. As the servant to the master, so is the believer to the Lord. It is really therefore the Lord's rule in the household, exercised through the master whom He holds responsible for its conduct and order. Hence the apostle can say, “Ye serve the Lord Christ;” you receive the commands through your earthly masters, but in obeying them you are serving the Lord, because He has placed you where you are, and enjoins obedience upon you in that position. Service would be much easier—a means of grace indeed—if this truth were more fully and heartily recognized, if the servant, in receiving the master's command, heard always the voice of the Lord. For then the temptation to debate the order given, to question its reasonableness, to condemn its unkindness, would be avoided, and the spring of cheerful obedience be always present in the soul. That there may be hardships, injustices, or even cruelties, is possible; but the sting of such trials will be gone when received, as it is the believer's privilege to do, directly from the Lord, when His will is recognized and submissively accepted.
Nor is the obligation to obedience weakened by the character of the master. “Servants,” writes the apostle Peter, “be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward” (1 Peter 2:18). The service —obedience—in such a case will be far more difficult. There are masters who so win the hearts of their servants that these esteem their most self-sacrificing, even exacting, demands a pleasure. There are, on the other hand, masters who are habitually so inconsiderate that their slightest requirements are deemed a hardship. The temptation of the servant is to fly to obey the former; and to lag, sometimes even to refusal, to obey the latter. But, as this scripture shows, the duty of obedience is entirely irrespective of the master's character. To forget this would be both to forget that you serve the Lord Christ, and also to fall into the sin of eye-service, as men-pleasers, instead of as “the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; with good will doing service, us to the Lord, and not to men” (Eph. 6:6, 76Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; 7With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: (Ephesians 6:6‑7); see also Col. 3:22-2322Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: 23And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; (Colossians 3:22‑23)).
If we now point out the characteristics of obedience, as here given, the duty will be lightened by being directly connected with the Lord.
(a) “Not with eye-service, as men-pleasers.” The eye is not to be upon the countenance of the master. If it be, the temptation will of necessity be to please him, and thus to be a man-pleaser. The slightest duty is robbed of its value before God, if done to men instead of to Himself. That were to walk by sight, and not by faith.
(b) “But as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free” (Eph. 6:5-85Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; 6Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; 7With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: 8Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. (Ephesians 6:5‑8); see also Col. 3:22-2422Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: 23And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3:22‑24)).
Thus the servants are put down in the presence of the Lord. They are the servants of Christ, and they are to do the will of God from the heart, and their eye is to be fixed on the Lord alone. And in the recollection of this lies the secret of all happy, cheerful service, of all true obedience, and also of being altogether independent of the character of their masters. Christian servants would avoid many a snare, if this were kept before their minds; and thus exalting Christ in their service would, indeed, adorn the doctrine of God their Savior in all things.
(2.) The next direction of the Scriptures is as to demeanor. This, in fact, is connected with the duty already described; for where there is cheerful, willing obedience there will certainly be a correspondent demeanor. But it may serve to show its importance, as well as place the subject in a distincter light, if attention is directed to the specific statements of the word of God.
(a) Servants are to “count their own masters worthy of all honour” (1 Tim. 6:11Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. (1 Timothy 6:1)). They are to pay them all the respect befitting their position; and this requirement also is altogether irrespective of the personal character of the master. Just, indeed, as God requires us to render honor to kings, and to all in authority because of the office they hold, so He commands servants to reverence their masters because of their position. The wisdom and propriety of this injunction is evident; for nothing is more becoming on the part of the servant, and nothing so much adorns and commends his service, as the respectful homage which is here enjoined; and nothing will be easier to render if it be borne in mind that it is to be given, not with eye-service as men-pleasers, but with goodwill as to the Lord, and not unto men.
Humility is also to be exhibited. Servants are to obey “with fear and trembling,” and “with all fear” (Eph. 6:55Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; (Ephesians 6:5); 1 Peter 2:1818Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. (1 Peter 2:18)). That is, they should cherish that humility of mind which fears to offend, and seeks “to please their masters well in all things” (Titus 2:99Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; (Titus 2:9)). They must thus studiously avoid giving cause of offense, and within the limits already defined ever seek to please.
“Not answering again” (Titus 2:99Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; (Titus 2:9)). Forbearance in word has to be exercised; the tongue kept under control so as to shun quick and hasty words. Every servant knows how many are the temptations in this direction. Sharp and even unjust things may be uttered by masters in a moment of irritation, and the tendency is to reply with words of the same temper; and then, when the fire of dispute is once enkindled, it is not so easily extinguished. And what is more natural? But God in His word shows us a better way; and hence directed His servant to write, “Not answering again.” The apostle Peter, enforcing the same thing, points to the example of Christ: “For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps: who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth: who, when He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, He threatened not; but committed Himself to Him that judgeth righteously” (1 Peter 2:20-2320For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. 21For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: (1 Peter 2:20‑23)). The Lord thus endured in patience before God, and hence looking away from the faces of men, “answered not again,” committing Himself and His cause to Him that judgeth righteously. So with servants. Dealt with unkindly, and even unjustly, they are to submit to such harsh treatment in patience before God, and look to Him for redress. A path impossible to nature, but which, when trodden in dependence on the Lord with the eye fixed upon Him, will yield unspeakable fruits of peace and blessing. The blessed Lord has trodden it Himself; and thus knowing what it is, He is able to succor, and will succor, those that follow Him in it. It is to have fellowship with Him in His sufferings; and “if we suffer with Him, we shall also be glorified together” (Rom. 8:1717And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. (Romans 8:17)).
(3.) Fidelity is also enjoined: “Not purloining, but showing all good fidelity” (Titus 2:1010Not purloining, but showing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. (Titus 2:10)). In this injunction, servants are regarded rather in the aspect of stewards: they are to deal faithfully in all that is entrusted to their care. The goods of the household are constantly under the hand of servants, and hence it is said, “not purloining, but showing all good fidelity.” They are not to abstract or use for themselves anything that belongs to their masters. This may be better understood if the exact meaning be given of purloining. We are told of Ananias and Sapphire (Acts 5) who sinned against God by keeping back part of the price of the possession which they had sold, and the proceeds of which they professed to have devoted to the Lord. This shows the meaning of purloining; for the word there translated “keeping back” is the same as that which is given in Titus as purloining, Purloining is therefore not exactly what is called theft, but it is the appropriation by the servant, for his or her own uses, of that which belongs to the master or mistress. Much property—food, clothing, and other things—must pass through the hands, and be under the care of every household servant. God requires of all servants that they should be faithful in this particular, and not allow themselves to take the smallest article without permission. Everything in the house belongs to the master or mistress, and must be held by the servant as a sacred trust. Eliezer, the steward of Abraham, and Joseph, in the house of Potiphar, are given us as examples of faithful servants, who did not purloin; while the Savior describes one who even wasted his master's goods, in the parable of the “unjust steward” (Luke 16:11And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods. (Luke 16:1)). Every servant would do well to take heed to these examples; for also, in this matter, the temptation is often strong, and if once yielded to, will increase in power, and may prove the cause of total ruin. Let this divine word, “not purloining,” be the light of the servant's path, and the snare will be escaped.
(4.) One special direction is given to meet a special case. “They,” says the apostle, “that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit,” (1 Tim. 6:22And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort. (1 Timothy 6:2)). Christianity teaches that One is our Master, the Lord Jesus Christ, and that we all are brethren; and that there is no respect of persons with God it might easily be, especially in the primitive church, that those “under the yoke,” misconceiving the new truth, might assert their equality with their masters, and, on the ground of oneness in Christ, be tempted to claim exemption from required service. This exhortation was intended to meet the temptation, teaching, as it does, that earthly distinctions remain untouched by the fact of equality of standing in Christ. It is true that the master and the servant, if believers, are brethren; but it is also true that, as far as this world is concerned, they are still master and servant. Social arrangements and distinctions, so far from being changed or obliterated, are preserved and consolidated by Christianity. “They that have, therefore, believing masters must not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit.” The very fact of their oneness in Christ, and of the brotherly tie which consequently unites them, should be a new motive to diligent and willing service; for, while in different temporal positions, they can now rejoice in knowing that it is but a temporal difference, which will forever fade away in the light of eternity; and thus masters and servants alike will recognize in the stations they occupy the will of their Lord. Attention to this direction will save servants from much disappointment. Even now, those who are Christians are led to expect too much from their masters and mistresses on the ground of a common Christianity. The master or mistress may not, indeed, remember this sufficiently; but if so, the believing servants should be careful to show that the only effect produced upon them, by being one in the faith, is to make them both better and more wilting in service. For, however exacting the demands that such a service may sometimes make, the service is rendered not unto men, but unto Him whom they delight to call their Lord, and He will give the recompense.
(5.) Sufficient has been written to show the minute character of the directions which are given. The question may be asked, What is their object? The answer is twofold. It is, first, that servants “may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things” (Titus 2:1010Not purloining, but showing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. (Titus 2:10)), and secondly, “that the name of God and His doctrine be not blasphemed” (1 Tim. 6:11Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. (1 Timothy 6:1)). It is, then, that the lives of servants should not prove a stumbling-block by bringing dishonor upon, but that they should be of such a character as to commend, the name of their Lord. A large number of servants, as has been already observed, are Christians; and hence it is so much insisted upon that they should walk worthy of their Christian name; for their position is often very difficult. Their faults are often magnified, and their virtues so overlooked, that nothing short of perfection will convince many masters and mistresses that their servants are really believers. On the other hand, it must likewise be admitted that Christian servants are sometimes very lax; and when this is the case the name of God and His doctrine on their account is blasphemed. But God is faithful, and whatever the difficulties of their position, if there be but dependence on Himself, He will sustain them; and if by their behavior they adorn the doctrine of God their Savior, He will cause the savor of the name of Christ to spread, by their means, as a sweet fragrance throughout the household in which they dwell.
(6.) In the next place there are both encouragements and warning.
(a) Encouragement. “With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free” (
Eph. 6:7, 87With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: 8Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. (Ephesians 6:7‑8)). “Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ” (
Col. 3:2424Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3:24)). All service, whatever its character, is thus done in responsibility to the Lord; and herein lies the encouragement his eye is upon the faithful servant, marking all his discouragements, trials, and sorrows, and sustaining him by his present approbation, and by the prospect of “the reward of the inheritance” which he shall finally receive from the hands of his Lord. For the time is not far distant when He will reckon with all His servants; and when, at His own judgment-seat (
2 Cor. 5:1010For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. (2 Corinthians 5:10)), we shall every one receive the things done in our body according to that we have done, whether good or bad.
There is also the encouragement—and how blessed it is—arising out of the example of Christ. This is the special force of the teaching of Peter; for no sooner does he commence his exhortations to servants than he connects all with the path and sufferings of the Lord Jesus. The reason is that He was the Perfect Servant—the One who never did His own will, but was always in subjection to another. As He Himself says, “I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of Him that sent me” (John 6:3838For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. (John 6:38)); and though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered. If the eye therefore be but fixed on Him, difficulties will fade, and strength will be received for the most arduous path; yea, and thus there may be fellowship with Christ in His sufferings for righteousness' sake. “Looking unto Jesus” will be thus an antidote for sorrows, and an encouragement to persevering fidelity in the servant's path.
(b) There is one warning. “He that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons” (Col. 3:2525But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons. (Colossians 3:25)). Here also responsibility is brought in to deter from evil. With what care therefore has the Lord provided for the servants' need! And how tenderly does. He bring them and their duties into the light of His own presence, so that everything may be done as unto Him If the encouragements and the warnings alike have the effect of making every servant live alone for His approbation, then the heaviest burden will become light, and the most difficult situation be occupied with joy.
(7.) Last of all, we cannot but remind the servants of their opportunity for blessing to the household in which they are placed. There are many families that will have to praise God throughout eternity for Christian servants. What honor has the Spirit of God put upon the little captive maid of Israel, who was thus instrumental for blessing to Naaman (2 Kings 5); and from that time down to the present day it has pleased God to use many a servant for the conversion of members of the household in which they have served. A captain in the army, well known to the writer, was returning from India in ignorance and unbelief. He had a black believing servant. On board the troopship there was much leisure, and the servant seized the opportunity of commending to his master the gospel of the grace of God. His testimony was blessed, and his master landed in England as a soldier of the cross of Christ. He forthwith abandoned the profession of arms, and devoted himself to the ministry of the gospel; and many a time has the writer seen the people to whom he was preaching bowed before his words, which were in the demonstration of the Spirit and with power, as the trees of the wood are bowed before the wind. Thousands of such instances have their record on high; and the light of eternity alone will reveal how many masters and mistresses, or their children, have been saved through the humble testimony, commended by their walk and conversation, of believing servants.
May He grant that every Christian servant who reads these words may realize and fulfill, by the grace of God, the responsibility of his or her position.