Ephesians 6:5

Ephesians 6:5 is part of Paul's instructions regarding household relationships, specifically addressing servants and their masters. This verse calls for a profound level of obedience and integrity, transforming ordinary labor into an act of worship.

Context

This verse is found within a broader section of Ephesians (5:21-6:9) often referred to as "household codes." Paul provides guidance for various relationships: wives and husbands (Ephesians 5:22-33), children and parents (Ephesians 6:1-4), and here, servants and masters. These instructions follow Paul's exhortation for believers to be "submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God" (Ephesians 5:21), laying a foundation of mutual respect and Christ-centered behavior for all interactions within the Christian community.

Key Themes

• Obedience and Respect: The verse directly commands servants to be obedient to their earthly masters. This is not just a superficial compliance but an inward posture of respect and submission.
• Serving "As Unto Christ": This is the transformative core of the verse. The motivation for obedience is not merely human approval or fear of punishment, but a recognition that in serving earthly masters, one is ultimately serving Christ Himself. This elevates any form of labor or submission to a spiritual act. This theme is echoed in Colossians 3:23, "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men."
• Singleness of Heart: This emphasizes sincerity and integrity. It means serving without ulterior motives, without eye-service (as mentioned in the next verse), and with a genuine desire to do what is right.
• Fear and Trembling: This phrase (phobos kai tromos in Greek) does not imply cowering in terror, but rather a serious, earnest, and careful approach to one's duties. It denotes a profound respect for the task and for the authority, akin to the carefulness with which one approaches a sacred duty. It implies diligent effort and a desire to please, similar to the concept of working out one's salvation with "fear and trembling" found in Philippians 2:12.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "servants" is doulos (δοῦλος), which is often rendered "slave" or "bondservant." In the Roman world, slavery was a pervasive institution, encompassing a wide range of social and economic realities, from chattel slavery to highly skilled laborers and household managers who could earn their freedom. Paul is not endorsing the institution of slavery but rather providing ethical guidance for believers within the existing social structures of his time. The instruction applies to anyone in a position of subservience or employment, emphasizing that their conduct should reflect their devotion to Christ.

Practical Application

While the direct context addresses ancient master-slave relationships, the principles in Ephesians 6:5 are highly applicable to modern employee-employer dynamics. Believers are called to:

• Exhibit a Strong Work Ethic: Perform duties diligently, with excellence, and integrity, even when not directly supervised.
• Serve with a Higher Purpose: View employment not just as a means to a paycheck, but as an opportunity to honor God through their labor and attitude. This perspective transforms mundane tasks into acts of worship.
• Maintain Integrity: Act with sincerity and wholeheartedness, avoiding deceit or half-hearted effort. This builds character and testifies to one's faith.
• Respect Authority: While not advocating blind obedience to unjust commands, the verse encourages a respectful and earnest posture towards those in authority, recognizing that ultimately, all authority is ordained by God.

This verse encourages Christians to be the best employees, volunteers, or subordinates they can be, demonstrating the transforming power of the Gospel in every area of life.