Ephesians 6:9

Commentary on Ephesians 6:9 KJV

Ephesians 6:9 is a pivotal verse within Paul's letter, addressing Christian masters and their conduct towards those under their authority. It concludes the apostle's instructions regarding household relationships, emphasizing principles of fairness, accountability, and the impartiality of God.

Context

This verse is the culmination of Paul's "household code" found in Ephesians 5:22-6:9, which outlines the reciprocal duties of wives and husbands, children and parents, and finally, servants (or slaves) and masters. In the Roman world, slavery was a pervasive social institution, and Paul's instructions here do not directly challenge the institution itself but rather transform the relationships within it through Christian ethics. Following his exhortation to servants to serve their earthly masters as if serving Christ (Ephesians 6:5-8), Paul turns to the masters, commanding them to apply the same spiritual principles.

Key Themes and Messages

• Reciprocity and Mutual Obligation: The phrase "do the same things unto them" is crucial. It implies that masters should treat their servants with the same sincerity, respect, and good will that servants are enjoined to show them. This calls for a radical transformation of the master-servant dynamic, moving beyond mere legal obligation to a relationship governed by Christian love and principle.
• Forbearing Threatening: Masters are explicitly commanded to avoid intimidation, harshness, or abuse of power. This challenges the common Roman practice where masters often held absolute authority, including the power of life and death over their servants. Christian masters are to exercise their authority with gentleness and justice, reflecting the character of God.
• Divine Accountability: The powerful reminder, "knowing that your Master also is in heaven," places the earthly master under the ultimate authority of God. This concept of divine accountability means that those in positions of power are not autonomous but are answerable to a higher, heavenly authority for how they treat others.
• God's Impartiality: "neither is there respect of persons with him" underscores God's absolute fairness and lack of favoritism. The Greek word for "respect of persons" is prosopolepsia (προσωποληψία), which literally means "receiving a face" and refers to showing partiality based on outward appearance, status, or social standing. God judges all equally, whether master or servant, rich or poor, based on their actions and the condition of their hearts. This truth serves as a powerful deterrent against injustice and an encouragement for righteous conduct.

Linguistic Insights

The term "respect of persons" (KJV) is a direct translation of the Greek prosopolepsia. This concept is central to biblical justice, emphasizing that God does not show favoritism or partiality based on human distinctions like wealth, social status, or race. This principle is reiterated throughout Scripture, highlighting God's just character and the standard by which all will be judged. For a similar expression of God's impartiality, see Romans 2:11.

Practical Application

While direct slavery is not practiced in most modern societies, the principles of Ephesians 6:9 remain highly relevant for contemporary relationships, particularly in the workplace. This verse provides a foundational ethic for Christian leadership and employer-employee relationships:

• Christian Leadership: Those in authority (employers, managers, parents, spiritual leaders) are called to lead with fairness, respect, and kindness, avoiding intimidation or exploitation. They are reminded that their authority is ultimately delegated by God.
• Workplace Ethics: It encourages a work environment where dignity is upheld for all, regardless of their position. Employers should ensure fair wages, safe conditions, and respectful treatment, recognizing the inherent worth of each individual.
• Accountability: It serves as a powerful reminder that all individuals, especially those in positions of power, are accountable to God for their actions and attitudes towards others.
• Dignity of All People: Because God shows no partiality, Christians are called to treat everyone with equal respect and love, recognizing that all are created in God's image and are equally valuable in His sight.