Ephesians 6:5
Verse
Context
Serving with Honor
4Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.5Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.6And do this not only to please them while they are watching, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Servants, be obedient - Though δουλος frequently signifies a slave or bondman, yet it often implies a servant in general, or any one bound to another, either for a limited time, or for life. Even a slave, if a Christian, was bound to serve him faithfully by whose money he was bought, howsoever illegal that traffic may be considered. In heathen countries slavery was in some sort excusable; among Christians it is an enormity and a crime for which perdition has scarcely an adequate state of punishment. According to the flesh - Your masters in secular things; for they have no authority over your religion, nor over your souls. With fear and trembling - Because the law gives them a power to punish you for every act of disobedience. In singleness of your heart - Not merely through fear of punishment, but from a principle of uprightness, serving them as you would serve Christ.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Servants--literally, "slaves." masters according to the flesh--in contrast to your true and heavenly Master (Eph 6:4). A consolatory him that the mastership to which they were subject, was but for a time [CHRYSOSTOM]; and that their real liberty was still their own (Co1 7:22). fear and trembling--not slavish terror, but (See on Co1 2:3; Co2 7:15) an anxious eagerness to do your duty, and a fear of displeasing, as great as is produced in the ordinary slave by "threatenings" (Eph 6:9). singleness--without double-mindedness, or "eye service" (Eph 6:6), which seeks to please outwardly, without the sincere desire to make the master's interest at all times the first consideration (Ch1 29:17; Mat 6:22-23; Luk 11:34). "Simplicity."
John Gill Bible Commentary
Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters,.... The apostle enlarges on the duty of servants, as well as frequently inculcates it in his epistles; because, generally speaking, they were more rude and ignorant, and less pains were taken with them to instruct them; they were apt to be impatient and weary of the yoke; and scandal was like to arise from servants in the first ages of Christianity through some libertines, and the licentiousness of the false teachers, who insinuated, that servitude was inconsistent with Christian freedom: the persons exhorted are "servants", bond servants, and hired servants; who are to be subject to, and obey their "masters", of each sex, whether male or female, of every condition, whether poor or rich, believers or unbelievers, good or bad humoured, gentle or froward: such as are their masters according to the flesh; or "carnal masters", as the Vulgate Latin version renders it; even though they are unregenerate men, and are in a state of nature, and only mind the things of the flesh, yet they are to be obeyed in their lawful commands; or "in things pertaining to the flesh", as the Arabic version renders it; in things temporal, which concern the body, and this temporal life; not in things spiritual and religious, or that belong to conscience, and which are contrary to them: or "according to your flesh", as the Ethiopic version renders it; signifying that they are only masters over their bodies, not their consciences; and that their power only extends to corporeal things, and can last no longer than while they are in the flesh; see Job 3:19; and obedience is to be yielded to them with fear and trembling; with great humility and respect, with reverence of them, and giving honour to them, with carefulness not to offend them, with submission to their reproofs and corrections, and with fear of punishment; but more especially with the fear of God, being by that influenced and constrained to obedience; in singleness of heart; with readiness and cheerfulness, without hypocrisy and dissimulation, and with all integrity and faithfulness: as unto Christ; it being agreeable to his will, and what makes for his glory, and serves to adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:5-9 The relationship between slaves and masters (and, by analogy, between employees and employers) is to be shaped by their commitment to the Lord and their desire to build one another up in Christ. Christian slaves are to obey their masters, and Christian masters are to treat their slaves kindly (see Col 3:22–4:1). • Paul was not promoting slavery but teaching Christians how to live in it as a fact of life in that culture (for Paul’s treatment of slavery, see Philemon Book Introduction, “Meaning and Message”). 6:5 Obedient service to earthly masters expresses a Christian slave’s service to Christ (see Col 3:22-23; 1 Tim 6:1-2; Titus 2:9-10; 1 Pet 2:18-23).
Ephesians 6:5
Serving with Honor
4Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.5Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.6And do this not only to please them while they are watching, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Fear of God - Part 2
By Jerry Bridges2.2K50:04Fear Of GodGEN 28:17PSA 111:10PSA 130:3MAT 6:33LUK 5:4EPH 6:5In this sermon, the preacher begins by telling a parable about a young man in basic training who is in awe of his commanding general. The preacher then explains that he is laying the foundation for the next three nights, where he will discuss the fear of God in daily life. He references a story from the Bible in Luke chapter 5, where Jesus borrows Peter's fishing boat and teaches the people on shore. After finishing his teaching, Jesus tells Peter to go out into deep water and let down the nets for a catch. The preacher emphasizes that just as the young man in the parable was in awe of his general, we should also be in awe of God's presence in our lives.
Living by Christian Values at Work
By Sanjay Poonen1.9K1:07:48EPH 6:5This sermon emphasizes the importance of living out biblical principles in the workplace, focusing on being a witness for the Lord, standing for values, and being a servant leader. It addresses challenges like dealing with bosses who may not align with godly principles, balancing career progress with family time, and staying faithful in challenging work environments.
(Ephesians) Worship Revolutionizes the Workplace
By Jeff Noblit1.6K1:19:57WorkplaceEPH 6:5In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of obedience in the workplace. He encourages believers to obey their earthly masters sincerely and without hypocrisy. The speaker also addresses masters, urging them to treat their employees with compassion and goodwill. The sermon emphasizes that both employees and employers will be held accountable by their Master, who is God. The speaker references Ephesians 6:5-9 and other Bible verses to support his points about obedience and the future reward believers can expect from the Lord.
Psalm 32:9
By William MacDonald1.5K41:32Led By GodEPH 6:5In this sermon, the speaker shares two powerful stories to emphasize the importance of controlling one's temper and using words wisely. The first story involves the famous atheist Ingersoll challenging God to strike him dead in five minutes, only to prove that no God exists. However, a Christian in the audience calmly points out that losing one's temper diminishes their testimony. The second story involves a group of Christian young people traveling together, with one member expressing doubts about the Word of God. Another quiet individual in the group responds with a verse from Proverbs, reminding the doubter to avoid listening to teachings that lead them astray. The speaker concludes by highlighting the significance of speaking the right words at the right time, as it can be a gift from God to bring comfort, encouragement, warning, or even rebuke.
Our Responsibility Towards the Second Coming
By Edgar F. Parkyns1.2K58:28EPH 6:5In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of Christian work being tested by fire. He uses the analogy of a housewife's efforts in building a home, emphasizing that even though great efforts are put into building, it can all be destroyed in a matter of minutes if a fire breaks out. Similarly, there is Christian work that will be consumed by fire and those who have done the building will have to run out in their night shirts, saved only by fire. The speaker also references a story about a young boy who dies in a blizzard while caring for his sheep, but finds comfort in the image of Jesus as the good shepherd. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the coming day of judgment and reward for the Lord's people, urging obedience and service to God.
Understanding Marriage - What Submission Is
By David Guzik99550:191CO 5:11CO 5:5EPH 5:21EPH 6:1EPH 6:5In this sermon, Pastor David Guzik discusses the concept of submission as it relates to the Christian life. He emphasizes the idea that believers should regard themselves as being underranked in the attitude of the military and apply it to their everyday interactions with one another. Paul's teaching on submission in Ephesians 5:21 serves as a link to a larger discussion on submission in various spheres of life. This includes marriage, parenting, and work relationships. The sermon highlights the practicality of living a Spirit-filled life and submitting to others in the fear of God.
(1 Timothy) the Priority of the Spiritual Perspective
By Brian Brodersen66253:27LUK 10:7EPH 6:51TI 5:171TI 6:1HEB 4:13In this sermon, the preacher highlights the dedication and hard work of Alexander McLaren, a renowned preacher from the 1800s. McLaren's commitment to studying and preaching the Word of God is emphasized, as he would even put on work boots to symbolize the labor involved in his preparation. The sermon also discusses the relevance of the Word of God, stating that it is always applicable, despite the sinful condition of humanity. The concept of judgment is brought up, explaining that breaking God's law leads to guilt, shame, and a sense of impending judgment. The importance of discussing judgment with others in a respectful and matter-of-fact manner is emphasized. The sermon concludes by referencing the Apostle Paul's teachings on servanthood and the need for believers to honor and serve their masters, as a way to demonstrate their faith.
Handling Pressure
By Bruce Wilkinson36859:38PressureEPH 6:5In this video, Dr. Bruce H. Wilkinson discusses the topic of handling pressure in modern life. He starts by using the analogy of a clock to represent the time we have had on Earth. He emphasizes that despite being constantly occupied and busy, our souls are not truly at rest. He challenges the audience to rate themselves and the congregation on how much rest their souls experience. Dr. Wilkinson suggests that the solution to finding rest for our souls lies in taking on the yoke of Jesus Christ and learning from Him.
Lincoln and the Bible
By Elton Trueblood0GEN 1:27MAT 5:48MAT 13:29MAT 25:40LUK 10:29EPH 6:5Abraham Lincoln's deep reverence for the Bible is evident in his speeches and actions, acknowledging it as the best gift from God and the source of all that is good and desirable for humanity. His speaking style was greatly influenced by the Bible, particularly the Old Testament, with a focus on parallelism and monosyllables reminiscent of Hebrew poetry. Lincoln's familiarity with the Bible stemmed from his early encounters in schooling and his mother's recitations, leading to his profound understanding and application of biblical principles in his political decisions, especially regarding slavery. He believed in the importance of interpreting the Scriptures intelligently and in the context of human experience, emphasizing the need to choose the least damaging alternative in moral decisions.
The Service of Women
By John Nelson Darby0Transformation through ChristServiceEPH 6:51TI 5:10John Nelson Darby emphasizes the vital role of women in the church, highlighting their service through acts of kindness, hospitality, and support for the afflicted, as outlined in 1 Timothy 5:10. He explains that while not everyone is called to be a teacher or hold an office, all can minister to one another in various ways, reflecting Christ's love and grace. Darby also discusses the transformative power of Christ's sacrifice, which cleanses believers and enables them to walk in righteousness, emphasizing the importance of faith and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the life of a Christian. He encourages believers to focus on the glory of Christ, which leads to spiritual transformation and a deeper understanding of God's love. Ultimately, he calls for a life that glorifies God through service and faithfulness.
Titus 2:2-5
By St. John Chrysostom0PRO 31:10EPH 6:51TI 2:12TIT 2:2TIT 2:10John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of older men and women setting a godly example by being sober, grave, temperate, and sound in faith, love, and patience. He emphasizes the need for older women to teach younger women to be virtuous, loving, discreet, chaste, and obedient to their husbands to prevent the Word of God from being blasphemed. Chrysostom also instructs young men to be sober-minded and servants to be obedient and faithful, showing that a virtuous life adorns the Gospel and brings glory to God.
The Primacy of Self
By A.W. Tozer0PSA 34:11PSA 119:38PRO 1:7PRO 8:13PRO 15:16JON 1:16ACT 5:5ACT 9:31ROM 3:18EPH 6:51TI 5:20REV 18:10In this sermon on Fear, the preacher delves into the various uses of 'phobos' in the Bible, highlighting how it can describe both positive and negative senses of fear. While fear can be associated with terror and dread, it can also convey a sense of reverential awe and respect, especially in the context of God's divine works. The sermon emphasizes the importance of reverential fear of Jehovah, which leads to wisdom, motivates godly behavior, and produces strong confidence, holy conduct, and Christ-honoring obedience.
Of the Duties of Masters and Servants.
By John Gill0Christian RelationshipsDuties of Masters and ServantsEPH 6:5John Gill emphasizes the mutual responsibilities of masters and servants, highlighting that these roles are based on contracts rather than natural hierarchies. He explains that both parties are equal in God's eyes, and that servants should obey their masters in all lawful matters, while masters should treat their servants with respect, fairness, and care for their spiritual and temporal well-being. Gill stresses the importance of obedience to God’s commands and the example of Christ as a model for both servants and masters. He encourages a harmonious relationship built on mutual respect and love, reflecting the teachings of the Gospel.
Check Your Motives
By Brent Barnett01CO 9:171CO 13:1EPH 6:5COL 3:23JAS 4:17Brent Barnett preaches on the importance of having pure and sincere motives in our actions, emphasizing that God looks at the heart rather than just outward appearances. He highlights the need to serve with genuine obedience, motivated by God's glory and name, rather than seeking approval or recognition from others. Barnett stresses the significance of acting from the heart with good will, surrendering to Christ's rule, and taking up our crosses daily to serve God joyously and eagerly. He encourages believers to evaluate their motives regularly, strive for righteousness, and seek eternal rewards by serving God whole-heartedly.
A Brother Who Is Sent Out on Some Business
By St. Benedict of Nursia0EPH 6:5HEB 13:171PE 5:5St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of obedience and humility in following the rules of the monastery. He instructs that a brother sent out on business must not eat outside the monastery without permission, even if urged by others, to maintain discipline and respect for authority. Disobedience in this matter is considered severe, leading to excommunication as a consequence.
Difficult or Impossible Tasks
By St. Benedict of Nursia0PRO 3:5EPH 6:5COL 3:231PE 2:18St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of meekness, obedience, and submission to authority, even when faced with difficult or impossible tasks. He advises that if a burden becomes too heavy to bear, it is acceptable to humbly communicate one's limitations to the superior without pride or resistance. Ultimately, he encourages obedience out of love and trust in God's help, believing that following the commands of authority figures is for the individual's benefit.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Servants, be obedient - Though δουλος frequently signifies a slave or bondman, yet it often implies a servant in general, or any one bound to another, either for a limited time, or for life. Even a slave, if a Christian, was bound to serve him faithfully by whose money he was bought, howsoever illegal that traffic may be considered. In heathen countries slavery was in some sort excusable; among Christians it is an enormity and a crime for which perdition has scarcely an adequate state of punishment. According to the flesh - Your masters in secular things; for they have no authority over your religion, nor over your souls. With fear and trembling - Because the law gives them a power to punish you for every act of disobedience. In singleness of your heart - Not merely through fear of punishment, but from a principle of uprightness, serving them as you would serve Christ.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Servants--literally, "slaves." masters according to the flesh--in contrast to your true and heavenly Master (Eph 6:4). A consolatory him that the mastership to which they were subject, was but for a time [CHRYSOSTOM]; and that their real liberty was still their own (Co1 7:22). fear and trembling--not slavish terror, but (See on Co1 2:3; Co2 7:15) an anxious eagerness to do your duty, and a fear of displeasing, as great as is produced in the ordinary slave by "threatenings" (Eph 6:9). singleness--without double-mindedness, or "eye service" (Eph 6:6), which seeks to please outwardly, without the sincere desire to make the master's interest at all times the first consideration (Ch1 29:17; Mat 6:22-23; Luk 11:34). "Simplicity."
John Gill Bible Commentary
Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters,.... The apostle enlarges on the duty of servants, as well as frequently inculcates it in his epistles; because, generally speaking, they were more rude and ignorant, and less pains were taken with them to instruct them; they were apt to be impatient and weary of the yoke; and scandal was like to arise from servants in the first ages of Christianity through some libertines, and the licentiousness of the false teachers, who insinuated, that servitude was inconsistent with Christian freedom: the persons exhorted are "servants", bond servants, and hired servants; who are to be subject to, and obey their "masters", of each sex, whether male or female, of every condition, whether poor or rich, believers or unbelievers, good or bad humoured, gentle or froward: such as are their masters according to the flesh; or "carnal masters", as the Vulgate Latin version renders it; even though they are unregenerate men, and are in a state of nature, and only mind the things of the flesh, yet they are to be obeyed in their lawful commands; or "in things pertaining to the flesh", as the Arabic version renders it; in things temporal, which concern the body, and this temporal life; not in things spiritual and religious, or that belong to conscience, and which are contrary to them: or "according to your flesh", as the Ethiopic version renders it; signifying that they are only masters over their bodies, not their consciences; and that their power only extends to corporeal things, and can last no longer than while they are in the flesh; see Job 3:19; and obedience is to be yielded to them with fear and trembling; with great humility and respect, with reverence of them, and giving honour to them, with carefulness not to offend them, with submission to their reproofs and corrections, and with fear of punishment; but more especially with the fear of God, being by that influenced and constrained to obedience; in singleness of heart; with readiness and cheerfulness, without hypocrisy and dissimulation, and with all integrity and faithfulness: as unto Christ; it being agreeable to his will, and what makes for his glory, and serves to adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:5-9 The relationship between slaves and masters (and, by analogy, between employees and employers) is to be shaped by their commitment to the Lord and their desire to build one another up in Christ. Christian slaves are to obey their masters, and Christian masters are to treat their slaves kindly (see Col 3:22–4:1). • Paul was not promoting slavery but teaching Christians how to live in it as a fact of life in that culture (for Paul’s treatment of slavery, see Philemon Book Introduction, “Meaning and Message”). 6:5 Obedient service to earthly masters expresses a Christian slave’s service to Christ (see Col 3:22-23; 1 Tim 6:1-2; Titus 2:9-10; 1 Pet 2:18-23).