Ephesians 6:5-9
Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ; 6 not by way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart. 7 With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men, 8 knowing that whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether slave or free. 9 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.—Ephesians 6:5-9
Many topics and passages in the Bible are difficult to interpret. It is wrong to avoid these passages or (worse) try to make them teach something other than their clear message. In today’s passage, we come face to face with such a topic: Slavery.
Slavery is not an ancient issue. According to several global organizations that track this issue, there are at least 40-50 million enslaved human beings in the world right now. Far from being a factor only to the third world, Houston is known to be the primary port-based supplier to at least 20% of people human-trafficked in the United States.
Slavery was never part of God’s design for mankind. God designed man to tend to and have dominion over the world (Genesis 1:26-28). God’s plan was for man to act with agency, in harmony with the Creator, but sin corrupted both Adam and Eve as well as the world in which they lived. Genesis 3:17-19 describes man’s fallen relationship with work by which he will struggle to produce fruitful results.
Slavery is sinful man’s attempt to mitigate the consequence of sin on himself. It is receiving benefit from the sweat of another man’s brow. Slavery is addressed in the Bible, not as condoning it, but rather as God addressing mankind in his fallen state. It is the essence of the Incarnation.
Many topics and passages in the Bible are difficult to interpret. It is wrong to avoid these passages or (worse) try to make them teach something other than their clear message. In today’s passage, we come face to face with such a topic: Slavery.
Slavery is not an ancient issue. According to several global organizations that track this issue, there are at least 40-50 million enslaved human beings in the world right now. Far from being a factor only to the third world, Houston is known to be the primary port-based supplier to at least 20% of people human-trafficked in the United States.
Slavery was never part of God’s design for mankind. God designed man to tend to and have dominion over the world (Genesis 1:26-28). God’s plan was for man to act with agency, in harmony with the Creator, but sin corrupted both Adam and Eve as well as the world in which they lived. Genesis 3:17-19 describes man’s fallen relationship with work by which he will struggle to produce fruitful results.
Slavery is sinful man’s attempt to mitigate the consequence of sin on himself. It is receiving benefit from the sweat of another man’s brow. Slavery is addressed in the Bible, not as condoning it, but rather as God addressing mankind in his fallen state. It is the essence of the Incarnation.
Discussion Questions
- Flawed Systems & Christian Response (Micah 6:8): The passage speaks of relationships within a societal structure. Micah 6:8 instructs us to “do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.” How can we navigate situations where the systems seem flawed while still acting with Christian values?
- Mutual Respect & Hierarchy (Romans 12:10): This passage outlines expectations for different societal roles and emphasizes love for one another. How can we cultivate mutual respect in all our interactions, regardless of position or authority?
- Worker Exploitation & Christian Response (Proverbs 22:22-23): While the passage doesn’t address exploitation, Proverbs 22:22-23 speaks against robbing the poor. How can we identify and speak out against exploitation in today’s world, regardless of its form?
- Serving with Integrity (Colossians 3:23-24): Ephesians 6:6 instructs us to serve “wholeheartedly, as serving the Lord.” Colossians 3:23-24 talks about doing everything as working for the Lord. How can we apply this concept of serving with integrity in all our endeavors, be it paid work, volunteering, or even household chores?
- Shared Humanity & Dignity (Galatians 3:28): Ephesians 6:9 speaks of masters treating slaves fairly. Galatians 3:28 emphasizes that in Christ, there is no distinction. How can we recognize every person’s inherent dignity and value, regardless of their social standing?
- Modern Applications (James 2:1-4): Ephesians 6 doesn’t address modern work environments directly. James 2:1-4 talks about showing favoritism. How can we translate the principles of this passage to foster a fair and respectful atmosphere in today’s workplaces or social settings?
- Motivation Beyond Reward (Matthew 6:24): Ephesians 6:8 mentions a reward from God, and Matthew 6:24 warns against serving two masters. How can we ensure our primary motivation in work or service is not simply external rewards but something deeper and more meaningful?
- True Authority & Service (Mark 10:42-45): The passage outlines different roles within a structure. Mark 10:42-45 talks about Jesus’ view of leadership as service, not power. How can we approach positions of authority with a heart of service, following Jesus’ model?
- Modern-Day Bondage (James 2:5): The concept of slavery has evolved. James 2:5 talks about not showing favoritism to the rich. Can we identify modern forms of oppression or control, and how can we work towards dismantling them?
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