Meaning of Ephesians 6:5

This verse, Ephesians 6:5, is addressed to individuals in a position of servitude within the Roman Empire and other ancient societies where slavery was a prevalent social structure. Paul instructs these "slaves" (often translated from the Greek doulon, meaning bondservant or slave) to obey their "earthly masters" (Greek: kuriois sarkikos, literally "lords according to the flesh") with a specific demeanor: "respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart." The crucial comparison is then made: this obedience should be rendered "just as you would obey Christ." This directive is not an endorsement of the institution of slavery itself, but rather a practical application of Christian ethics within the existing social framework, emphasizing that all relationships, even those marked by inequality, are to be conducted under the ultimate authority and example of Christ.

Context and Background

The first-century Roman world was characterized by a hierarchical social structure in which slavery was widespread and deeply ingrained. Slaves were considered property, though their conditions varied greatly, from brutal manual labor to positions of trust and responsibility within households. The Apostle Paul, writing from within this context, was not advocating for immediate social upheaval or the abolition of slavery. Instead, his focus was on transforming the hearts and behaviors of individuals within their given circumstances, urging them to live out their faith in all aspects of life, including their relationships with those in authority over them. This approach reflects a broader New Testament theme of fulfilling one's present calling with integrity while awaiting God's ultimate redemptive work.

Key Themes and Messages

The primary themes are obedience, attitude, and ultimate allegiance.

• Obedience: The command to obey is direct and unqualified, reflecting the societal realities of the time.
• Attitude: The manner of obedience is emphasized: "respect and fear" (denoting a sober recognition of authority and potential consequences, not abject terror) and "sincerity of heart" (implying genuineness and a lack of ulterior motives).
• Ultimate Allegiance: The benchmark for this obedience is Christ Himself. This elevates the earthly master's authority to a secondary level, placing Christ's lordship as the primary motivator and standard. This means that if an earthly master's command ever directly contradicted Christ's commands, the believer's ultimate obedience would lie with Christ.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, this verse calls believers to a radical reorientation of their loyalties. By framing obedience to earthly masters as obedience to Christ, Paul imbues even secular relationships with spiritual weight. It highlights the Christian principle that all labor and service, when performed with the right heart, can be an act of worship and a demonstration of faith. For the slave, this meant finding dignity and purpose in their service, knowing that their true Master was Christ, and their ultimate reward lay with Him, not with their human owner. In contemporary application, this principle extends to all forms of employment and hierarchical relationships. It calls employees to serve their employers with diligence, integrity, and respect, not merely for human approval or fear of reprisal, but as an act of obedience to God, recognizing that their work is ultimately done for Christ.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This verse fits within the larger biblical narrative of God's sovereignty and His redemptive plan for humanity. From the Old Testament laws that regulated servitude and emphasized justice, to the New Testament's emphasis on love, humility, and the transformation of the inner person, Ephesians 6:5 bridges the gap between societal structures and divine principles. It echoes Jesus' teachings on serving others (Mark 9:35) and His own example of humility and obedience to the Father, even unto death (Philippians 2:5-8). The Christian faith, while not initially dismantling social hierarchies, aimed to infuse them with a new spirit of love and mutual respect, ultimately pointing towards a future kingdom where such earthly distinctions would be transcended.

Analogies

One analogy is that of a soldier obeying orders from their commanding officer. While the commanding officer has authority, the soldier's ultimate loyalty and obedience are to their nation and its constitution. Similarly, a Christian employee, while obeying their boss, understands that their ultimate allegiance and standard for conduct is Christ. Another analogy is a child obeying their parents. The child respects and obeys their parents, but their primary and ultimate spiritual authority rests with God. The earthly master's authority is a delegated or temporary authority, whereas Christ's authority is absolute and eternal.

Relation to Other Verses

This verse is closely connected to other passages that address Christian conduct within social structures.

• Colossians 3:22-24: "Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when they are watching and in order to please them, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." This passage shares the same directive to obey earthly masters and the crucial emphasis on doing so "as working for the Lord."
• 1 Peter 2:18: "Slaves, in reverent fear of God, submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh." This verse reinforces the idea of submission to masters, even difficult ones, with a focus on reverence for God as the underlying motivation.
• Philippians 2:3-5: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus." This passage provides the broader ethical framework for how believers should relate to one another, emphasizing humility and selflessness, which are the very attitudes Paul calls for in Ephesians 6:5.