Slaves (5-8): Paul gives to Christian slaves[1] two imperatives: “be obedient” and “render service,” with a heavy emphasis on how they are to serve their earthly masters. Paul does not call for a social reform[2] but an inner-transformation[3] where Christian slaves pursue the honor of Christ in their circumstance of slavery.[4] The fleshly tendency for those under authority is to defy and rebel (Tit. 3:1-3), but the saints are to submit to their God-ordained masters without defiance (but “with fear and trembling”), internally (“from the heart”) and for the honor of Christ (“as to Christ” and “as to the Lord”). We are to value holiness over favorable circumstances. This attitude is motivated by our Master who graciously rewards all who do good “as to the Lord”.[5]
Masters (9): Believing masters are not autocrats but subjects under Christ. No man is above the accountability of the Lord, who shows zero partiality.
[1] The church of God is the one place where people from all levels of society can come together as spiritual equals as brothers and sisters in the Lord (Gal. 3:26-28; Col. 3:11). The gospel brings about a spiritual birth in which even slaves and their masters share as equals in the same spiritual privileges as the children of God. The gospel did not eradicate social inequalities but instead brought heart change where slaves and masters can worship together in the same church as spiritual equals. In terms of their occupation, slaves are to perform their duties now as Christian slaves, as unto the Lord, and never disrespect their masters even if they are fellow believers (1 Tim. 6:1-2), and the believing masters are to treat their slaves fairly and to no longer threaten them. Each one pursues holiness where God has them, and each one honors Christ where God has them. Their earnest ambition is not to improve their circumstances, but to be holy where they are. Honoring the Lord in our God-given circumstances is what saints are to be after. Some try to apply this passage to modern day employment, but employees today are not slaves. They have a choice to work for another employer, whereas slaves did not have the freedom to choose one master over another. Slaves were not free.
[2] Paul does not prohibit slaves from seeking emancipation if that is a realistic option, but his main call is to honor Christ in the situation where God has them (1 Cor. 7:20-21). God’s will for us is inner transformation, not improved circumstances per se. Our sanctification is more valuable to Him than our comforts.
[3] Paul repeatedly calls for something much deeper than mere external service: “in the sincerity of your heart” (6:5), “not by way of eyeservice” (6:6) and “from the heart” (6:6).
[4] They are to serve their masters “as to Christ” (6:5), “as slaves of Christ” (6:6), and “as to the Lord” (6:7).
[5] This is for slaves and freemen alike (“whether slave or free”). We are all to engage in good deeds for the Lord to see (Matt. 6:1-4). Slave work is thankless work (cf. Luke 17:9-10), but the Lord is good and kind to His subjects and He rewards those who labor for His honor (1 Cor. 15:58; 3:5-14).