I Timothy 6:2 · Bible study
1 Timothy 6:2 Commentary: Serving Brothers
Greek · 11 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
Understand Paul's instruction: Christian slaves serve believing masters more eagerly because they are brothers and partakers of the benefit.
Research Summary
- Meaning: Christian slaves must serve believing masters all the more because they are brothers and share in the benefit.
- Key words: καταφρονέω (despise), δουλεύω (serve), εὐεργεσία (benefit), ἀντιλαμβάνομαι (help/partake).
- Main debate: Whether "benefit" refers to the service slaves render or the masters' care, or to the common salvation.
- Theological theme: Spiritual equality in Christ does not erase social roles; love transforms service within those roles.
- Best use: Teaching on Christian conduct in authority relationships, especially with fellow believers.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
Those who have believing masters should not show disrespect because they are brothers, but should serve them all the more, since those receiving their good service are beloved believers. Teach and encourage these principles.
WEB World English Bible 2000
Those who have believing masters, let them not despise them because they are brothers, but rather let them serve them, because those who partake of the benefit are believing and beloved. Teach and exhort these things.
KJV King James Version 1769
And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but let them serve them the rather, because they that partake of the benefit are believing and beloved. These things teach and exhort.
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
and those having believing masters, let them not slight them , because they are brethren, but rather let them serve, because they are stedfast and beloved, who of the benefit are partaking. These things be teaching and exhorting;
Darby Darby Bible 1890
And they that have believing masters, let them not despise [them] because they are brethren; but let them the rather serve them with subjection, because they are faithful and beloved, who profit by the good and ready service [rendered]. These things teach and exhort.
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
But they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but serve them the rather, because they are faithful and beloved, who are partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.
Translations in other languages (10 available)
Y los que tienen amos fieles, no los tengan en menos, por ser hermanos; antes sírvanles mejor, por cuanto son fieles y amados, y partícipes del beneficio. Esto enseña y exhorta.
E os que têm senhores crentes não os desprezem por serem irmãos; pelo contrário, que os sirvam melhor, pois os participantes do benefício são crentes e amados. Ensina e exorta estas coisas.
Et que ceux qui ont des fidèles pour maîtres ne les méprisent pas, sous prétexte qu’ ils sont frères; mais qu’ ils les servent d’ autant mieux que ce sont des fidèles et des bien-aimés qui s’attachent à leur faire du bien. Enseigne ces choses et recommande-les.
Welche aber gläubige Herren haben, sollen sie nicht verachten, weil sie Brüder sind, sondern sollen viel mehr dienstbar sein, dieweil sie gläubig und geliebt und der Wohltat teilhaftig sind. Solches lehre und ermahne.
En die gelovige heren hebben, zullen hen niet verachten, omdat zij broeders zijn; maar zullen hen te meer dienen, omdat zij gelovig en geliefd zijn, als die deze weldaad mede deelachtig zijn. Leer en vermaan deze dingen.
E quelli che hanno padroni credenti non li disprezzino perché son fratelli, ma tanto più li servano, perché quelli che ricevono il beneficio del loro servizio sono fedeli e diletti. Queste cose insegna e ad esse esorta.
A którzy mają panów wiernych, niech nimi nie gardzą, dlatego iż są braćmi, ale tem raczej niech służą, iż są wierni i mili, dobrodziejstwa Bożego uczestnicy. Tego nauczaj i do tego upominaj.
Те, которые имеют господами верных, не должны обращаться с ними небрежно, потому что они братья; но тем более должны служить им, что они верные и возлюбленные и благодетельствуют им. Учи сему и увещевай.
僕人有 信道的 主人，不可 因為 與他是 弟兄 就輕看他；更要 加意 服事他；因為 得 服事之益處的，是 信道 蒙愛的。你要以此 教訓人， 勸勉人。
And let those whose masters are of the faith have respect for them because they are brothers, working for them the more readily, because those who take part in the good work are of the faith and are dear. Give orders and teaching about these things.
Verse in Context
Original Language (Koine Greek)
New Testament · Koine Greek · I Timothy 6:2
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators across traditions agree that Paul addresses a specific danger: Christian slaves might treat their believing masters with less respect precisely because of their shared faith. As Calvin notes, slaves "cheered their hearts, as if the signal had been given for their emancipation." The command to "not despise them" (καταφρονείτωσαν) counters this temptation. Instead, slaves are to serve (δουλευέτωσαν) all the more eagerly. The reason given is that the masters are "faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit." As Cambridge Bible observes, the participle construction (οἱ τῆς εὐεργεσίας ἀντιλαμβανόμενοι) refers to the masters. All agree the core exhortation is clear: spiritual equality in Christ does not cancel the social duties of the household. Matthew Henry summarizes: "The gospel does not cancel the obligations any lie under."
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Medium
Main views:
- Service-rendered view: Benefit refers to the service slaves give; masters are partakers of it (JFB, Vincent, modern interpretations).
- Master's-care view: Benefit refers to the masters' kind deeds; slaves receive their care (Chrysostom, Cambridge, Barnes).
- Gospel-benefit view: Benefit refers to the common salvation shared by both (Wesley, some older commentators).
What is clear: The command to serve believing masters all the more is unequivocal; the debate concerns the precise meaning of the final clause describing the masters as 'partakers of the benefit.'
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning of 'partakers of the benefit' (τῆς εὐεργεσίας ἀντιλαμβανόμενοι) | The phrase refers to the believing masters. | Some (Grotius, JFB, Vincent) see the masters as receiving benefit from the slaves' service. Others (Chrysostom, Cambridge, Barnes) see the masters as benefactors who care for their slaves. Wesley and some others interpret it as the common benefit of salvation. |
| Paul's stance on slavery as an institution | Paul does not command immediate abolition; he addresses the existing social structure. | Barnes argues Paul does not endorse slavery and that conversion would lead to cessation. Calvin sees the yoke as something to be borne patiently. Clarke emphasizes providential disparity of station. All agree the gospel undermines the dehumanization of slavery. |
| The basis for greater service | The master's faith and love (πιστοί, ἀγαπητοί) are the motivation. | Whether this is conditional on the master's worthiness or simply an objective fact. JFB: the master's faith makes him receptive to service. Gill: faith is precious so believers should be esteemed. |
| Application to modern employer-employee relationships | The principle of serving believing authorities with joy applies. | Some see a direct parallel; others stress the uniqueness of the slavery context and caution against equating modern employment with slavery. |
Historical & Cultural Context
In the Roman world, slavery was pervasive. Estimates suggest that up to a third of the population in cities were slaves. The early church included many slaves, and Paul's household codes (Eph 6:5-9, Col 3:22-25, 1 Pet 2:18-25) gave specific instructions. Verse 1 sets the tone: slaves are to honor their masters so that "the name of God and the doctrine not be blasphemed." The danger was real, if Christian slaves became insolent, the gospel would be slandered.
With believing masters, a new temptation arose. As Adam Clarke explains, slaves might think themselves "their equals because they are their brethren in Christ" and thus despise them. Calvin notes that the proclamation that "all are brethren" led some to conclude that slavery was inconsistent with Christianity. Paul firmly corrects this: spiritual equality does not erase social station. The Greek term for "despise" (καταφρονέω) suggests a contempt that dismisses the master's authority.
The term "partakers of the benefit" (τῆς εὐεργεσίας ἀντιλαμβανόμενοι) is debated. The verb ἀντιλαμβάνομαι often means "to help, to be a partaker of" (Thayer). In Luke 1:54, it is used of God's help to Israel; in Acts 20:35, of helping the weak. Vincent's Word Studies prefers "they that busy themselves in the kindly service" referring to the masters' care for slaves. The noun εὐεργεσία (only here and Acts 4:9) means a good deed or benefit. The context suggests a mutual relationship: masters who are believers and beloved receive benefit from their slaves' service, and they themselves give benefit.
Textual Notes
The consulted sources note no significant variants affecting interpretation. Clarke mentions that one manuscript (Uffenbach's) reads ἐργασίας (service) instead of εὐεργεσίας (benefit), and that Codex Augustanus 6 reads εὐσεβείας (godliness). These readings are not widely supported and are likely glosses. The external evidence strongly supports the reading εὐεργεσίας.
Reception History
Early church fathers such as Chrysostom understood "partakers of the benefit" as referring to the masters' benevolent care for their slaves (Cambridge). The verse was uniformly applied in medieval preaching to reinforce the social order while calling for kindness. During the Reformation, Calvin and others used it to caution against misusing Christian liberty to disrupt society. Eighteenth-century commentators like Wesley and Clarke emphasized the spiritual equality that transcends social roles. In modern times, the verse is often discussed in the context of workplace ethics and the problem of slavery in church history. The verse reminds readers that the gospel transforms relationships from within, even when institutions remain unjust.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- The Temptation: Despising Spiritual Equals. When we share faith with those in authority, we may become casual or disrespectful. Paul warns against this (καταφρονείτωσαν). See Matthew 23:8, all are brothers, but not all are equal in station.
- The Command: Serve More Eagerly. Not less, but more (μᾶλλον δουλευέτωσαν). The gospel should make us better workers, not worse. Matthew 6:24 teaches we cannot serve two masters; here service is an expression of devotion to Christ.
- The Motivation: They Are Faithful, Beloved, Partakers of the Benefit. The master's faith and love are reasons for greater service. Matthew 25:40: as you do it to the least of these brothers, you do it to Christ.
Five-point outline
- Context: Christian slaves with believing masters (the delicate situation)
- Warning: Do not despise because of brotherhood
- Positive command: Rather serve them all the more
- Reason: The masters are faithful and beloved
- Teachable moment: These things teach and exhort (v2b)
Illustration hooks
- A church volunteer who is also your supervisor at work. Do you slack off because now you think you have a connection?
- A pastor's child who expects special treatment. Spiritual privilege does not remove authority structures.
- A family business where younger Christians work for older believing relatives. Paul's words apply.
Questions your congregation is asking
- Does the gospel make me equal to my boss? Yes spiritually, but socially we still have roles.
- What does it mean to "partake of the benefit" today? It can mean sharing in the blessing of the gospel together.
- How do I serve a boss who is a Christian with joy rather than resentment?
Leading a Discussion
This verse challenges us to think about how the gospel transforms our relationships with those in authority, especially when we share the same faith. Paul addresses a specific first-century situation, but the principles apply to employees, volunteers, and anyone in a hierarchical relationship with a brother or sister in Christ.
Discussion questions
- What is the danger Paul warns against in verse 2a? Why would a slave be tempted to despise a believing master?
- How does the command "serve them all the more" change the normal dynamic of service?
- What reasons does Paul give for this greater service? (faithful, beloved, partakers of benefit)
- In what ways do you see this principle applying to modern employer-employee relationships where both are Christians?
- How can we avoid the error of letting spiritual equality weaken earthly duties?
- What does the phrase "partakers of the benefit" mean to you? How does it affect how you view your workplace relationships?
- How can our small group pray for and support one another in serving Christian bosses or leaders with joy?
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| Genesis 16:4 | He went in to Hagar, and she conceived. When she saw that she had conceived, her mistress was despised in her eyes. |
| Genesis 16:5 | Sarai said to Abram, “This wrong is your fault. I gave my servant into your bosom, and when she saw that she had conceived, she despised me. May Yahweh judge between me and you.” |
| Numbers 16:3 | They assembled themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said to them, “You take too much on yourself, since all the congregation are holy, everyone of them, and Yahweh is among them! Why do you lift yourselves up above Yahweh’s assembly?” |
| Joel 2:28 | “It will happen afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; and your sons and your daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams. Your young men will see visions. |
| Matthew 6:24 | “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You can’t serve both God and Mammon. |
| Matthew 23:8 | But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi’, for one is your teacher, the Christ, and all of you are brothers. |
| Matthew 25:40 | “The King will answer them, ‘Most certainly I tell you, because you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ |
| Romans 8:29 | For whom he foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
Read the devotional page — prayer, application, and "for families"
What the Commentators Say
10 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Adam Clarke's Commentary Methodist/Wesleyan 1826
Clarke clarifies that "partakers of the benefit" does not refer to the Gospel, since the Greek word used here never means that in Scripture. Instead, he reads it as describing the master's genuine share in the spiritual good that comes from a faithful servant's service.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible Protestant 1832
Barnes emphasizes that Paul is not endorsing slavery as a lasting institution, only acknowledging that slaveholders can be converted. He warns that Christian equality might tempt servants to disrespect their masters, so Paul instructs them to serve even more willingly, since both now share the same salvation.
Calvin's Commentaries Reformed 1564
Calvin observes that when the gospel announced brotherhood in Christ, slaves eagerly assumed it meant freedom from their masters. Paul writes to correct that misunderstanding: the spiritual equality of believers does not overturn social roles. Slaves must still honor their masters willingly, because how they live affects whether God's teaching is honored or disgraced.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
The commentator highlights that Paul, like Jesus with his "render to Caesar" saying, accepts the existing social order while planting seed-principles of Christian equality that would gradually transform it over time. What is remarkable, in this view, is how Christianity slowly established women's place and civil freedom through patient growth, not revolution, trusting God's own timing.
Geneva Bible Notes Reformed 1599
The Geneva Notes stress that believing slaves must not despise their Christian masters merely because they are fellow believers. Instead, they should serve them even more eagerly, since these masters are faithful, beloved, and share equally in the same gospel benefit. Paul commands Timothy to teach and urge this duty.
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill warns that false teachers had misled believing servants into thinking their Christian liberty abolished all obligation to serve. Paul insists that spiritual equality with believing masters does not erase temporal and civil order. Servants should serve their believing masters even more willingly, since those masters share the same faith, love, and blessings from God.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Protestant 1871
JFB draws a sharp contrast between Christian slaves under heathen masters and those serving believers. He argues the Greek word "but" sets this apart, and slaves must not despise believing masters as equals but serve them even more willingly. The phrase "receive the benefit" refers to masters, not slaves, receiving faithful service done with Christian goodwill.
Matthew Henry's Commentary Reformed/Presbyterian 1710
Henry insists that the gospel does not release servants from their earthly obligations; they remain under the yoke and must honor their masters. Any insolence would bring reproach on Christian doctrine, so servants must be even more careful in their obedience.
Vincent's Word Studies Evangelical 1887
Vincent argues that the Greek phrase refers to the masters, not the slaves, and means actively busying themselves in kindly service. The benefit is the masters' own acts of care toward their slaves, not anything the slaves receive. He suggests translating it as "they that busy themselves in the kindly service."
Wesley's Explanatory Notes Methodist/Wesleyan 1754
Wesley warns that believers in a religious community face a unique temptation: they may think less of fellow Christians because they are equals, and thus withhold the honor owed. He insists that bearing a brother's faults demands more grace than bearing an unbeliever's, so servants should serve believing masters all the more diligently. For Wesley, Paul's charge proves that practical obedience remains essential alongside faith.