Ephesians 6:5 Commentary: Serving Earthly Masters as Unto Christ

Ephesus was a major commercial city in the Roman province of Asia, with a population that included large numbers of slaves. Modern estimates suggest that in many cities of Asia Minor, slaves outnumbered free citizens (Vincent). Slaves had no legal rights; they were considered property under Roman law. Their masters held the power of life and death, and could punish them with impunity. Paul’s household code (Ephesians 5:21, 6:9) belongs to a wider Greco-Roman tradition of instructions for managing the household (the Haustafeln), but he transforms it from within.

In this passage, Paul addresses slaves directly as moral agents, a radical step in a culture that viewed slaves as tools rather than persons. Christian slaves were learning that they had been “bought with a price” (1 Corinthians 7:23) and that in Christ there was “neither slave nor free” (Galatians 3:28). This new status created tension. Why should a slave obey an earthly master if both are equals before God? Paul does not resolve the tension by abolishing the institution. He insists that obedience is a way of obeying Christ. The phrase “according to the flesh” (κατὰ σάρκα) marks the master’s authority as temporary and limited. Calvin writes that this reminds slaves their servitude is not eternal; Chrysostom (cited by JFB) adds that it is a comfort because the master’s rule is “but for a time.” The gospel does not break social bonds; it sanctifies them, while quietly releasing a spirit of freedom that would eventually reshape society.

The supplied commentaries and lexical tools note no significant textual variants for Ephesians 6:5. The reading is uniformly attested across the major manuscript traditions. The only minor variation is in the word order of “according to the flesh,” which does not affect meaning.

Throughout church history, Ephesians 6:5 has been read in two opposing streams. Early and medieval interpreters (Chrysostom, Augustine) saw it as legitimising the household codes of the Roman empire, urging Christian slaves to be models of virtue. During the transatlantic slave trade, pro-slavery advocates used this verse to demand obedience from enslaved Africans. Abolitionists, by contrast, pointed to Paul’s phrase “as to Christ” and his command to masters in 6:9 to argue that the gospel makes slavery untenable. In the 19th century, figures like Clarke denounced slavery as incompatible with Christianity. Modern scholarship (Cambridge Bible, Barnes) emphasises that while Paul does not command abolition, he introduces principles, spiritual equality, the primacy of Christ’s lordship, and the limitation of earthly authority, that eventually undermined the institution. The verse remains a touchstone for discussions of faith and work, authority and conscience.

Three-point outline

1. The command (v. 5a): “Servants, be obedient … to your masters according to the flesh.” Paul addresses real people in a real social structure. He does not endorse slavery, but he shows how to live faithfully within it. Obedience is not absolute, the phrase “according to the flesh” limits it to earthly matters, never requiring disobedience to God.
2. The attitude (v. 5b): “with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart.” Christian obedience is not grudging or double-minded. It combines reverence toward those in authority with a sincere, undivided heart. “Singleness” (ἁπλότητι) means freedom from hypocrisy, the same word used for liberality in Romans 12:8.
3. The motive (v. 5c): “as unto Christ.” Every act of service is offered to the Lord. This transforms drudgery into worship. Earthly masters are temporary; Christ is the ultimate Master who sees and rewards.

Five-point outline

1. Who is addressed: “Servants [δοῦλοι]”, slaves and free servants in the first-century household (Barnes, Lange). The principle extends to all in subordinate work relationships today.
2. To whom they answer: “masters according to the flesh.” Earthly authority is real but limited. The master’s power extends only to this life and to physical matters, not to the conscience or the soul (Gill, Calvin).
3. The quality of obedience: “with fear and trembling.” Not terror, but the careful reverence that comes from knowing God sees all. It is the same attitude Paul commands for believers toward God (Philippians 2:12).
4. The inner disposition: “in singleness of your heart.” No double motives, no eye-service (v. 6). The heart is the center of intention; “singleness” means the whole self is given to doing what is right (Clarke, Matthew Henry).
5. The ultimate reference point: “as to Christ.” This is the key that unlocks the verse. All work done in faith is done for Christ, who is the true Master of both slave and free (Ephesians 6:9).

Illustration hooks

• A supervisor who seems impossible to please, but you remember that your real performance review comes from Christ.
• The difference between working only when the manager is watching versus working with integrity even when no one sees.
• A church potluck where the person who scrubs the pans serves just as much as the person who leads the prayer.

Questions your congregation is asking

• If Christ has set us free, why does Paul tell slaves to stay and obey? Didn't the gospel abolish slavery?
• How can I obey a boss who treats me unfairly? Where does “fear and trembling” cross into enabling abuse?
• Does this verse mean God approves of slavery or other unjust hierarchies today?

This verse sits inside a passage where Paul redefines every family relationship by the lordship of Christ. As you read Ephesians 6:5, pay attention to what Paul emphasizes about the heart of the servant, not just the behavior. The goal is not to defend ancient social structures, but to understand how the gospel transforms our motives in any workplace or authority relationship.

Discussion questions

1. What does the phrase “according to the flesh” tell you about the kind of authority masters have? How does that limit or shape the obedience required?
2. Paul tells slaves to obey “with fear and trembling.” In what sense is that different from slavish terror? How would you describe the “fear” of a Christian who trusts God?
3. The Greek word for “singleness” (ἁπλότητι) means sincerity, openness, generosity. Why do you think Paul uses it here? What would “double-mindedness” look like in a servant (or in your own work)?
4. Look at the end of the verse: “as to Christ.” How does that change the meaning of the command? If you were a slave in Ephesus hearing this for the first time, what hope would it give you?
5. Read Ephesians 6:9. What does Paul command masters to do? How does that balance the responsibilities in the relationship?
6. This passage has been misused to justify slavery. How do you think Christians today should read it without endorsing the abuse it regulated? What principles in these verses actually challenge injustice?
7. Think of a situation where you are under someone else’s authority at work, at church, or at home. How would “singleness of heart” change the way you approach your tasks this week?