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.
Doulos is the Greek word translated “slave.” In most cases in ancient Greek culture (which was the predominant culture of New Testament times) slavery was held in distain. This came from the Greeks’ strong sense of freedom. So Paul’s comments go completely against the grain of his times. His was not a movement to violently overthrow slavery, but to transform it from within. And transformation, in his estimation (and as inspired by the Holy Spirit), was a matter for both slave and master.
He continues from the previous verse to address slaves, but at the same time segues to the masters. He says in verse 9, “And masters, do the same things to them.” There is a commonality between the two, particularly in light of Christian community. Note that Paul directly addresses both in the second person. Both slave and master need to see themselves as servants (or slaves) of the Lord! The master is to the Lord Jesus Christ what the slaves are to their earthly masters. The Greek term for “render service” in verse 7 is the verb form of the noun “slave.” There is a great leveling in Christianity of all authority relationships, no partiality (vs. 9). We all have the same heavenly Master. This doesn’t remove authority, as various kinds of authority are affirmed in Scripture. But it does revolutionize the use or practice of authority. In the case of slavery, Paul’s teaching would transform slavery into a more present-day kind of employment (see the book of Philemon for an example of how this worked in the case of a runaway slave).
To be sure, Paul doesn’t specify the details of labor relationships, but the principle stands (apart from the instruction to not threaten). In all we do, regardless of our earthly position, we are to “render service, as to the Lord, and not to men.” Our motivation is not our earthly reward or even our paycheck. As Christians, we are compelled by the knowledge that our heavenly Lord is the one who will reward us for the good things and the good work we do.
If these things are true for the “institution” of slavery, then they are also true for any other kind of authority relationship. Christians should transform their work place with the sense of service to a high authority, the Lord Jesus.
Lord, help me today to serve You as I go to my workplace. I am Your representative on assignment to show the good deeds for which I have been created.
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