Ephesians 6:8 and Slaves or Free People
Ephesians 6:8 and the Status of Slaves or Free People
Ephesians 6:8 states, "each one knowing that whatever good thing he does, this he shall receive from the Lord, whether a slave or a freeman" [1]. This verse is part of a larger passage addressing the relationship between slaves and their masters, urging slaves to serve their earthly masters with sincerity, as if serving the Lord (Ephesians 6:5-7) [2].
The literary context of Ephesians 6:8 is a household code, where Paul provides guidance on various social relationships, including those between slaves and masters. The surrounding verses emphasize the importance of serving with goodwill and sincerity, regardless of one's social status.
The historical setting of this passage is the Roman Empire, where slavery was a common institution. The apostle Paul is writing to the Ephesian church, composed of both Jewish and Gentile believers, some of whom were slaves or slave owners [3].
The key terms in Ephesians 6:8 are "slave" (doulos) and "freeman" (eleutheros). The former refers to a person bound to serve another, while the latter denotes one who is not in bondage [1]. Paul's use of these terms highlights the contrast between social status and spiritual equality in Christ.
The major exegetical decision in interpreting Ephesians 6:8 revolves around understanding the implications of Paul's statement for slaves and free people. Commentators agree that Paul is emphasizing the equal treatment of all believers before God, regardless of their social status. According to Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, "Christ does not regard such distinctions in His present dealings of grace, or in His future judgment" [4]. John Gill notes that believers will receive their reward "in a way of grace" from the Lord, whether they are bond or free [6].
The range of interpretations on Ephesians 6:8 includes the understanding that Paul is not promoting or endorsing slavery but rather providing guidance on how to live within the existing social structure. The Tyndale House commentary observes that Paul "was not promoting slavery but teaching Christians how to live in it as a fact of life in that culture" [7]. Adam Clarke's commentary emphasizes that the Lord will reward believers according to their deeds, regardless of their social status [5].
In Christian tradition, Ephesians 6:8 has been seen as affirming the spiritual equality of all believers. The verse has been used to encourage slaves and masters alike to serve the Lord with sincerity. As the passage highlights the importance of serving the Lord, it underscores that social distinctions are secondary to one's relationship with Christ.
Sources
- Ephesians “Ephesians 6:8 (LITV) — each one knowing that whatever good thing he does, this he shall receive from the Lord, whether a slave or a freeman.”
- Ephesians “Ephesians 6:7 (LITV) — serving as slaves with good will to the Lord, and not as to men,”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Slave — Jer. 2:14 (A.V.), but not there found in the original. In Rev. 18:13 the word "slaves" is the rendering of a Greek word meaning "bodies." The Hebrew and Greek words for slave are usually rendered simply "servant," "bondman," or "bondservant." Slavery as it existed under the Mosaic law has no modern parallel. That law did not originate but only regulated the already existing custom of slavery (Ex. 21:20, 21, 26, 27; Lev. 25:44-46; Josh. 9:6-27). The gospel in its spirit and genius is hostile to slavery in every form, which under its influence is gradually disa”
- Ephesians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Ephesians 6:8: any man doeth--Greek, "any man shall have done," that is, shall be found at the Lord's coming to have done. the same--in full payment, in heaven's currency. shall . . . receive-- (Co2 5:10; Col 3:25; but all of grace, Luk 17:10). bond or free-- (Co1 7:22; Co1 12:13; Gal 3:28; Col 3:11). Christ does not regard such distinctions in His present dealings of grace, or in His future judgment. The slave that has acted faithfully for the Lord's sake to his master, though the latter may not repay his faithfulness, shall have the Lord for his Paymaster. ”
- Ephesians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Ephesians 6:8: Whatsoever good thing any man doeth - Though your masters should fail to give you the due reward of your fidelity and labor, yet, as ye have done your work as unto the Lord, he will take care to give you the proper recompense. Whether he be bond - A slave, bought with money; Or free - A person who has hired himself of his own free accord.”
- Ephesians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Ephesians 6:8: Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doth,.... According to the will of God, from right principles in his heart, and with a view to God's glory: the same shall he receive of the Lord; that is, he shall receive the fruit and advantage of it, in a way of grace, whether he be bond or free; a bondman or a free man, a master or a servant.”
- Ephesians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ephesians 6:5: 6:5-9 The relationship between slaves and masters (and, by analogy, between employees and employers) is to be shaped by their commitment to the Lord and their desire to build one another up in Christ. Christian slaves are to obey their masters, and Christian masters are to treat their slaves kindly (see Col 3:22–4:1). • Paul was not promoting slavery but teaching Christians how to live in it as a fact of life in that culture (for Paul’s treatment of slavery, see Philemon Book Introduction, “Meaning and Message”). 6:5 Obedient service to earthly masters expresses”