Bible Discussion Thread

Not sure about verse 5, calling upon servants to obey our masters of the flesh. I can relate if, for instance, the master is the husband & the wife is his servant and/or in relation to the Parent-Child relationship. I mean, I obey my boss at work, but not "with fear & trembling".

Thoughts??

I've worked in govt agencies; control is key in a big office.

Without looking around to see what everyone else was doing (walking around, visiting friends and not working; eating breakfast on company time, etc)

I performed my duties AS UNTO THE LORD) always. I visited with friends on breaks and at lunch. I was at my desk on time. I joined the company choir at Christmas every year. I lasted 45 years plus 2 years volunteer work at my Church in benevolence. Street ministry 2-3 times a week for years.

I took care of my Dad with Alzheimer's; later my mother with Dementia.

When I retired, I didn't know what to do with myself, so I did street ministry in my neighborhood.

Life is lived less complicated when we help others. You don't have time to be depressed or soured on life watching stupid TV. :D

I feel my age, but ministering in this comment room keeps me nearer to my Lord. As long as I can sit in the closet and pray loud. My neighbor may think I'm nuts LOL.

Don't let the times we're living in, drag you down spiritually. Do good to others and be kinder to yourself. I love getting up before the birds do, and listen to them break out in song, to praise God. That's when I talk to Him. I worship Him. He is my best friend. I talk, He listens. He's closer than many of us think.

I think heaven is going to be loads of happiness. Our poor minds can't really latch on to joy. Our world is getting so dark. I pray we'll be the light of Christ as long as we're here.

Is that you Mishael ? You don't have to confirm or deny , I think I recognise your heart . Much love in Christ .

Your comments are as of a well seasoned veteran of the lord. I also love waking early, before the birds, since I was a young boy. Sitting on the front porch eating cereal off a tv tray.

Hello Maria. As you know, the letter was written by the Apostle Paul to the Christians at Ephesus. As Paul related the correct behaviour of children & fathers to each other (in verses 1-4), he also speaks to servants. The Greek word here is 'Douloi', which is correctly applied to 'slaves'. However, I think that word can also refer to bond-servants, or those in such employ working for their masters, in a voluntary or paid capacity. I'm unsure how prevalent such a strict slave/master position existed in those days, though I'm sure that there were those who were in such employ; remember Onesimus & Philemon, in the letter to Philemon?.

So, in Ephesians chapter 6:5-9, Paul is speaking to those who were in servitude to their masters & also he spoke to those masters who were believers - how both should behave one toward the other. You can also look at 1 Peter 2:18-21, for the Apostle Peter's similar dealing with this matter. So, these passages cannot apply to a husband/wife relationship, where the bond together in marriage is of a deep shared love, commitment & sacrifice, rather than of an eight hour paid employment situation.

So Paul instructs such servants to be obedient to their masters, giving them due honour & respect with all seriousness (fear & trembling), & with singleness of heart (i.e. with a heart & mind to give the best service you can) - as one would strive to fully obey & in work, for the Lord. And Peter gives us another view of this relationship: if the servant/slave is wrongfully treated or falsely accused, he should take the wrong even if he is innocent in the matter. So, yes, you need to obey your boss, giving him due respect & doing your work as best you can for him & the company. If he is 'worth his salt', he will notice your exemplary behaviour & likewise treat you fairly & reward you. As well, your Christian witness by your work ethics will speak volumes to him & others in his employ.