Daily Devotions
Ephesians
"Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ."
Text: Ephesians 6:5
CHRISTIAN MASTERS AND BONDSLAVES
What was the context of Paul’s writing about bondslaves and their masters? It must be stated that Paul was describing a situation where owners and bondslaves were Christians!
1. The spread of the Gospel
The Gospel went far and wide. It was preached to all who would hear. The Gospel reached all levels of society! Both “masters” and “bondslaves” became believers.
2. Christian owners
One good example of a Christian master would be Philemon, a good friend of the apostle Paul.
3. Christian bondslave
One good example of being a Christian bondslave would be Onesimus.
4. A unique and beautiful story
Onesimus was a slave who had run away from his master, perhaps for theft (a common enough crime; if a master so chooses, he could have his slave put to death). He was converted by Paul and soon became a great source of help and comfort to him.
In his epistle to Philemon, Paul wrote and made a special plea on behalf of Onesimus.
For love’s sake I rather appeal to you-
being such a one as Paul, the aged,
and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ-
I appeal to you for my son Onesimus,
whom I have begotten while in my chains,
who once was unprofitable to you,
but now is profitable to you and to me.
That you might receive him forever,
no longer as a slave but more than a slave-
a beloved brother, especially to me, but much more to you,
both in the flesh and in the Lord.
PHILEMON 9-11, 15-16
a) A plea to receive Onesimus no longer as a slave.
b) But to receive Onesimus as a beloved brother.
Philemon could decide whatever he wished. He could turn Paul down, or he could accede to his friend’s impassioned plea!