1 Timothy 6:1,2

CARE OF SLAVES 1 Timothy 6:1-2

Text 6:1, 2

1 Let as many as are servants under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and the doctrine be not blasphemed. 2 And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but let them serve them the rather, because they that partake of the benefit are believing and beloved. These things teach and exhort.

Thought Questions 6:1, 2

210.

Did Paul believe in slavery? If not, why not condemn it?

211.

What is the yoke of 1 Timothy 6:1? Please attempt an explanation.

212.

How could the Christian slave count some masters worthy of honor when they were despots?

213.

Is Paul suggesting that slaves even take abuse from some masters? If so, why? If not, explain.

214.

Why would a Christian slave be tempted to despise a Christian master? What will prevent it?

215.

What is the benefit of 1 Timothy 6:2? We urge you to advance an opinion.

216.

Would the principles here taught, ultimately abolish slavery? If so, explain how.

Paraphrase 6:1, 2

1 Let whatever Christian slaves are under the yoke of unbelievers, pay their own masters all respect and obedience, that the character of God whom we worship may not be calumniated, and the doctrine of the gospel may not be evil spoken of, as tending to destroy the political rights of mankind. See Eph. vi. 5.
2 And those Christian slaves who have believing masters, let them not despise them, fancying that they are their equals, because they are their brethren in Christ; for though all Christians are equal as to religious privileges, slaves are inferior to their masters in station. Wherefore, let them serve their masters more diligently, because they who enjoy the benefit of their service are believers and beloved of God. These things teach, and exhort the brethren to practice them.

Comment 6:1, 2

1 Timothy 6:1. We come now to the final section of the care of the members of the church; this would not be complete without instruction for the vast slave population in the churches. Note that the word honor runs throughout: 1 Timothy 5:3, 1 Timothy 5:17, 1 Timothy 6:1. Show all honora high respectfor your master. Paul uses a word for masters from which we have despot. Is this a veiled thrust at the principle of slavery?

The Christian slave is to have a genuine desire to please his master at whatever cost to himself. The name and teaching of God are far more important than the comfort of the slave. Under the yoke is simply another way of emphasizing the slave's position. If the Christian bond-servant can maintain an attitude of good-will at all times, however trying the circumstances, he will have a strong influence on his master, If Jehovah God and the gospel do not alter the conduct of slaves for good, then the master will be tempted to speak out against it. If the master can not read the power of the gospel in the life of his Christian slaves, he will have no interest in reading it elsewhere.

1 Timothy 6:2. But what of those who have Christian masters? Surely there would be no problem herebut there isthe human heart is indeed deceitful above all things and desperately wicked. The temptation would be for the Christian slave to take advantage of his relationship to his master, as not only his master, but his brother. Paul suggests that if the Christian slave was faithful to an unbeliever, how much more would he be to a believer; this was a fine expression of wisdom. They that partake of the benefit is not a very clear expression. Who is to partake? and what is the benefit? It would seem Paul means to say that the believing masters would share in the benefit of the good work of believing slaves. The slave should serve exceptionally well because he loves his master as a Christian brother and wants his brother to prosper as well as himself. The Christian slave is happy to see the success in his master's business as a result of his own good work, because he loves his master as Christ has loved him. Paul suggests that such matters as appear in 1 Timothy 5:17-25; 1 Timothy 6:1-2 need to be constantly taught and urged.

Fact Questions 6:1, 2

163.

What is Paul's veiled thrust at the principles of slavery?

164.

The Christian slave is to please his master at whatever cost. Why?

165.

Is Paul asking the impossible in some cases? Discuss.

166.

Why would there be any problem between Christian slave and Christian master? What is it?

167.

How solve the problem?

168.

What is the benefit of 1 Timothy 6:2?