Verse 5
Paul contrasted masters according to the flesh with the Master of the human spirit, namely, Jesus Christ. Christian slaves owed their earthly masters obedience. Obedience demonstrated their submission to Christ (cf. Ephesians 5:22).
"Christianity does not offer us escape from circumstances; it offers us conquest of circumstances." [Note: Ibid., p. 214.]
Seven qualifications describe proper obedience. Service was to be respectful (with fear, reverence; cf. Ephesians 5:33). Second, it was to be with "trembling" or "fear," that is, with care that the slave not make a mistake. Third, it was to be sincere, without hypocrisy or duplicity. Fourth, service should be as to the Lord.
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