Ephesians: His Glorious RichesSample

Although much of this section is helpful in thinking about work and employment, we are still in the realm of the home. The extended Roman home that Paul is addressing here was ruled by the father (the pater familias). He was the head of the family and was responsible for setting the atmosphere within the home, which would often include slaves. 

Paul was speaking into a culture where slavery was the norm. We live in a very different world which recognises the evil of slavery. This change has been brought about by the influence of the gospel. Christians are at the forefront of the battle against modern-day slavery too. 

With these provisos, what can we learn from this passage about the world of work? God works and He ordained work as a blessing (Gen. 1:1–3; 1:31 – 2:3). We are made in God’s image and work is necessary to our wellbeing. Since the Fall work is frustrating and often unfulfilling (Gen. 3:17–19), but it is still a good gift to people made in God’s image. 

Paul addresses Christian slaves and encourages them to allow their Christian faith to mould their attitude to their labours (vv. 5–8). They must submit to the direction and leadership of their employer (v. 5). Their diligence is to flow from their discipleship and love for Christ (v. 6). They serve their master diligently as if they were serving the Lord (v. 7), with an eye to the final accounting (v. 8). 

We are not slaves. For example, we have rights and responsibilities within the world of work, and so there is a different dynamic here for us. However, the principles remain the same. We are to work with enthusiasm, honesty and sincerity because we see our work as part of our Christian discipleship. What practical implications follow from this? 

The instruction to masters in verse 9 is an amazing statement. In Roman society there were no constraints on the way in which masters could treat their slaves. The slave was a possession – at worse treated as a piece of meat. If he was angry, a master could beat or even execute his slave. But Paul says that masters must treat their slaves in the same way that slaves treat their masters. This was revolutionary, but both now serve a higher Master. Paul does not openly oppose the institution of slavery, but his teaching on the equality of all believers in Christ so undermined it that it was bound to collapse (Gal. 3:28).

Reflection

How does this section affect your understanding of your work today (see Gen. 2:3, 15; Col. 3:23–24; 1 Tim. 5:8)?