1 Peter 2:18
Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
Roman Empire's economy depended on slavery—estimates suggest 30-40% of population enslaved. Masters had absolute power; slaves had no legal rights. Christianity didn't immediately abolish slavery (beyond early church's capacity) but transformed it from within by calling masters and slaves to mutual Christian respect (Ephesians 6:5-9, Colossians 3:22-4:1). Peter addresses slaves' difficult reality: many served harsh, unjust masters. Rather than rebellion (futile and dangerous), Peter calls for faithful service as Christian witness. This eventually undermined slavery by elevating slaves' dignity and limiting masters' behavior.
Questions for Reflection
- How can modern employees apply Peter's teaching about serving difficult supervisors 'as unto the Lord'?
- What's the difference between enduring unjust treatment as Christian witness versus enabling ongoing abuse?
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Analysis & Commentary
Peter addresses Christian slaves directly: "Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear" (hoi oiketai hypotassomenoi en panti phobō tois despotais). "Servants" (oiketai) were household slaves. "Subject" (hypotassomenoi) means voluntary submission. "With all fear" (en panti phobō) indicates reverent respect. Peter qualifies: "not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward" (ou monon tois agathois kai epieikesin alla kai tois skoliois). Easy to serve kind masters; difficult to serve "froward" (skoliois, crooked, harsh) ones. Yet submission extends even to unjust masters—not approving injustice but maintaining Christian witness despite it.