1 Timothy 6:2
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Timothy 6:2
2 And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.
Chapter Context
1 Timothy 6 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of truth, righteousness, faith. Written during after Paul's first Roman imprisonment (c. 62-64 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: False teaching in Ephesus required organizational and doctrinal clarification.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-21: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Timothy and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Timothy 6:2
2 And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.
Analysis
And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren (οἱ δὲ πιστοὺς ἔχοντες δεσπότας μὴ καταφρονείτωσαν, ὅτι ἀδελφοί εἰσιν, hoi de pistous echontes despotas mē kataphroneitōsan, hoti adelphoi eisin)—'those who have believing masters must not disrespect them because they are brothers.' Kataphroneō means to despise, look down on. The danger: Christian slaves might presume on brotherhood to slack off or show disrespect.
But rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit (ἀλλὰ μᾶλλον δουλευέτωσαν, ὅτι πιστοί εἰσιν καὶ ἀγαπητοὶ οἱ τῆς εὐεργεσίας ἀντιλαμβανόμενοι, alla mallon douleuetōsan, hoti pistoi eisin kai agapētoi hoi tēs euergesías antilambanomenoi)—'rather serve them even better, because those who benefit from their service are believers and beloved.' Douleuo means to serve as a slave, work. Euergesia means good deed, benefit, kindness.
Christian slaves with Christian masters should serve better, not worse—motivated by love for brothers and desire to honor Christ. Gospel unity doesn't erase social distinctions but transforms their meaning. Master and slave are equal in Christ (Galatians 3:28) while maintaining different roles. Love motivates excellence in service.
Historical Context
The early church included both slaves and masters worshiping together (Philemon demonstrates this). Some slaves apparently assumed Christian freedom meant social equality—refusing proper respect to Christian masters. Paul corrects this: spiritual equality in Christ doesn't abolish social roles. Slaves should serve Christian masters even more faithfully, motivated by brotherhood, not less. The gospel transforms relationships, not structures.
Reflection
- How does spiritual equality in Christ relate to social/economic differences in this world?
- Why should Christian slaves serve Christian masters even better—what motivates excellence?
- How does this principle apply to Christian employees and employers today?
Word Studies
- Faith: πίστις (Pistis) G4103 - Faith, belief, trust
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: 1 Timothy 4:11, Colossians 4:1