Bible Studies

Our Redemption “in Christ” Detailed to the Ephesians Volume 59

by Clifford Tate 
04/23/16
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Paul’s Instructions to Masters/Employers in Christ

Ephesians 5:9 And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him. KJV

Paul now shifts his focus to instructing Christian masters/employers on how they are to treat those human beings that are placed under their authority. Paul speaks to them in the same manner as he did to the slaves/employees and that is that they the masters/employers are to reciprocate the same affectionate and conscientious behavior to their slaves/employees that they give to them, for this is the will of God and it is pleasing to our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ. Paul being very knowledgeable of the Old Testament is drawing his words of instruction according to what Moses wrote to the people of Israel as instruction to masters of slaves after they came out of Egypt when he said, “You shall not rule over him with harshness (severity, oppression), but you shall [reverently] fear your God.” (Leviticus 25:43).

The Apostle Paul instructs them that they must be inclined to “forbearing threatening” to their slaves/employees. The English word forbearing is translated by the Greek word aniemi which means to let up, that is, (literally) slacken, or (figuratively) desist from: - forbear, leave, loose. Paul was aware of what our Lord Jesus said about the Gentiles during that time how the ones in charge treated all other Gentiles under them, “But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, ‘You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great one’s exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant.’” (Mark 10:42-43). Our Lord Jesus was here addressing the question that came up between the first disciples of who would be the greatest. He reminded them that it was the unbelievers/Gentiles who desired to rule over others harshly with absolute oppressing control.

Likewise, Paul is here instructing the Christian master/employer that he or she is not to rule harshly over those who are under their authority in the same manner that our Lord Jesus Christ has complete rule, authority, and ownership of us, yet He rules over us by love never with threats to force us into obedience to Him. Note: “He does chasten us when we need it so we can partake of His holiness” (Hebrews 12:6-11). It is with an eye to Heaven that every Christian master/employer must conduct himself with his slaves/employees being at all times and always aware that they are under the Supreme Authority/Master our Lord Jesus Christ who sees not only all of their actions, but every motive behind every action. Paul is declaring to these Christian masters/employers that in the same manner as you exercise your authority over your slaves/employees is in like manner want you will receive from the hand of your Master in Heaven Christ Jesus our Lord according to the principle of sowing and reaping the Apostle Paul explained to the Galatian believers in Galatians 6:7-10. It is your love to Christ that must regulate, shape, influence, and order your dealing with your slaves/employees.

Paul concludes his instruction to every Christian master/employer reminding them of the unchanging, unwavering, and unvarnished character of Christ Jesus our Lord and that with Him “neither is there respect of persons with Him” (Ephesians 6:9). The English phrase used here by the Apostle Paul of “there respect of persons” is translated by one Greek word prosopolepsia meaning one exhibiting partiality, that is, favoritism: - respect of persons. In other words, Paul wants to make his point very clear to every Christian master/employer, that is, that with Christ Jesus our Lord, He does not at all look upon the persons rank or status or wealth or any other earthly position over another and there are no favorite sons or daughters of His as some earthly parents are inclined to do, but to Him all are equal no matter what they have here on earth or how they are viewed by people here on the earth. Paul made this same point in this manner to the Colossian believers regarding partiality and sowing and reaping when he said, “But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality.” (Colossians 3:25).

“But masters must ever deal with their servants as liable to be called to account by the great Master of all. The center of all authority is Christ, and He will demand an account of our treatment of every servant He has sent into our homes.” F. B. Meyer

“There is something shocking to the feelings of all, and monstrous to a Christian, in the idea of holding ‘a Christian brother’ in bondage. So long as the slave is regarded as a ‘chattel’ or a mere piece of ‘property,’ like a horse, so long people endeavor to content themselves with the feeling that he may be held in bondage. But the moment it is felt that he is a ‘Christian brother’ - a redeemed fellow-traveler to eternity, a joint heir of life - that moment a Christian should feel that there is something that violates all the principles of his religion in holding him as a slave; in making a ‘chattel’ of that for which Christ died, and in buying and selling like a horse, an ox, or an ass, a child of God, and an heir of life. Accordingly, the prevalence of Christianity soon did away the evil of slavery in the Roman empire; and if it prevailed in its purity, it would soon banish it from the face of the earth.” Albert Barnes

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...

Sincerely in Christ,

Clifford D. Tate, Sr.

Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…