1 Timothy 6:1-2·~1 min
Serving with Honor
Paul says those under the yoke of slavery must regard their masters as worthy of honor so that God's name and the church's teaching are not disgraced. If those masters are believers, the workers should not serve them less, but all the more, since the benefit goes to beloved brothers.
A1ll who are under the yoke of slavery should regard their masters as fully worthy of honor, so that God’s name and our teaching will not be discredited. 2Those who have believing masters should not show disrespect because they are brothers, but should serve them all the more, since those receiving their good service are beloved believers. Teach and encourage these principles.
Section summaryPaul says those living under slavery must honor their masters so that God's name and the church's teaching are not discredited. If their masters are believers, that shared faith is no reason for contempt, but rather a reason for even better service, since the benefit falls to beloved brothers.
Role in the chapterThis opening section applies the letter's concern for witness and order to one of the hardest social realities in the church's world. It keeps Christian conduct tied to the honor of God's name and teaching.