Ephesians 6:9 – “And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.”

Extended Explanation

This verse is directed at masters, instructing them on how to treat those under their authority. Paul has just finished addressing slaves in Ephesians 6:5-8, telling them to work as if serving the Lord. Now, he turns to masters, calling them to lead with fairness and kindness.

The phrase “treat your slaves in the same way” refers back to what Paul just said about slaves working with sincerity and devotion. Masters, like their servants, should act in a way that honors Christ. This means they should not rule harshly or selfishly, but with integrity, justice, and care.

Paul adds, “Do not threaten them,” recognizing that masters in the Roman world had great power over their slaves. He warns against using fear or intimidation to control others. Instead, they should lead in a way that reflects God’s love and justice.

Finally, Paul reminds masters that “he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.” This is a powerful statement. In society, masters were above slaves, but in God’s eyes, they were equals. Both were accountable to God, and He would judge them fairly.

Paul’s teaching here challenges the social norms of his time. Instead of justifying oppression, he calls Christian masters to lead with humility and fairness, recognizing that they, too, are servants of Christ.

Historical Context

In the Roman Empire, slavery was a deeply embedded institution. Many early Christians were either slaves or masters. Unlike later forms of slavery, Roman slavery was not always lifelong or race-based. Some slaves had significant responsibilities and could earn their freedom.

However, masters had almost total control over their slaves, and mistreatment was common. Many masters ruled with harsh discipline and threats. Paul’s command “Do not threaten them” would have been radical in that culture.

At the same time, Paul does not directly call for the abolition of slavery. Instead, he lays down principles that, over time, would lead to the end of slavery. By telling masters and slaves that they were equal before God, he planted the seeds for a society based on justice and love rather than oppression.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches several key truths about leadership, authority, and accountability before God.

1. Earthly authority is temporary, but God’s authority is eternal. Masters had power over their slaves, but they were still accountable to God. Today, this applies to all who hold positions of authority—whether in the workplace, church, or home.

2. God does not play favorites. Paul says there is “no favoritism” with God. He does not judge people based on their earthly status, wealth, or power. All people—rich or poor, employer or worker—will stand before Him on the same level.

3. Christian leadership should be marked by kindness, not intimidation. Threats and fear may control people for a time, but true Christian leadership is based on love, justice, and respect.

4. Everyone is ultimately a servant of Christ. Even those in authority are under God’s rule. Their leadership should reflect His character.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s wording creates a strong contrast between how the world sees authority and how God sees it.

• “Treat your slaves in the same way” – Masters should model the same sincerity and devotion expected of slaves.
• “Do not threaten them” – A direct command against harsh leadership.
• “Their Master and yours is in heaven” – A reminder that all people, regardless of social status, answer to the same God.
• “There is no favoritism with him” – God’s justice is impartial; He judges based on righteousness, not human rank.

This verse continues Paul’s pattern of addressing both sides of a relationship. In Ephesians 5:22-33, he speaks to both husbands and wives. In Ephesians 6:1-4, he instructs both children and parents. Now, he speaks to both slaves and masters, showing that Christian faith transforms all relationships.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Colossians 4:1 – “Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.”
• Leviticus 25:43 – “Do not rule over them ruthlessly, but fear your God.”
• Matthew 7:12 – “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.”
• Romans 2:11 – “For God does not show favoritism.”
• James 2:1 – “My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

While slavery is no longer common, the principles in this verse apply to anyone in a leadership position—employers, supervisors, pastors, parents, or anyone responsible for others.

For today’s Christians, this means:

• Lead with humility. Recognize that authority is a responsibility, not a privilege.
• Treat others fairly. Employers should pay fair wages, managers should respect employees, and leaders should serve with justice.
• Avoid using fear as a tool for control. People should be led with encouragement and integrity, not threats.
• Remember that God is watching. Earthly leadership is temporary, but God will judge how leaders treat those under them.

This verse also challenges those in authority to ask themselves: Am I leading like Christ? If leadership is selfish, abusive, or unjust, it does not reflect God’s character.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God is the ultimate Master, but He does not rule with threats—He rules with love, justice, and mercy. This verse reflects His character. Unlike earthly leaders who may abuse power, God is fair and righteous.

It also shows that God values all people equally. Whether someone is rich or poor, powerful or powerless, God does not play favorites. His justice is perfect, and He holds all people accountable for how they treat others.

This verse reassures believers that even if they are mistreated by human leaders, God sees and will judge fairly. No injustice escapes His notice.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the ultimate example of a leader who served with humility.

• Matthew 20:28 – “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Jesus had all authority, yet He chose to serve others.
• John 13:14-15 – “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.” Jesus led by example, showing that true leadership is about serving, not dominating.
• Philippians 2:5-7 – “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant.”

Paul’s instruction to masters reflects the way Jesus leads—with humility, fairness, and love. Those in authority today should follow His example.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. If you have any kind of leadership role (at work, in the home, or in church), how does this verse challenge you?
2. How can you lead with fairness and kindness instead of control or intimidation?
3. What does this verse teach about the way God sees people, regardless of their social status?
4. How does Jesus’ example of leadership influence the way you interact with others?
5. How can you reflect God’s justice and love in the way you treat those under your care?

Ephesians 6:9 teaches that leadership is not about power—it’s about responsibility. Those in authority should treat others with fairness, knowing that they, too, serve under God’s rule. In the end, true leadership reflects the heart of Christ.