EPHESIANS 6:5-6 5 Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ; 6 not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart,
NSB* A very large percentage of the population of the Roman Empire was made up of bondservants or slaves. These people were considered mere property and could be abused and even killed by their masters with no resulting investigation by the state. In the church, wealthy slave owners and their slaves broke bread together at the Lord's table as equals. No doubt, some slaves were gifted spiritual leaders and ministered the word to people far above them on the social later.
Bondservants; an adjective, signifying in bondage," Romans 6:19 (neuter plural, agreeing with mele, "members"), is used as a noun, and as the most common and general word for "servant," frequently indicating subjection without the idea of bondage; Here is it used in a physical sense. The Greek word used is "servant", δοῦλος doulos. Vine's (def A-1a), Strong's G1401.
Obedient; "to listen, attend" (as in Acts 12:13), and so, "to submit, to obey," is used of "obedience". The Greek word is ὑπακούω hupakouo. Vine's (def B-1h), Strong's G5219 Strong's denotes - to hear under (as a subordinate), i.e. to listen attentively; by implication, to heed or conform to a command or authority.
Masters; "a lord, one who exercises power," is translated "masters" in Matthew 6:24; Matthew 15:27; Mark 13:35; Luke 16:13; Acts 16:16, Acts 16:19; Romans 14:4, AV. The Greek word used here is κύριος kurios. Vine's (def A-2), Strong's G2962.
To The Flesh; Circumstances, externals of life. / My Notes - When asked to do something in the body (physical), we are instructed to do it, if and only if it is not sin against God. All power, authority, and rule falls to His absolute majesty.
The Greek word here for "flesh" is σάρξ sarx. Vine's (def 1k), Strong's G4561. Strong's expands - flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e. (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or as the symbol of what is external, or as the means of kindred), or (by implication) human nature (with its frailties (physically or morally) and passions), or (specially), a human being (as such).
Fear And Trembling; "trembling", occurs in Mark 16:8, RV, "trembling (... had come upon them);" 1 Corinthians 2:3; 2 Corinthians 7:15; Ephesians 6:5; Philippians 2:12. The Greek word for trembling here is τρόμος tromos. Vine's (def B-1), Strong's G5156.
Sincerity Of Heart; The King James version uses the word "singleness", Stong's denotes - singleness, i.e. (subjectively) sincerity (without dissimulation or self-seeking), or (objectively) generosity (copious bestowal). This is likely why it is rendered "sincerity" in the NKJV. The Greek word is ἁπλότης haplotes. Strong's G572. Vine's has the definition under "bounty" (def 2). The thought of sincerity is present in Romans 12:8; 2 Corinthians 11:3; Ephesians 6:5; Colossians 3:22.
NSB* If people truly can give nothing of value to God, why does He ask his people to give? David answers this question. God enjoys a person's uprightness or righteousness. With gifts, offerings, and sacrifices, a person tangibly demonstrates not only gratitude to God but trusts in Him. A righteous life always produces a generous spirit. For this reason, David could proclaim that his giving was only out of the uprightness of his heart.
Moving to Verse 6.
NSB* Servants and employees should serve faithfully even when no one is looking. After all, god sees all that we do.
Eyeservice; denotes service performed only under the master's eye" (ophthalmos, "an eye," doulos, "a slave"), diligently performed when he is looking, but neglected in his absence, Ephesians 6:6; Colossians 3:22. The Greek word for eye-service is ὀφθαλμοδουλεία ophthalmodoulia. Vine's (def Prime), Strong's G3787.
Men-Pleasers; an adjective signifying studying to please men" (anthropos, "man," aresko, "to please"), designates, "not simply one who is pleasing to men ..., but one who endeavors to please men and not God" (Cremer). It is used in Ephesians 6:6; and Colossians 3:22. In the Sept., Psalms 53:5. The Greek word here is ἀνθρωπάρεσκος anthropareskos. Vine's (def Prime), Strong's G441.
Bondservants Of Christ; Has the idea of being in bondage to Christ, the place every Christian should seek to find himself. The Greek word used here is the same as in Verse 5, "servant", δοῦλος doulos. Vine's (def A-1a), Strong's G1401.
Takeaways: 1. When we are working or if we are serving we are in submission to that person, but moreover to God. We should always be doing what we should be doing even when the boss or master isn't looking. I know that with today's sensitivity a lot of people don't like the word "master", but this is what the text says. Your boss is still your master. The word "boss" is just more socially accepted. Most everyone is also a servant to someone. We use the word employee for the same reason we use the word boss, but the concepts are still there, it's just a vastly different climate. We aren't slaves or bondservants in the sense that we can be beaten or mistreated with no recourse. However - we should approach God with reverence understanding His absolute authority.
2. I see a lot of Christians that seem to try and bend what God is actually saying in scripture to fit the current social structure Forget that. We are not here to fit the world. We are here to serve God and spread His word without fear of men or to please men. We should be fully cognitive of God's majesty and seek to please Him alone. In doing that, others will certainly reap the benefits. A Godly man or woman walking with God, blesses those who are around them unless they are just in complete rebellion or have some sort of other issue.
*= Nelson Study Bible.
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