What does Ephesians 6:5-9 teach about the relationship between slaves and masters?

What does Ephesians 6:5-9 teach about the relationship between slaves and masters?

• A. Slaves should obey earthly masters with sincerity of heart, as to the Lord; masters should treat their slaves in the same way, without threatening, knowing that both have a Master in heaven.
• B. Slaves should seek escape at all costs; masters should punish harshly.
• C. Slaves should rebel if mistreated; masters should be all-powerful.
• D. Slaves should ignore masters; masters should ignore slaves.

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that Christian ethics shape how enslaved people and their masters relate to one another. Slaves are urged to obey their earthly masters with a sincere heart, as if serving the Lord, linking their obedience to devotion to Christ rather than to people. Masters, in turn, are called to treat their slaves in the same way—without threats and with fairness—recognizing that both share a Master in heaven who shows no partiality. This highlights accountability to God for how both sides conduct themselves and promotes mutual respect within the existing social order. The passage does not advocate rebellion, harsh treatment, or ignoring one another; instead, it grounds conduct in reverence for God and ethical responsibility toward others.

The main idea is that Christian ethics shape how enslaved people and their masters relate to one another. Slaves are urged to obey their earthly masters with a sincere heart, as if serving the Lord, linking their obedience to devotion to Christ rather than to people. Masters, in turn, are called to treat their slaves in the same way—without threats and with fairness—recognizing that both share a Master in heaven who shows no partiality. This highlights accountability to God for how both sides conduct themselves and promotes mutual respect within the existing social order. The passage does not advocate rebellion, harsh treatment, or ignoring one another; instead, it grounds conduct in reverence for God and ethical responsibility toward others.